The Department of Conservation (DoC) and Kaimanawa Heritage Horses (KHH) are calling for experienced horse owners to rehome some of the more than 200 wild horses from the Waiōuru military training area during this year’s annual muster.
DoC manages the Kaimanawa herd at the sustainable level of 300 horses to protect the fragile ecosystems unique to the Moawhango ecological zone and keep the wild horses healthy.
Re-homing is co-ordinated by the dedicated not-for-profit group Kaimanawa Heritage Horses, but the group has received very few applications for horses this year.
DoC Central Plateau operations manager Dave Conley says rehoming is the best outcome for both the horses and the people who love them.
“It’s a win-win for horse welfare and the environment, but only if we find enough homes, so we’re adding our voices to the call to rehome,” said Conley.