For 12 years, Bernie the horse has helped Central Taranaki New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association.
Now, at 31 years of age, it's time for Bernie to retire to a simple life on the farm, where he will graze and relax.
Central Taranaki New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Association President Sarah Collier says Bernie arrived with them at 19 years old.
"He has quite an interesting history. He was a shepherd horse in Aotuhia station. He was named after a very iconic stock agent in Taranaki Bernie Mann. He was very well known in the region's rural sector. From Aotuhia, Bernie became a tracking horse with the Taranaki Tracking Club."
Bernie has also appeared on the big screen, featuring in the 2003 film The Last Samurai.