Kaakano Ridge Track Paradise

Introducing Aataahua.

This lovely Kaimanawa mare was mustered in 2018 with a foal at foot. Unfortunately she hasn’t had a completely happy time in domesticity, eventually being surrendered to Kaimanawa Heritage Horses last year with a solid reputation as apparently dangerous and aggressive and better off shot.

Thank god she has ended up with us. Why? Because since arriving here in February we have not seen a single sign of any violent or dangerous behaviour.

At no time have we felt unsafe or unsure of her intent, including my non-horsey husband. Quite the opposite in fact.

We have found her to be kind, respectful, careful around us and our grandies especially, and wanting to please to the extent she is able. Despite the fear and distrust she carries.

I truly believe this is a formerly wild horse who did not want to be ridden or perform tricks or win ribbons. She was wild and wanted to stay that way; how could we not try to respect that?

Her life here is nowhere close to being wild, but we give her the space she wants and needs. She’s here to be a friend for my much loved 22-year-old mare and our only expectation is that she is safe to be around.

And she is and I am so proud of her.

Aataahua means beautiful and she is, inside and out.

These two ‘promo models’ were super this weeekend at Equifest.

Led the 1.20 championship from the start only for the 47th and last rider to finish a whisker faster. Doesn’t matter a bit, they’re champions in our eyes.

A day earlier Sienna delivered her best round ever and we Emma Gazeoud of her. This on top of a great season start two weeks ago where she also ribboned.

Thank you so much Emma Gaze for all the fun and joy that you both bring. 🙏🏽

PS the ‘Batman’ mask is excellent for supporting hot, forward horses like Sienna to feel more secure and calm. It’s made a huge difference.

Top up day. 😃

This is easily the most popular spot on the track - rolling, sleeping, snoozing, and yes toileting 😏

Kaakano Ridge has a new resident.

Meet Maya, 25, who will blossom from track life and with friends, forage (and no grass!) and movement.

She’s a sweetie and Tommi has assured her that she’s very welcome but will not be the boss. 😂

Track goals 😍. And I couldn't agree more - a far better, safer, more natural lifestyle for our geegees.

Paddock Paradise, Dune Track De vernieuwde Duin track is af! De track langs de poel was gelijk mijn favoriete track, maar het pad heeft achteraf nooit helemaal goed gelegen en lag te laag. We hebben de poel gegraven toen de waterstand laag was en rekening gehouden met een hoger waterniveau maar dat het water zo extreem zou stijgen hadden we nooit kunnen inschatten. Wij wonen in een bollenstreek en in een waterwingebied en soms is de hoge waterstand niet helemaal te verklaren door alleen de regen. Het waterniveau verschil hier best enorm en dus soms met veel regen laag, en met weinig regen hoog. Lastig dus.. Ons grondwater zit al op 80 cm diep dus met een pad iets lager leggen en dan een hogere waterstand staat je track snel onder water. Het pad is eerder al keer opgehoogd maar het was nog te weinig dus we moesten nog meer ophogen. Al vanaf het begin wilde ik langs de oever Helmgras planten maar door de stijging van het water was er geen ruimte over voor de planten. Doordat wij op heel fijn duinzand zitten spoelt het langs de oever ook snel weg zeker met veel regen. Dus kwam het idee om naast het pad op te hogen ook nog een kleine duin langs de oever op het pad te maken en aan te planten met Helmgras voor het verstevigen van de oever. Zo had ik toch het mooie Helmgras zoals ik het voor ogen had en is het echt een duinpad die doorloopt over de hogere duinheuvel. Het Helmgras is nu nog vrij dor om te zien maar volgend jaar zomer zal het bijna dichtgegroeid zijn en mooi groen/grijs van kleur met mooie pluimen erin. Zo word het langzaam echt een Duintuin passend bij de omgeving waar we wonen, tegen de duinen en strand aan. #paddockparadise #paddocklife #verrijking #paddockenrichment #paddockverrijking #equihabitat #horsetrack #horsetracksystem #natuurlijkpaardenhouden #paardnatuurlijk #equinesofinstagram #winactie #equinephotography #equestrian #equestriansofinstagram #horses #horsesofinstagram #horselife #horselove #sunset #horsephoto #pferd #boerderijleven #buitenleven #trailride #instahorse #andalusier #andalusianhorse #vrijheidsdressuur

A lovely outing was had by all, the first in a while. 💯

The on and off to kick 💩off the track, which is used by the public, a bit challenging for these older bones though.

But still so much fun for us both. 😊

Windy, wet, cold but plenty of hay and shelter. 👌🏼

Track life winter realities. 💧💨🥶

Looking across the vista towards our home. You can just see a peak of Lake Waikare in the distance.

If there’s one thing that track life has given me it’s peace of mind.

Yes I still wish every day that my girl could safely wile away her days and nights in the paddock.

But with a weather pattern that feels like we’ve been in Spring since forever, there’s no way she’d survive on the constantly growing lush grass. Cresty neck, fat deposits, obesity, sore feet and laminitis would follow. And that is not happening on my watch.

If you’re looking for a safe, soft landing for your bestie where the daily diet is safe horse friendly hay then PM me, I have limited space available. 🦄