Kaakano Ridge Track Paradise

17/05/2025

16/05/2025

Introducing Aataahua.

This lovely Kaimanawa mare was mustered in 2018 with a foal at foot. Unfortunately she hasn’t had a completely happy time in domesticity, eventually being surrendered to Kaimanawa Heritage Horses last year with a solid reputation as apparently dangerous and aggressive and better off shot.

Thank god she has ended up with us. Why? Because since arriving here in February we have not seen a single sign of any violent or dangerous behaviour.

At no time have we felt unsafe or unsure of her intent, including my non-horsey husband. Quite the opposite in fact.

We have found her to be kind, respectful, careful around us and our grandies especially, and wanting to please to the extent she is able. Despite the fear and distrust she carries.

I truly believe this is a formerly wild horse who did not want to be ridden or perform tricks or win ribbons. She was wild and wanted to stay that way; how could we not try to respect that?

Her life here is nowhere close to being wild, but we give her the space she wants and needs. She’s here to be a friend for my much loved 22-year-old mare and our only expectation is that she is safe to be around.

And she is and I am so proud of her.

Aataahua means beautiful and she is, inside and out.

20/10/2024

These two ‘promo models’ were super this weeekend at Equifest.

Led the 1.20 championship from the start only for the 47th and last rider to finish a whisker faster. Doesn’t matter a bit, they’re champions in our eyes.

A day earlier Sienna delivered her best round ever and we Emma Gazeoud of her. This on top of a great season start two weeks ago where she also ribboned.

Thank you so much Emma Gaze for all the fun and joy that you both bring. 🙏🏽

PS the ‘Batman’ mask is excellent for supporting hot, forward horses like Sienna to feel more secure and calm. It’s made a huge difference.

11/11/2023

Top up day. 😃

This is easily the most popular spot on the track - rolling, sleeping, snoozing, and yes toileting 😏

10/11/2023

Kaakano Ridge has a new resident.

Meet Maya, 25, who will blossom from track life and with friends, forage (and no grass!) and movement.

She’s a sweetie and Tommi has assured her that she’s very welcome but will not be the boss. 😂

08/09/2023

A lovely outing was had by all, the first in a while. 💯

The on and off to kick 💩off the track, which is used by the public, a bit challenging for these older bones though.

But still so much fun for us both. 😊

11/05/2023

Windy, wet, cold but plenty of hay and shelter. 👌🏼

Track life winter realities. 💧💨🥶

07/05/2023

Looking across the vista towards our home. You can just see a peak of Lake Waikare in the distance.

03/05/2023

If there’s one thing that track life has given me it’s peace of mind.

Yes I still wish every day that my girl could safely wile away her days and nights in the paddock.

But with a weather pattern that feels like we’ve been in Spring since forever, there’s no way she’d survive on the constantly growing lush grass. Cresty neck, fat deposits, obesity, sore feet and laminitis would follow. And that is not happening on my watch.

If you’re looking for a safe, soft landing for your bestie where the daily diet is safe horse friendly hay then PM me, I have limited space available. 🦄