This year’s Kaimanawa wild horse muster in New Zealand’s Central North Island will proceed after the Department of Conservation (DoC) reversed its initial decision not to fund it. The annual muster is crucial to controlling the horse population, which currently exceeds the target of 300 horses, with over 600 roaming military land. Without population control, numbers could surge to 1100 within three years, increasing the risk of culling. The DoC agreed to fund a “mega muster” in April to remove 149 horses and will also trial immunocontraception on 50 horses as a new population management tool.

Charities involved in horse welfare, including the Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation and Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society, had faced financial challenges in funding the muster independently, as they are also fundraising to support horse rehoming and training subsidies. Last year’s muster removed 226 horses, highlighting the ongoing challenge of finding homes for large numbers of wild horses. The DoC and partners, including iwi and the Defence Force, are now exploring strategies to maintain sustainable horse numbers while minimizing environmental impacts, with future musters and population control methods still under consideration.