Homes sought for wild horses

Homes are being sought for Kaimanawa wild horses, ahead of the Department of Conservation's annual muster.

The Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society (KWHPS) wants people interested in taking home a horse from the muster in June, to apply.

KWHPS president Kathy Asplet said the horses made excellent pets and work animals.

"They are very good for any discipline, for pony clubs, horse trekking, A and P shows, as farm horses or riding for the disabled. They are really proving themselves."

A recent count of the Kaimanawa wild horses had shown the herd had increased by about 20 per cent since the last muster.

There are almost 600 horses within the management area.

An additional 20 horses had been reported from remote parts of the Waiouru Military Training Area and an attempt would be made to muster those.

After last year's muster, DOC was criticised for its decision to send a group of the horses to the abattoir rather than prolonging the stress of being held in captivity while homes were sought.

A total of 57 horses were mustered last year with KWHPS finding homes for 26 of them, but 31 remained homeless.

Ms Asplet said adopting a Kaimanawa horse was not complicated, but required prospective owners to be checked out to ensure a suitable environment was provided for the animals.

The society charged a small fee to cover the cost of initial worming, delousing, registration and membership in the society.

- NZPA