Kaimanawa Horses

About

Kaimanawa horses are found in the Kaimanawa ranges which are in the central part of the north island, approxiamtely 50 kilometres northeast/southwest or Lake Taupo, east of Desert Road.

Kaimanawa horses are distinctly important to New Zealands History, they are identified by their unique characteristics. and their "Willing to Please" personalities which make them the perfect all round pony for all ages

Every 2 years, the Department of Conservation (DoC) round up approximately 140 horses out of the ranges, which have to be vet checked, and then it is decided if they are suitable to be rehomed or if they need to go to slaughter.

Adopting

When adopting a wild horse, you must keep in mind that they are wild horses and can't be expected to behave like domesticated/handled horses would. They have never had any human contact, been handled, left without other horses company, been in a fenced area, being transported (truck or float) or seen other domestic livestock such as cows, sheep, dogs etc.

To adopt a Kaimanawa, you must have good strong cattle yards (at least 1.5 metres tall) and a ramp, Sheep pens are not ok as these horses can jump. Upon arrival, you must have grass, hay and lots of fresh water and must have another horse in the pen or along the side with your Kaimanawa Pony.

Once Trained

Once Kaimanawa's are brocken in and trained, you would never pick they were once wild, they can be turned into top show ponies and go from this:

To this in only a matter of weeks:

Gallery