Altair Kaimanawa Horses

Another very informative interview with Kelly Wilson around the current situation with the horses in the un managed ecological zone and the rehoming urgency for them.

Unprecedented 4th Kaimanawa Horse Muster Needed This Year Kelly Wilson, Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation founding board member - A...

Two successful geldings this morning!

I have to admit I was a little worried about the wee one, but as it turned out he had two rather impressive testicles down for his age, so everything went smoothly.

Cruiser – 3-year-old c**t – 11 weeks since arriving.
Starfall – 5-month-old c**t – 5 weeks since arriving.

It’s always nice to hear positive feedback from your vet too. Gelding is a significant milestone for these young wild horses, so hearing that they were well prepared, easy to handle, and that I’d done a good job getting them ready for the procedure is something I’m really proud of. It’s a reminder that all the little steps along the way are worth it.

While Cruiser was under sedation, I finally got an answer to something that had been puzzling me. I’d been convinced he was missing a tooth! Thankfully the vet confirmed it was simply a permanent tooth erupting. He does, however, have a pair of very sharp wolf teeth, so that’ll be the next little job on his list.

Cruiser has had a couple of setbacks along the way, but he is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Coming from a bachelor band, he was very much at the bottom of the pecking order, and you can still see that uncertainty in him at times. He needs plenty of reassurance that he’s wanted, that he’s doing well, and that it’s okay to make mistakes. He gets so much more right than he gives himself credit for.

He’s also incredibly lucky to have an owner who has been patient, supportive and committed to doing what’s best for him. I’d happily have him stay and grow up in my paddocks.

Now it’s onto the final pieces of their initial handling journey… first outings and their first proper hoof trims. Those are always exciting milestones as their confidence continues to grow.

I’m one of the few approved trainers who also works a full-time job, so I’m always upfront with owners that my programme can take a little longer than some. Every trainer has their own approach, and this is simply what works best for me. It allows me to fit training around work while giving each horse the time it needs to process new experiences and progress at its own pace. I’ve found that this approach suits both the horses and me, and I’m really happy with the confident, relaxed horses it produces.

Every horse learns at its own pace, and watching these wild youngsters grow in confidence never gets old.

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Aerial culling of these horses has already been approved.

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses and Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation have worked with DoC to develop a plan to save these horses, as outlined in the post.

Making that plan a reality comes at a significant cost to both charities. If you’re able to help, please follow the link in the post and consider making a donation. Every contribution makes a difference.

Tyson Miller Horsemanship

Picked up our cheeky chap Quasar from Tyson Miller Horsemanship this morning after spending a few weeks there learning lots of good stuff!! The fun begins!!

So Exciting!!

Was an amazing feat from the trainers last year! Just two beautiful ponies needing to find their forever homes 🙂