Kaimanawa Horses Now Available

9 MAY 2007

Kaimanawa wild horses are once again available to the public with the Department of Conservation's annual muster scheduled for late this month.

Applications are currently being sought by the three wild horse preservation groups from people keen to give homes to some of the horses.

"Adopting a Kaimanawa Horse is not complicated," says Department of Conservation (DOC) Palmerston North Area Manager, Phil Mohi. "Applications are made to one of the three wild horse preservation groups who then check that prospective owners have a suitable environment for the animals. A small fee is charged to cover administration costs."

Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society (KWHPS) President Sharon Brown says the horses make excellent pets and work animals. "They are very good for any discipline - pony clubs, horse trekking, A&P shows, as farm horses or riding for the disabled - they are really proving themselves."

A recent count of the Kaimanawa wild horses has shown them to be holding their own and confirmed a herd size of around 654 in the herd management area. The management plan for the horses aims to keep the number in this area to about 500, to ensure the healthy condition of both the habitat and the horses.

Current plans are to remove around 150 horses with horses being mustered late this month. Supporting these plans are the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group whose membership represents the KWHPS, RNZSPCA, Forest and Bird, NZ Veterinary Association, NZ Army, Taranaki / Whanganui Conservation Board, Landowners and DOC.

Applications for a Kaimanawa horse need to be submitted as soon as possible and can be made through the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society (KWHPS) - Sharon (07) 872 4341 tuhitarata@paradise.net.nz or the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust Inc.- marilyn@wildhorses.org.nz (07) 236 4115 or the Wild Horses of Aotearoa (WHOA)- Murray Haitana 021 491 149 mesteno@slingshot.co.nz.

As each group offers different follow up and support, potential applicants need to determine the group that best suits their needs. All groups apply similar standards when assessing applicants.
Contact details for the groups are also available on the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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