Kaimanawa horses are the closest thing to truly wild horses that New Zealand has. Although not native, they have occupied this country almost as long as the Europeans and have managed to endure in the harshest of environments.
Though they have no natural predators, they still rely heavily on the strong bonds they form with herd mates to survive the elements and terrain in which they live. So strong is their instinct, they will recognise their own kind when placed in a mixed paddock of domestic and Kaimanawa horses.
The Kaimanawa horse has a mystique all his own. He is charismatic and a little arrogant yet delightfully charming and gentle. It is the “wild” natural instinct coursing so strongly through his veins that has kept him alive. He will never lose trust in this and will be driven by it in everything he does.
It is a privilege to be accepted as a partner by a horse such as this. To understand and be respected by a Kaimanawa horse is to have experienced the ‘essence’ of the natural equine in it’s purest, undiluted form.
It is so unfortunate that many people will never get to experience the best of Kaimanawa horses simply because they have misunderstandings of the breed, have little horse experience in general or have had a negative experience with them in the past.
You may hear people making derogatory comments regarding Kaimanawa Horses and I must admit, I’ve heard some rather strange things about them. None of which have any real basis in fact and I’m often left to wonder how these rumours began in the first place.
It is also interesting to note that many of the negative comments come from experienced horse people however when challenged, it usually transpires that these people have never actually seen a Kaimanawa horse in the flesh let alone having worked with one.
Here are some of the things I have been told, you may have heard some of these too:
“Kaimanawa horses can’t canter and can’t be taught to canter. All they know is how to jump tussock.”
Professional Farrier 1997
“They’re all just fat and hairy brumbies that are only good for pet food!”
Professional Trainers, Veterinarians, General Public
“You can’t make them safe for kids to ride.”
Professional Trainers
“All Kaimanawas buck!”
Professional Trainers, PC Instructors, General Public, Kaimanawa Horse Owners
“They’re not a breed.”
DoC, General Public
“They’re all inbred and have weak conformation.”
Professional Trainers, Farriers, Veterinarians, General Public
“They’re absolutely worthless.”
Professional Trainers, Farriers, Veterinarians, General Public
I will attempt to dispel all these myths in the following chapters and answer many of the usual questions as well.
This website is sponsored, designed & maintained by Simone Frewin. Copyright 2003 Simone Frewin. All rights reserved.
While the first horses were introduced into New Zealand by Samuel Marsden in December 1814, it was not until 1876 that the first wild horses were recorded in the Kaimanawa mountains.
Between 1858 and 1875 Major George Gwavas Carlyon imported Exmoor ponies to Hawkes Bay. These were crossed with local stock and a sure-footed pony known as the Carlyon pony resulted.
Sir Donald McLean imported two Welsh stallions, Kinarth Caesar and Comet. When crossed with the "Carlyon" a small statured, sure footed, robust horse resulted. These horses became known as the "Comet" breed.
During the 1870's McLean released a Comet stallion and several mares on the Kaingaroa Plains. In later years this bloodline was reportedly apparent in the wild population.
Over the years that followed, other horses contributed to the bloodline of this wild population. There were escapes and releases of horses from sheep runs in the area and in 1941 horses from the mounted rifle cavalry units at Waiouru were released when a strangles epidemic threatened. It is also reported that Nicholas Koreneff released an Arab stallion into the Argo Valley region during the 1960's.
With the varied gene input that followed their origins, the horses have generally become larger in stature than their pony forebears and there is also some variance in their conformation and build. The horses are however, generally known for their calmness and inquisitiveness and in many of the bands, the classic characteristics of the Comet breed are still clearly exhibited.
Article written by James Boyd
Kaimanawa breeding bands range in size from 2 - 21 animals with a mean band size of 5 horses.
Vegetation in Argo Basin consists of a mosaic of different plant communities. Hieracium pilosella is found in extensive patches throughout the area, especially where military activities or horse hooves have damaged the sward. Hard tussock (Festuca novazealandiae) occurrs in patches on valley sides. There is a diversity of groundcover species. Sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and browntop (Agrostis capillaris) are common in spring and early summer, while Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) provides greatest ground cover in autumn and winter. Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is persent but uncommon. Clover species (Trifolium repens, T. dubium) are ubiquitous but provide only a small percentage of clover. Flarweeds like Taraxacum officinale and Hypocharis radicata occur throughout the Argo basin.
There is wide variation within the breed in general appearance and impression, however, they are well muscled, with heights generally falling between 12.2hh and 15hh.
Attributes
Hearing and sight are acute. Highly intelligent, quick adapters, hardy, robust and strong; these have been their survival instincts in the wild. They are sound, sure-footed and tough and live on very little. They are of sound wind and limb with very highly developed sensory organs.
