Wild horses winter over near Waiouru

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 10, 7 August 1984, Page 7

Wild horses winter over near Waiouru

Some of Waiouru's more 'voluntary' residents have been finding life pretty cool, but are taking some very long term steps to do something about it. The Kaimanawa wild horses (pictured) have been around a long time — the first recorded sighting was way back in 1876. And some observers believe the wild horses have begun evolving slowly to cope with their unusual environment. The herds have developed longer coats for added warmth, and many have a noticeably swayed back. The original breeding stock is thought to have come from domestic horses introduced by the Maoris in the middle of last century and their numbers have increased over the years with

animals from a variety of sources. There are novf thought to

be between 150 , and 200 horses ranging over a 27,000 hectare area between the Rangitikei and Moawhango Rivers. In places this home ground rises to nearly 1650 metres (5000 feet) above sea level, and for the most part has little vegetation except tussock. At this time of the year the ground is also snow covered for long periods. There is no evidence that

these animals have been harmed through living in the middle of the army training area. Indeed, they appear to be thriving there because their greatest threat, man, has been almost totally excluded from their home land for many years. The horses' activities are monitored by the Army and the Wildlife Service of the Departmenf of Internal Affairs.