New homes found for 62 Kaimanawa wild horses

Sixty-two Kaimanawa wild horses, or more than three-quarters of the number mustered this year, have been found homes, the highest percentage ever.

The Department of Conservation, which is delighted with the success of this year's muster, said 79 horses were removed from the management area, and all but 17 were suitable for new homes.

Twenty-six were juveniles, 26 were colts and 27 were mares.

The department's Wanganui conservator, Bill Carlin, said the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society had taken 28, Wild Horses of Aotearoa had taken 30, and the remaining four had found homes with other owners.

"The muster has been going on now for more than a decade, and we've got so many skilled and competent staff on the ground, it's relatively stress free. It's a well-oiled machine."

The horses were taken to their new homes on Sunday and yesterday. Some spent the night at Waiouru army base.

A recent count of the management area showed 555 horses, with additional animals located further north, in the zero density area. The Wild Horse Plan aims to keep the population at around 500 in the management area.

- NZPA