Kaimanawa horses are the closest to truly wild horses that New Zealand has. Although not native, they have occupied this country almost as long as the Europeans and have managed to endure in the harshest of environments.

While the first horses were introduced into New Zealand by Samuel Marsden in December 1814, it was not until 1876 that the first wild horses were recorded in the Kaimanawa mountains.

Over the years that followed, other horses contributed to the bloodline of this wild population. There were escapes and releases of horses from sheep runs in the area and in 1941 horses from the mounted rifle cavalry units at Waiouru were released when a strangles epidemic threatened. 

There is wide variation within the breed in general appearance and impression, however, they are well muscled, with heights generally falling between 12.2hh and 15hh. They are highly intelligent, quick adapters, hardy, robust and strong; these have been their survival instincts in the wild. Most are brown or bay but there are also a number of grey horses, and lots of chestnuts. The horses are generally known for their calmness and inquisitiveness.

Kaimanawa Wild Horses have been mustered from their regular habitat by the New Zealand Department of Conservation since 1993 where they are then either trucked directly to slaughter houses, to holding farms for later slaughter or given to “agents” to place in domestic homes.

Some of these “agents” are legitimate welfare organisations such as The Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust (KWHWT), which is currently represented by a strong, diverse group of people who share a common goal of improving the welfare of Kaimanawa horses. Chairman Elder Jenks said, “The Trust works to protect and preserve the Kaimanawa horses, and support their welfare. We try to enhance their quality of life by directing them to adequate homes.”

The Kaimanawa Wild Horses are listed by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, Rome, as a special herd of genetic value.