Horse
Breed Description:
The Kaimanawa breed of horse is difficult to define by regular, specific standards. This is because it is a direct descendant of domesticated horses that were released, escaped or was lost in the mountainous regions of New Zealand. Pony-types to Arab blood was eventually introduced into the gene pool, resulting in an extraordinarily hardy breed that is accustomed to a wide variety of temperatures and climate conditions, including extremes of both cold and heat. Kaimanawa horses may be found in virtually any color or pattern, and likewise their heads may exhibit a wide variety of the features inherited from their ancestors. Kaimanawa horses are usually very sure footed and thickly muscled, with small but hard hooves and an excellent sense of balance. The Kaimanawa breed of horse features a short to medium back with straight shoulders, and deep bellies. The legs are generally long with excellent joints, and hooves that are smaller in the rear than in the front. The breed may vary considerably from specimen to specimen, so care must be taken to indentify the breed correctly.
Temperament:
The Kaimanawa breed of horse is an exceptionally hardy animal that has very little contact with humans. The Kaimanawa breed is intelligent, inquisitive, and extremely tough. In theory the breed could be utilized for a great number of purposes, depending upon the size, attitude, and conformation of the individual Kaimanawa horse. However, the breed is protected by the New Zealand government, and if the Kaimanawa has direct contact with humans at all, it is as a result of breeding and protective programs instituted by the government. Kaimanawas are typically not ridden or worked, but would be quit suited to any purpose should the need arise.
Height:
12 hh to 15 hh
Health Problems:
There are very few health concerns with the Kaimanawa breed of horse. Like other feral horse populations, the Kaimanawa tends to get fat very easily. This is important for winter survival, but if left to a sedentary lifestyle can prove disastrous to the breed. An easy keeper, the Kaimanawa breed of horse can sustain on limited feed and water. Because it is so accustomed to this lifestyle, care must be taken to ensure that the animal remains in optimal condition year-‘round.
Origin:
The Kaimanawa breed of horse has been known in its current state for about 125 years. Horses that were initially brought with settlers to New Zealand in the early part of the nineteenth century later were released or escaped into the wild, thus forming the breeding stock for the Kaimanawa. Today the breed is managed exclusively by the government of New Zealand, which has successfully brought the approximate total numbers of the breed from a dismal couple of hundred about thirty years ago, to around 2,000 animals today. 