Wild Kaimanawa

Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society Inc. (KWHPS) has application forms available for adoption / rehoming of horses gathered in the Department of Conservation (DOC) muster.

Interested persons who have suitable resource to own a Kaimanawa horse may submit an application to purchase a wild horse from the next muster.

Of course, not everyone can own a horse. Fortunately there are many other ways that you can support the work of KWHPS and thereby ensure that we continue to find homes for these magnificent horses.

Ways that you can help KWHPS and the Kaimanawa wild horses

• Become a member of Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society Incorporated.
• Purchase a horse from the next muster.
• Order apparel and gifts from our online store.

Why are Kaimanawa horses removed from their place in the wild?

Due to their natural resilience and hardy nature, and with the help of a protection order, the population of wild horses had risen dramatically. The health and condition of the horses had become a significant welfare issue and the horses were having an adverse impact on the environment.

The Department of Conservation drew up a management plan for the wild horses and this was adopted by parliament in May 1996. The 'protected' status was lifted and it was proposed to cull the horses by shooting!

Overwhelming public opposition reversed the Government's decision and instead the horses were captured and auctioned to the public.

The Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society Inc. was formed in April 1994 to promote the preservation and protection of the Kaimanawa Wild Horses, both wild in the Kaimanawa Ranges and in domesticity.