Misconceptions abound about the Kaimanawa Wild Horses:
They are only ponies - No. There are horses out there. These ones would probably have a mixture of thoroughbred/draft horse in them.
They don't get along with other horses - They get on very well with other horses -- they are often high in the pecking order because of their natural instincts.
Anything over the age of four can't be trained - No. This is not the case. With any horse patience and understanding is the key.
Here are a few members and their Kaiamanwa horses. To be included on this page, please email your information and pictures of your registered horse/s to khbsi@paradise.net.nz, or post to the secretary, 6 Sylvia Way, RD1, Otaki, 5581. Please note horses must be registered with the society.
BILLY
Ashleigh is 9 years old. She bought Billy on 6 November 2001 after the very sad loss of her beloved pony Pinny. Although she had had a couple of other very nice ponies on trial she just couldn't find anything to replace Pinny.
When Ashleigh met Billy they immediately liked one another. They played a game of Peek-a-Boo together and Billy rested his head in Ashleigh's lap and they had a long talk together. Needless to say Billy came home with us that day.
The first show they went to was only one week later and they came 3rd in the FEI Jumping based on Style. Next they went to Pauatahanui for a Competitive Trail ride. The pair won the groom and turnout, however a nasty kick in the leg while out on the trail saw the pair come hobbling home.
Ashleigh then took Billy to Pony Club Camp in Wairarapa for 7 days. This is where they really got to know each other and learn heaps together. He and Ashleigh done their first ever dressage test and came home with a 3rd in the Jumping.
After camp the shows and ribbons came in thick and fast. In all Ashleigh and Billy won 39 ribbons in their first season together. 7 in one day at Wainuiomata.
The end-of-year show at Upper Hutt Pony Club, where they are members, was a great day out. Ashleigh and Billy entered the fancy dress where they were Bride and Groom. Ashleigh was dressed in a full wedding dress which flowed over Billy's back and a long trailing veil. Poor old Billy had has front feet stuffed down the sleeves of an old white shirt, the buttons done up to his neck and a bow tie and a pair of glasses on his face. To his credit he stood there without batting an eyelid. They came 3rd.
Billy is going to be schooled in spring ready for the new season. He has a kind and cheeky personality and seems devoted to his young owner, who just loves him to pieces.
TUSSOCK (update)
(picture taken Ring 1 Belmont Domain, where Tussock won the speed class)
Unfortunately due to an accident Tussock was not able to complete the season. Jann was only able to compete Tussock three times out of the eight qualifying shows, yet Tussock still came 7th overall.
Fabulous achievement and at the time of the injury they were leading the competition. We would also like to announce that Tussock is in foal to a Hanoverian stallion, due March next year.
This does not mean the end of Tussock as Jann has plenty more goals to achieve with Tussock. All going well Jann and Tussock will be competing in the show hunter circuit in the 2003-4 season, as well as Kaimanawa Breed Classes.
TUSSOCK
Tussock had a wonderful season last year. Having wins and placing in 15 out of 16 show jumping classes and gaining 8 points in the Wellington Show Hunter Circuit. In Tussocks last show of the season she went to ring 1, where she jumped over a metre for the first time in competition. In her three classes of the day she got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Tussock's first outing this season was the Waikanae Show jumping/dressage training days. At the first show she won the novice dressage test which was run as a separate class, and placed third overall in the combined dressage/jumping phase. Overall scores placed her fourth for the combined days.
Tussock also went to the CD Dressage Spring Show and scored 58.89 for her novice test, placing her in the top third of the class, and was placed 4th in one of her Prelim tests. Jann is very proud of Tussock and has reason to be.
She is going from strength to strength. Jann will be competing in Ring 1 showjumping in at least two shows before Christmas and would like to concentrate on the Show Hunter Circuit.
We are all very proud of Jann and Tussock's accomplishments to date and will keep you posted on how she is going.
KOOTI
Kooti doing a dressage test
practising a jump before going in the ring
... and of course a pose.
