Wild horses to feature at show

JOE DAWSON | 16th February 2006

The Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society will be represented at the Masterton A and P show this weekend, coming to dispel some myths about the wild beasts and promote their adoption.

Pahiatua based member of the society Sharyn Boness will be here, along with others from Wellington and Tokoroa, with her horse Kaimanawa Tarltons Dream Weaver, otherwise known as Karl, to show how good the breed can be.

She said the way the horses are often shown in the media can lead people to negative, and false, conclusions about the breed.

"They've had some bad press. People see them as wild, untameable, a pest. Out in the wild they look pretty feral, running around with woolly coats in pretty harsh conditions.

"But if people could see what they become ? people would never know that my one was a Kaimanawa until they're told."

Mrs Boness said there is meant to be a standard herd of 500 horses, and every year there is a couple of counts conducted to assess how many are actually out there.

Anything over the 500 is removed from the wild and that number can range from 100 to 300 horses.

She said in last year's round up about 100 horses were taken out, with 20-30 bought up and the rest culled.

"There are some there in all honesty that are better to go to the yards. It would be too cruel to take them out."

Despite the fact that the horses are no more or no less needy than other breeds, people do bite off more than they can chew.

"Out of those ones more get relocated to other homes because some people live in the fantasy world of wanting to own a wild horse."

She said she would fully recommend taking on a Kaimanawa horse, and that they are good animals for children.

"They have unique qualities, they are very hardy and sure footed. We actually showed at the Feilding show last year and the judge who breeds ponies would recommend them.

"They are very easy once you have got their trust. They're very quick learners."

She said further information about buying a Kaimanawa horse, which are sold for about $150, would be available at the A and P show this weekend.