Okau Horse Treks began because of the Kaimanawa Wild Horses. 

Between us and our volunteers here at Okau Horse Treks we intend to take 11 Kaimanawas from this years DOC muster. The muster is scheduled to take place on the 18th of May with 4 helicopters mustering around 92 wild horses. The horses could well be mustered and on delivery trucks within  a day.

This page will be updated regularly on their progress.

14th May 2008 The muster is actually taking place this Saturday, weather dependent. We have an extra mare and foal arriving. They have been sponsored by Amanda who lives in Auckland. Thank you Amanda for giving a wee foal and his Mum a chance.

W e are busily planning and organising required resources. The horses are facing a tough time that will take them so far outside their comfort zone I would imagine they will be dazed, confused and very tired by the time they arrive in the Okau. We are creating as safe and welcoming environment as possible in the circumstances. A new journey begins...

Lisa

16th May 2008

Looks like the weather is going to be good and the muster wil go ahead. Poor ponies-they have such a tough day ahead. We are worried for them all and hope everything goes safely and they aren't hurt.

We have spent all day preparing for our arrivals. We have covered the yard fences to make them appear solid. Wild horses are like deer and can jump very high or at least will give it ago. We wish to discourage this so we have used as many suitable things as possible to do this. Thanks Beccie for the PVC ex tent. It goes from the ground to the top of the 3 meter fence. Thanks Sue for the ex witt sign! The curtains were my brainwave! We are both nervous and excited. The house is full-Chandra, Caitlin and Kerri, Cheryl and Andrew are all in bed so they can get up early in the morning. Jordon is arriving tomorrow. Everyone is looking forward to meeting their ponies albeit from a distance to start with. That truck driver better make sure they all arrive safely!

Have recieved a beautiful email from Amanda who has sponsored a mare and foal:

Hi there :-)

Thanks for all that info Lisa :-)

When I read the article about the culling of these wild, beautiful animals, I was just crying my eyes out.
My dad (Brian :-) called and he was quite shocked that he had to deal with all my emotion! hehe He is a hunter and although I am trying to understand Mother Nature, the slaughter re: "a human deadline" was too much for me.

I feel really good about doing this.  Even more so from your beautiful email.  I have something to show my lovely hubby Nick now.  He is a little shocked that I have paid a lot of his money for horses that he cannot see or ride, so your email is quite timely to say the least!  I never realised how much work is involved!  Still don't really and it is difficult to try to explain to Nick why we couldn't have the horses at  our new property (when we eventually move).  Also to have horses that we can't ever ride!

So thank you for your generous offer of complimentary horse treks forever as that will make him happy about saying goodbye to the dosh, even though we rarely head your way.  Now I won't be in sooo much trouble! hehe
I have a little girl of 5, Cassandra and a boy Zac, who is 7.  We have a 1/4 acre section in the country, no horses and our riding experience is minimal.  We just don't get that opportunity. You are an absolute star! Horse trekking sounds like a dream come true! We would love to come in the summertime for a grand adventure.  You just gave me good karma! :-)

My heart goes out to you for saving and working with these beautiful creatures.  You must have a beautiful spirit.  In fact it shows through your words and the gift of being able to work with these wild horses.  It must take a lot of love, patience and trust.  We are learning to train a puppy so we are learning a bit about the food relationship etc!   

I picked a couple of names, without seeing the horses, so if you think they aren't applicable, just let me know.
I am a mum and a part time children's entertainer called Crystalight the Elf and I dress like an angel (white with rainbows and feathered wings) for the girl's parties and an elf (Spiderweb outfit) for the boys.  Hence the names I am about to tell you.  I tried to keep the names short for when they are called.

I had picked "Angel" for the mum and "Magic" for the foal?  I see you have Kaimanawa "Angel" at the top of your email :-)
Also, I am absolutely loving that rainbow in your letterhead for your business! I wonder if "rainbow" is too long a name for a horse?  If not maybe "rainbow" instead of "magic"?  The rainbow has always been  my sign that I get for where to get married, where to live etc.
I quite liked the name "spirit" but there is a horse down our road named that.  Maybe it is a common horse name since that cool movie?  I like Crystal too...
Anyway, feel free to let me know if another name seems to stand out from getting to know the horses spirits.
I will wait until you know them better before finalising the names with you.

I'm off to put the money in the bank now.  Good luck with everything.
May mother nature and the angels be with you!

Love & light
Amanda

P.S.  Nick and I are both Sagittarian sun signs which sun signs which is one reason we feel an affinity with these glorious creatures :-)