The Head
Medium to broad forehead with large expressive eyes in good proportion to the size of the horse. There is a wide variation due to the bloodlines that have formed the breed.
Teeth
Good sound teeth, but generally large and well formed. Horses from the Range tend to show wear well beyond their age.
Ears
Well set and alert.
Neck
Short, deep neck with a thick throat area not always in proportion to body.
Shoulder
The shoulder tends to be straight
Forelegs
The forelegs should be perpendicular to the body. The forearms should be long and well muscled, the cannons shorter in comparison to the forearm. Hair quantity on legs is quite diverse.
Body
The body is to have a deep girth with a well sprung rib cage. Well proportioned with short to medium rather than long body.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters vary from sloping to well rounded with the tail set neither excessively high or low, but smoothly rounding off rump.
Hooves
The hooves should be strong walled and of good proportion, tending to be upright. The toes should face straight ahead, neither in or out. Hind hooves are generally smaller and slightly narrower than the front.
Paces
Tends to have a unique gait due to influence of shoulder.
Colour
Any colour or pattern marking is acceptable.
Temperament
Good temperament is of the utmost importance. Should be curious, alert, intelligent and friendly.
Kaimanawa Wild Horses have been mustered from their regular habitat by the New Zealand Department of Conservation since 1993 where they are then either trucked directly to slaughter houses, to holding farms for later slaughter or given to "agents" to place in domestic homes. Some of these "agents" are legitimate welfare organisations such as ourselves while others are of dubious credentials with differing reports as to the welfare of the horses' in their care. It was originally agreed by the Department of Conservation to complete official checks on potential new homes. They have unfortunately failed in this task and many horses have fallen into incapable or negligent hands. Meanwhile, herd numbers in the wild are now being maintained as musters are undertaken annually to ensure the herd population limit of 500 horses. The Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group and the Department Of Conservation will continue to evaluate the minimum number of horses required for a viable herd (currently considered to be 300 horses) versus their impact on the environment.
It is unknown how many Kaimanawa horses have been domesticated since the management of the herd began. There are three organisations holding three separate breed registers for Kaimanawa horses and many are not registered at all.* Musterers who muster horses from the range often have first choice of horses and then there are those who are sent directly to unknown properties, in these cases, no home check or paperwork is completed.
What we do know is that although many success stories are emerging, there is an equally disturbing number of cases where horses have been deeply traumatised, neglected, ill-treated, experimented on, killed for pet food and shoved from one home to the next.
It is difficult for groups like the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust Inc. to offer assistance in such cases when they have no record of horses or their owners.
The Kaimanawa horse knows nothing other than his herd mates. They have taught him all the skills he needs to function socially within a group and to survive. Mares and stallions form lifelong bonds and it is not unusual for related mares to share the responsibilities of foal rearing, including nursing the foal of another. Some stallions will even tolerate sharing a band of mares with a subordinate or two. They are highly social animals whose well being depends on their ability to interact with and be close to others of their kind.
First of all, you will need to understand the horse and the way he thinks. It’s like being in foreign country and not speaking the language, for the horse. Just as we would communicate with a foreign speaking person using gestures and body language, so can we begin to make ourselves understood to the horse.
Take the time to watch your horse and see how he interacts with his environment. Spend a whole day from daybreak until dusk just sitting and observing what he does in his daily routine. What are his ears, his face and his tail doing? How many naps does he take throughout the day? Does he lie down or sleep standing? How much of his time is spent eating, playing and grooming? Does he roll? How much does he drink and how often? How does he relate to the other horses; is he submissive & shy or is he the boss? Is he alert and interested in his surroundings or does he go throughout his day minding his own business? Who are his buddies in the paddock? Who intimidates him?
It’s important that you really get to know your horse and how he responds to his environment so you can know how to approach his introduction to a new way of life. Horses, just like people and other animals, have their own personality and comfort zones. Some are extroverts while some prefer to keep a low profile and avoid confrontation. By observing and understanding these behaviours, you’ll know how much pressure you can apply to the horse and when to apply it during his education. By pressure I don’t mean physical force, merely asking the horse to acknowledge and apply himself to trying a new task. It is important that he understands and accepts everything that is asked of him in a relaxed and confident manner.
The beauty of Kaimanawa horses is that they are so expressive, you will be left in little doubt if the horse is confused or challenging your position in the relationship. Most will certainly let you know if you have it got it wrong! Remember though, the Kaimanawa horse is so fluent in horse language that he may communicate his discontent in a number of ways. It may be so subtle that it often goes unnoticed until he resorts to extreme behaviour. By this time, the horse is generally in a mentally stressed state and will be reluctant to work with you. He may become defensive, engage his flight instincts or “shut down”.
