Kaimanawa-Eat the Wind

Several of the ponies that share our world began their lives as wild horses in the Kaimanawa Ranges. The word Kaimanawa means 'eat the wind' and Maori mean by this that the brave must survive on their own resources even when food is scarce and the future is in doubt, the brave will 'eat the wind' and somehow, endure. The first recorded sighting of horses running wild in the Kaimanawa Range was in 1876. A protection order under the Wild life Act was granted to the Kaimanawa Wild Horses in 1981. During the 1990's The Department of Conservation decided they were having an adverse impact on their environment and they drew up a management plan for the wild horses which was adopted by the Parliment in 1996. The 'protection' status was lifted and it was proposed to cull the horses by shooting them. Due to overwhelming public opposition, both national and international, the then Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, revversed the Governments decision and instead there was a muster of approximately 1000 horses in June 1997 These were auctioned off to the public who were vetted and pre approved to be able to attend the auction. over half of the horses ended up at the abbattoirs.

Seamus, 44, Soft Touch, Cobber, Monty, Trolly, Morning Fall (with Foaly in her womb), Sioux, Dusty, Red, Matches, were part of the 1997 muster. Bryan and I met eachother at this auction. Kaimanawa horses have had an irrevocable effect on our lives. Seamus is responsible for the creation of Okau Horse Treks. Here is his story peppered with the tales of the other Kaimanawas that have found their way into our world.