Rangataua rider's hobby is her work

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, 28 July 1987, Page 24

Rangataua rider's hobby is her work

There is a Raetihi woman in an enviable position where she is paid for working fulltime at one of her favourite pastimes-horse-riding. Jane Woodhouse is employed as a guide by Don and Sue Allomes, owners of the trekking business "Ruapehu Outback Adventures." Mrs Woodhouse got back into riding after a break of 15 years and recently acquired her own horse. She joined Ruapehu Outback Adventures two

months ago and is concentrating on preparing horses and equipment for the winter season when the horse trekking business is at its busiest. Mrs Woodhbuse has eight mounts in her care which are available for treks along the many scenic roads around Rangataua township. She is keen to broaden her knowledge of the area's natural history to make for a more memorable trip for visitors to the Waimarino. Mrs Woodhouse said she is aiming to make the horse treks viable and

wants to offer Ruapehu Outback Adventures the best service for the least amount of outlay. She is aware that four horsetrekking businesses operating in the Waimarino have folded in recent years. She has her "Grade One New Zealand Riding Association" qualification and is studying for her "Grooms One" certificate at the end of this month. Safety comes first in the business and Mrs Woodhouse demonstrates basic riding skills to trekkers before each outing. Riding helmets are standard equipment.

Ayron, who will be attending Silverstream College in Wellington next year, comes from a rugby playing family. His father and older brother are both keen players. Ayron said he has played rugby for the last six years and wants to continue on to a national level, with his ultimate goal being to make All Black selection.