11/03/2026
Last night, some significant and key changes were made to this year’s annual Kaimanawa Horse Muster at the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Meeting (which includes DoC, NZDF, SPCA, KHH, KLF, veterinarians and helicopter pilots).
The muster has been moved forward approximately a week earlier than anticipated, potentially starting as early as the 20th of April, weather dependant. If so, horses could be arriving at their new properties from the 21st and 22nd of April.
This means that applications, along with the process of conducting property and reference checks, will be on a tighter timeframe than originally expected. We strongly encourage all potential owners to submit their applications as early as possible, to make the process as smooth as possible for Kaimanawa Heritage Horses when carrying out the necessary checks.
Another key determination confirmed last night is that all mature mares brought into the yards will be prioritised for immunocontraception and released back into the ranges with their band stallion.
Because of this, veterinarians on site have agreed that priority can be given to rehoming mares and stallions aged three to four years, with horses in this age group being identified from the Wild Kaimanawa Field Guide and spray-painted as the optimum age for rehoming. As of 1st of August, it would make these horses four and five-year-olds.
There are many benefits to choosing to rehome a horse from this upcoming muster.
With immunocontraception happening at such a large scale,, there is no urgency to rehome older horses, and for the first time ever there is the reassurance that the focus will be on mature horses in the three-to-four-year-old age bracket, along with foals and juveniles.
This creates an unprecedented opportunity for those wanting big, blingy young horses that are closer in age to starting under saddle.
We urge anyone considering rehoming a horse to make this the year you work with a Kaimanawa — whether it is a repeat experience or your first time taking on one of these remarkable horses.
In a significant development, after funding was removed just two weeks ago, the Department of Conservation has recommitted to the muster with the largest financial investment in muster operations ever made. This funding will support both rehoming and immunocontraception in the Southern Zones.
This brings us closer to the herd sustainability plan first discussed in 2007, where ongoing rehoming numbers and reduced foaling rates will make future musters easier and more sustainable.
However, for this plan to succeed, it is critical that 149 horses are removed from the Ranges this year. This target is central to achieving the long-term goals the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group has been working toward for decades.
The government has stepped up to make this possible. Now it is up to the Kaimanawa horse charities and the wider community to ensure the rehoming aspect of the muster is as successful as possible.
For those with the experience, time, and facilities, to tame a horse themselves, it costs just $250 to save a horse, with transport to your property typically costing $200–$300 by stock truck.
For those wanting assistance through the initial handling process, Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation and Kaimanawa Heritage Horses maintain lists of approved trainers who can help.
Horses that go through initial handling must meet key milestones before transitioning to their new owners. These include:
• Being caught in a paddock
• Leading confidently at walk and trot
• Navigating obstacles
• Practice trips in trucks or trailers
• Receiving their first farrier trim
and much more.
By the end of this process, many of these horses are often better handled than domestic horses of the same age.
With a large proportion of foals and juveniles available for rehoming this year, it also presents a fantastic opportunity for applicants to have a strong chance of receiving exactly the type of horse they request.
While we are not under urgent pressure to rehome mature horses this year, applications remain open for them as well, with three, and four-year-olds being prioritised within the mature age bracket.
This is a very rare — and potentially one-of-a-kind — opportunity, and something the charities are hopeful will significantly increase rehoming numbers this winter.
Because ultimately, it is vital that we achieve the target of removing 149 horses from the ranges this year.
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With just 3 weeks until applications close, KHH have just eight applications so far. If you'd like to make a difference in the lives of the remaining 141 please reach out.
This year, Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation is once again offering $1,000 KLF Initial Handling Subsidies. These subsidies help cover the cost of placing your wild horse with a KLF Approved Trainer if you don’t yet have the time, facilities, or experience to tame a horse directly from the wild.
For subsidy information, please email subsidies@kaimanawalegacyfoundation.org
To apply for a horse visit: https://kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/muster-information/
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KLF APPROVED TRAINERS
These trainers are eligible to train subsidised Kaimanawa horses and have spaces for handling or in their workshops.*
NORTH AUCKLAND
Melissa Kelsey of Kelsey Kaimanawas
perfectlypainted1@hotmail.com
FOALS OR JUVENILES
AUCKLAND
Leanne Hackett of Altair Kaimanawa Horses
warhawk.limited@gmail.com
FOALS OR JUVENILES
HAMILTON
Noa Smythe of Nks Equestrian
noasmythe@gmail.com
ALL AGES
TAUPO
Ellie Harrison of Wild Thyme Horsemanship
ellie@wildthyme.co.nz
FOALS, JUVENILES OR MARES
TAUPO
Kelly Wilsonl/Morgan Chandler-Bruce
info@kellywilson.nz
FOALS, JUVENILES, MARES OR STALLIONS
HAWKES BAY
Nicola Drabble Equestrian
n.g.drabble@gmail.com
FOALS OR JUVENILES
MANAWATU
Leah Robson of That Grey Kaimanawa
komakokid@outlook.com
FOALS OR JUVENILES
*Other trainers may also be considered on request.
