What is NZEAN all about? 

In early 2021, a small group of keen horse-riders in the lower North Island realised that across the country we were fast becoming excluded from the places we traditionally rode horses and wanted to do something to change this.  

​

It was clear that with no centralised acting body or point of contact, the equestrian community was being left out of district, regional and national planning, design and construction of new infrastructure, and any long-term planning for our needs.

​

Time and time again it seems, the small voices of horse riders around the country pleading to have their safety and recreational access needs met were being ignored by their local councils and by infrastructure organisations.  

​

Many trails are being converted for use by cyclists and walkers only, with equestrians being perceived as too hard to accommodate or too dangerous to share tracks with. We know this isn’t the case, but if something doesn't change, then in time we could be limited to riding only on private land or on increasingly dangerous roads.

​

Often horse riders are not included simply because we are forgotten in the planning process. Unlike cyclists and pedestrians, equestrians are not catered for in legislation, so there is no requirement for planners to consider our safety or access from the outset. 

​

We know that cyclists have been well organised and successfully advocated for their access for some time while equestrians have lagged behind. The results of this are becoming increasingly clear. 

 

Our safety, wellbeing and recreational opportunities are suffering as a result, so we need to take action.

​

While we are aware that there are so many people across the country working tirelessly to raise awareness and improve access for horse riders, small groups are easily overlooked and they don't have always have the time, backing or finances to make the difference that's needed. We hope NZEAN will be the body that can  make the difference.