Kooti, well what can you say about her?
She's been a real trooper. Used for a lot of publicity exercises, she is as honest as the day is long.
From walking the streets of Wellington in 1997 and up to parliament to present a petition to giving hundreds of rides at the Pet Expo, promoting the Kaimanawa horses at the beach races on the Kapiti Coast, Being present at past Field Days, looking after young scared Kaimanawa's, Kooti's been there, done that.
Kooti is currently at pony club. Unfortunately she had a bad fall in a jumping lesson, put with patience her confidence is returning.
Make no bones though, this pony can clear 1.2m without a problem. Kooti also helps out at Ferndale Equestrian Centre with treks and school holiday programs for children due to her calm nature.
Kirsty on Kooti, right, at the 1999 Horse of the Year show. She's in illustrious company: with the mighty Bonecrusher.
WAIRA
Waira at Waikanae Spring show
after doing nicely and coming
away with some ribbons.
First time to the beach, so testing
out the water.
Oops, time to get out of here.
This is Waira, daughter of Kooti. Waira exhibits a lot of traits of her mum, except she is a lot more mischievous.
Waira was allowed to mature with her mum and it was interesting to watch what went on between mother and foal for such a long period of time.
Waira is also laid back (sometimes too much) and does need a gentle urge at times. Can have the attitude of putting her chest out and putting her foot down.
But it's all part of her nature. One definite thing you do not do with Waira is to leave anything near her proximity or she will chew it up or throw it too the ground.
But a great pony who is kind and giving.
Taking the plunge and perhaps
reflecting.
BOBBIE
Generally this is how a Kaimanawa foal will look like. Small, hairy and real cute! Obviously this foal was removed from its mother at a young age, and is looking for guidance (and food) from his new owner.
This is Bobbie and the photo was taken a day after his arrival to his new owners in the South Island, in July 1997.
He is from the 1997 roundup. This is brief overview from the teaching of natural horsemanship.
"Started slow with lots of try, round-penned well and joined nicely. Brave horse. Took things on board well. Some days needed to be pushed. Found it easy to find shortcuts and tended to get bored easily - needed to keep things interesting. Only rode six times with no trouble. Went through all 3 gaits easily. Was hard to catch at times, but with a little work would come in easily. Had a good kind nature and was a real joy to be around. Formed a strong trust and understanding with me and enjoyed having things black and white. Push the right buttons at the right time and he goes well, give him an inch or do something wrong and he will let you know. Very intelligent little horse, with a big heat and kind nature."
Natural horsemanship based on the teachings of Ray Hunt and Ken Dromgool.
Latest photos of Bobby will be coming soon.
KAIWA
For those of you who are wondering about the society's logo, this is a Kaimanawa called Kaiwa. Kaiwa was bought at the first auction in 1993 as a foal.
Kaiwa's magnetic personality touched everyone who came into contact with her.
Little was known at that stage about the Kaimanawas, but Kaiwa taught me and a lot of other people the respect that these and other horses deserve.
Kaiwa was with us for 18 months until she passed on in a tragic accident.
Her memory lives on and this is why myself and others have dedicated ourselves to the Kaimanawa horse.
EMERALD
1999-2004 (colic)
Emerald was owned by our president, Sandy Dickson. She was from the 1999 muster.
~~ Goodbye sweet princess. Your charismatic character will long live in our hearts.~~
Emerald on arrival ...
... at 14 months...
... and Emerald at two.
IMAGE
Before and after: Shelley and her showy Kaimanawa Image. Image took out champion Kaimanawa at our first show in the led classes.
Misconceptions abound about the Kaimanawa Wild Horses:
For those of you who are wondering about the society's logo, this is a Kaimanawa called Kaiwa. Kaiwa was bought at the first auction in 1993 as a foal.
Little was known at that stage about the Kaimanawas, but Kaiwa taught me and a lot of other people the respect that these and other horses deserve.
