Breed Information

What is a Kaimanawa?

The Kaimanawa is a real-life breed of horse native to New Zealand. It is the country's ONLY wild horse, and runs wild in parts of the northern island. Like it's American equivalent, the Mustang, the population must be controlled to prevent over population and the stripping of the local landscape. Each summer, a muster is pulled together, driving as many as 300 wild horses into pens to be trained and raised by people as show ponies, trail horses, et cetera.

Breed Appearance

Centuries ago, settlers came to New Zealand, bringing their mounts with them. Those horses escaped or were turned loose, and as horses do, they flourished and bred with the wild population. The result of their 'romantic midnight escapades': a very diverse breed with a wide range of appearances.

The Kaimanawa can be anywhere from 12.2 to 15 hands heigh. Their heads are medium sized with a broad forehead and large, expressive eyes. They have thick, pointed ears, well set atop their heads. Their face shape varies quite a lot, going from sub concave to straight, full or even somewhat roman. The neck is generally thick and short. The bodies are short to medium rather than long. Forelegs should be straight with longer forearms than cannons, and feathering is seen in varying degrees, depending on the individual. Hindquarters see a lot of variation from sloping to well-rounded with a well set tail.

Colours

Any and every colour or pattern is acceptable in this breed, due to a long history of influence from foreign horses.

Disciplines

Good, well rounded mounts, Kaimanawas are trained and shown in everything from dressage to barrel racing. Most are keen and intelligent, and make great show prospects.

General Temperment

Generally speaking, the Kaimanawa is a intelligent and highly adaptable. He is even tempered and hardy, strong and surefooted. They are curious horses, and usually friendly and eager to please, not to mention quite social. However, it is important to keep in mind the fact that each horse is different, with his or her own flaws and personality.

Getting One

The Kaimanawa is a completely OPEN BREED. So if you want to make one for yourself, go ahead! HOWEVER to qualify to be registered in our Registry, your Kaimanawa must be realistic. That means no blue eyed bays without a splash gene, or multicoloured rainbow manes with marshmallow brains. Moving on. Other ways of getting a Kaimanawa are breeding two which currently exist in the game or purchasing one off of someone or off the group. Yet another way is participating in the Kaimanawa-Challenge! This is the retraining programme of Kaimanawas brought in from the wild, and it's a whole lot of fun!