Clearwater Riding School

General information

Owner and head instructor of Clearwater Riding School, Lydia Quay always had a love and appreciation of horses from a young age and started riding at Clearwater Riding School when she was seven. Representing Oakura Pony Club and the region in show jumping, eventing, and dressage throughout her teenage years, including being placed fourth in lady rider of the year in 2004. Originally hand picked to train with an Australian Olympic trainer unforeseen circumstances lead her to purchase the Riding School from original owner Jill Tompkins at the age of 20.
Lydia is a Grand Prix World Cup Showjumper and has been coaching riders for the past 18 years. Lydia’s motivation is seeing the youth of today achieve and succeed in their passion of horse riding.
Recognised for her ability to read and understand people and horses, Lydia has an amazing rapport amongst our local riders with many looking up to her with respect and admiration. Lydia has become a mentor to many in the Taranaki Area.
For the 2016/2017 season, Lydia was selected and coached the following teams:
North Taranaki Showhunter Championship Team
Competed at the North Island Showhunter Champs in Foxton Oct 2016 and received many placings including Cat A overall winner;
New Plymouth Pony Club Bruce Forbes Team
Placed 2nd overall with top 80 cm, 95cm rider and 95cm pairs;
North Taranaki Showjumping Championship Team
Competed at the North Island Showjumping Championship in Cambridge February 2017 and placed 3rd overall without a full team and many individual placings;
Taranaki Area Showjumping Team at Horse of the Year
1st equal overall and was the only team with all riders to go clear;
Taranaki Saba Sam ShowjumpingTeam Placed 2nd overall at Horse of the Year;
Taranaki Eventing Team
Competed at NZPCA Eventing Championship however no overall placings due to lame horses and therefore being unable to post a score.

Molly Lumb also works as an Instructor at Clearwater Riding School. For Molly, Clearwater Riding School is where it all started.
From the age of 6 years old until I was 12 years old, I was up at the riding school just about everyday either grooming or riding ponies! The best part of it was being able to socialise and make new friends whilst doing what I love most.
Molly is now a top Dressage Rider. Some of her recent achievements being:
NZ young rider of the year 2015
FEI CDI-Y gold medalist Bates National Dressage Championships 2016
NZ level 2 young rider champion 2016