Kaimanawa horses in the wild live a comparatively stress free life compared to most wild prey animals. They are mentally ill-equipped to cope with stress and will often go into a shock like state. They may suddenly become very quiet after a particularly stressful incident and have a glazed look in their eyes and be reluctant to move. They are basically frozen in fear although this may not be obvious at first glance.
You will need to understand how to “read” your horse in order to avoid these situations and rectify them quickly should they occur. The more time you spend with your horse, the sooner you will recognise the signs he’s not happy and be able to address them before he has to resort to “shouting”.
Includes registration of horse & membership of owner with the Society / Agency in charge of placement as well as transportation from the muster yards in the Kaimanawa Ranges to a designated pick up point for owners & the horse’s first worming drench.
Transportation: $100.00 - $400.00 (approx.)
From designated pick up point – usually the Waikato area to owner’s property. Or owner’s own welfare approved vehicle – must be a closed in truck rather than a horse float.
Handling: $0.00 - $1,800.00 (approx.)
Unless the owner is capable of doing this themselves, they’ll need to pay an expert. For basic handling ie; halter trained, lead, tie up, pick up feet, etc – around $3-400.00. For ridden schooling you can expect to pay the larger fee, most professional establishments will allow approx. 6 weeks for breaking in to ride from the handled stage.
Grazing: average $15.00 per week
Secure fencing with extra facilities such as yards is required. Kaimanawa horses need the company of other horses so you will need to take this into consideration also.
Drenching (for worms & parasites): $27.50 per month
Most often done with a broad spectrum (ivermectin) paste that kills the majority of internal parasites. It’s important to note that Kaimanawas carry a very high burden of bot larvae & eggs. There are no tapeworm infestations apparent in horses off the range. Although, tape worm infestations will need to be addressed once Kaimanawa horses are housed on domestic pasture.
Hoofcare: $20.00 - $80.00 per 6 weeks
If the horse is not doing ridden work then it will most likely only need it’s feet trimmed rather than the higher cost of being shod. Some Kaimanawa horses require remedial work on their feet to correct potential problems incurred due to uneven hoof growth while in the range. This is more effective, the younger the horse.
Gelding: $200.00 - $1,000.00 approx.
Colts will generally be gelded to make them more manageable & able to be grazed with other horses. This is generally fairly routine but some Kaimanawas in particular incur problems with retained testicles (they don’t drop down into the scrotum) & require major surgery to locate & remove the testicles.
Supplementary Feeding:
Kaimanawas are VERY good doers on domestic pasture & don’t usually require hard feed once they have stopped growing. If anything, it is more important to restrict their diet to avoid laminitis which is prevalent in the breed. Selenium should be supplemented though due to a major lack of it in the Kaimanawa Ranges & New Zealand soil in general. 5 mls every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient but care should be taken with prescribed dosage as selenium is highly toxic if over supplemented. If your horse is undergoing rigorous exercise as part of his routine, you will need to replace what he has lost through expended energy. Electrolytes, vitamins and minerals are all necessary. A blood test is the best way to identify the individual needs of each horse prior to any supplementation. You may need to purchase hay as a supplementary feed in winter or as a major part of your horse’s diet if their grass is restricted.
Covers / Shelter: $100.00+
Kaimanawas are adapted to living in inclement conditions so covers are generally only required to give owners peace of mind that their horse is warm & to keep the coat in show condition. They will grow their own very woolly coat to cope with the cold. This consists of a short, thick undercoat with longer guard hairs designed to repel water & snow. Stabling Kaimanawa horses is not recommended for such highly social animals who are used to a lot of space. Accordingly, paddock company is recommended.
Note: All costs indicated above are based on the owner having a lot of their own “gear” before they start such as halters, leads, grooming gear, tack, etc. There are also all of the additional “incidental” costs such as vet bills, gear breakages, transport to & from shows, entry fees, additional saddlery & tack, etc. Allow another $1,500.00 per year to cover these costs.
As with any horse; it’s going to cost you more to purchase if all of the initial hard work has already been done. The average resale value of these horses is creeping up as the competitive equestrian fraternity realise their value as sport horses. Kaimanawas are becoming well known for their incredible jumping ability & are beating many seasoned campaigners in this field. There are still a lot of cheap Kaimanawa horses available but many of these come with problems as a direct result of mishandling. These problems can be difficult to overcome & must be dealt with by people who are experienced with Kaimanawa horses. They are different to deal with to domestic horses & this is where many of the “professional” horse trainers come unstuck. It is also important to get proof of origin as some of the horses being sold on as Kaimanawas are very definitely NOT.
Purchase Price: Free - $4,000.00
A well schooled Kaimanawa is worth it’s weight in gold & will command a high price! They are also creating interest from overseas.
