Time running out for wild horses

Community

3 Apr

Written By Kim Manunui

**Helicopters are used to muster the horses into the yards. Photo / Kimber Brown**

Homes are being sought for 250 wild horses to avoid the need for more drastic measures.

The Kaimanawa horses are a heritage herd that lives in the Moawhango Ecological Zone, most of which is in the Waiouru Military Training Area.

The herd is managed by the Department of Conservation, with the help of not-for-profit group Kaimanawa Heritage Horses.

Each year horses are mustered using helicopters, with the aim of rehoming the horses and administer a contraceptive treatment on others.

DOC aims to keep the population of the horses at under 300 to protect the unique native vegetation in the area, however numbers are now almost twice that.

As a result, DOC and KHH are seeking homes for 250 horses, and are well short.

DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Sarah Tunnicliffe says rehoming benefits both the horses and the environment.

“Our latest aerial survey shows the herd is more than double the recommended 300 horses, which risks environmental damage and food shortages for the horses.”

**Horses come down off the hill and into the yards. Photo / Kimber Brown**

In recent years, with Animal Ethics Committee support, DOC has introduced a contraceptive treatment for some mares to support population control. This supporting method takes a few years to take effect, and rehoming continues to be the primary tool for herd management.

“The muster is our opportunity to balance the continued health of the heritage herd with the protection of rare plants and ecosystems which make New Zealand special.

“It’s a win-win but is reliant on Kaimanawa Heritage Horses getting enough applications for rehoming.”

KHH chair Carolyn Haigh says it is quite urgent, with applications closing soon, and time running out.

“We encourage people to contact us for information on the rehoming process.”

The annual muster is in late April, with applications for horses open until April 14.

Those who can provide a home for a Kaimanawa horse, can contact KHH at muster@kaimanawaheritagehorses.org or visit www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/muster-information.

In a statement earlier this month KHH described Kaimanawa horses as “curious, honest, and friendly, are trained for a variety of equine disciplines, and are now being seen in the upper levels of equine competitions.

“They have gained favour among the equestrian community as highly competitive sport horses, pony club mounts and good all-rounders.

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society Charity is working on the development of rehoming incentives such as subsidies for horse transport from the muster and support with welfare concerns and any treatment or rehabilitation immediately post muster.

There are options for new owners to experience the taming of a wild horse themselves or have one trained initially by a proven professional.

ConservationKaimanawasHorsesDepartment of Conservation

Kim Manunui

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