Registration (Change of Ownership): $5.00
To be forwarded to the Breed Registrar by the vendor with new owners details.
All other costs are the same as above.
Please Note: Advice in this section is the opinion of one person and does not necessarily represent the opinions of KWHWT Inc. All prices stated are indicative only.
How Much Time Does It Take To Look After A Kaimanawa Horse?
Your Kaimanawa horse will require the same level of care as any other horse. Just because he has been able to take care of himself in the wild, this does not mean he will be as capable when confined to a paddock where he is unable to source food, water, shelter and company for himself.
You will need to check your horse at least once a day and the more time you spend with him, the sooner and stronger your bond with him will develop.
Where Should I Keep It?
A lot will depend on where your Kaimanawa horse has come from and whether or not he is familiar with fences and a domestic lifestyle.
If you’re adopting a wild horse direct from the Range, you will need a solid, high railed yard in which to handle him initially and give him time to settle. He should be given the opportunity to socialise with other horses and be allowed the freedom of a well fenced paddock free of hazards as soon as possible.
Ideally you will have your own property for your horse but if you are like me and have to rely on renting land from someone else, you’ll want to make sure that your landlord is also prepared for the arrival of a wild horse and it’s integration into the domestic herd.
Does It Need Company?
Yes. Without a doubt, Kaimanawa horses are extremely unhappy and will suffer greatly if kept alone. You will need to have at least one other horse but preferably, he’ll be able to live with 3 or more horses to simulate the herd environment he is familiar with.
Kaimanawa horses may find it as difficult to adjust to domestic horses as they do to people. Your average pony or hack just doesn’t have the equine social skills that wild horses possess. Their culture has been ‘dumbed down’ through human intervention to make them more docile and amenable to people.
It is therefore preferable to consider having at least two Kaimanawa horses to ensure their well being.
If you are purchasing a Kaimanawa horse that has been bred in domesticity or has been domesticated for some time, you can be a little less concerned about types of fencing, yards and his relationships with other horses. He will already have adapted to his new way of life.
What Gear Do I Need?
Kaimanawa horses don’t require any more or less than any other horse. You will need the usual grooming kit, halter and leadrope, covers, tack and accessories.
How Do I Buy A Kaimanawa Horse?
Direct from the wild
-through an approved organisation responsible for re-homing the mustered horses.
Domesticated Kaimanawas
-through a Kaimanawa organisation such as the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust Inc. or Kaimanawa Breed Society Inc.
-through magazine or newspaper advertisements
-through Pony Club or other riding organisations
-through word of mouth
What’s The Difference In The Sexes?
Males and females have very different roles in the herd structure therefore there are some behavioural differences between the two. These will be evident to varying degrees, depending on the individual horse, their age, social status and character.
Many people have a personal preference of working with geldings. Stallions will change in behaviour and to some degree, personality after being gelded. They generally become easier and quieter to handle. Mares on the other hand can be quite affected by hormonal imbalances and changes at various times throughout their cycle. Although some people find that mares have more of a sweet, gentile nature.
Both mares and geldings share an equal chance of being loving, well adjusted individuals with useful careers. It is up to the individual person whether or not they have a preference. I have owned & worked with a few very nice mares but on the whole, I prefer to work with stallions and geldings. This is reflected in my human relationships also in that I have more male friends than female so may have some bearing on the horses too.
It is inadvisable to consider retaining a stallion unless you have significant experience with handling entire male horses and have the facilities to do so. Inexperience in this area can have dire consequences for horse and handler!
What Should I Look For?
You will need to consider the purpose you have in mind for the horse. Are you wanting a riding horse? A driving horse? A competitive mount? Or something to hack out or for the kids to ride?
If you have your heart set on a Kaimanawa horse, make sure that the horses you are looking at are either registered or the owners have proof of their origin. It will make it extremely difficult to register a horse without proof of purchase if you ever wish to do so and there are a few unscrupulous people who are misleading people regarding the origin of the horses they are selling.
What Age Should I Buy?
Once again, this will depend largely on the purpose you have in mind for the horse and the length of time you’re prepared to wait to achieve it.
If purchasing a wild horse, it is easier to handle and deal with foal. They adjust to domestic life quicker and will be more inclined to accept your leadership in a relationship. If you are experienced with wild horses, you will have the skills to deal with an older horse and will be able to start their career sooner.
If purchasing a domesticated Kaimanawa horse, you will have more opportunity to purchase an older horse who is already well educated and settled.
What Is The Difference Between HH & CM?
Up until very recently, horses’ height was measured in “hands” which measures 4 inches. The introduction of the metric system being applied to height measurements in horses has caused some confusion for those of us who are more familiar with the old ways. Here is a handy reference:
Centimetres Metric Hands English Hands Difference (in inches) Inches
