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Here at Alpine Horse Safaris, Lawrie and Jenny have been breeding their own horses since they purchased their first stallion Turbo Charge in 1976, a 16.2 hands high half Clydesdale half Thoroughbred stallion. From him, they discovered that the combination of the Clydesdale and Thoroughbred breeds was highly successful and decided to continue breeding their own horses as a mix of the two. These subsequent offspring have proved excellent for mustering and stock work on the farm, and also provide good mounts for our safari guests.
The horses are bred and raised on the hill country, so are sure-footed in all terrains, and fast-walking from their Thoroughbred background. They carry more physical characteristics of a Clydesdale though, with hairy legs and strongly built - great for use as pack horses.
Turbo Charge was the sire of over 25 foals for the O'Carrolls, unfortuantely dying from old age in 1987. Luckily, he had left a legacy in Nikau, who was the second stallion producing his own 8 foals before retiring as a stallion to become a riding horse for the safaris. As a replacement for Nikau, two new stallions were bought in 1996, a sire and his progeny, the sire dying just 1 year later after producing two foals for us. His earlier offspring was the other stallion, Wainuka, bought as a yearling, but at 3 was put to work and by the age of 5 had already given us 15 new foals.
In 1996, we also sent one of our brood mares to be artificially inseminated with semen from Jaguar, a well-known Belgian Warmblood dressage and show-jumping horse of the North Island. This produced our other current stallion named Toru, born in 1997 and first serving mares in 2000.
In total there are about 60 horses at Waitohi Downs, and this number is ever-growing. 35 are used as riding horses for stock work and also on the safaris, 10 or so are brood mares, and there are about 15 yearlings, two and three year olds. These younger horses are constanly being handled from an early age until they are broken in at 3 years old. They are slowly introduced to the safaris, often being used as a pack horse and for mustering first to make sure that they are quiet and able to cope with any events that may occur during the rides.
The horses here are not stabled, but live out on the hillside and in paddocks all year round. They always have plenty of feed in the paddocks but in the winter months (May - September) when grass is sparse, they are supplementary fed daily with red clover or Lucern hay, made here at Waitohi Downs in the summer from the lush grass grown on the flats. Before rides, they are given chaff to keep their energy levels high, and there is always a fresh supply of water available from the numerous creeks scattered across the farm.
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Here is a small selection of some of our horses, and a quick insight into their personalities. Each is unique and known for his or her own characteristics, and each is special is their own way. The names given to the horses are all taken from native New Zealand trees and plants, most of which can be seen on our rides.
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| RIDING HORSES: | |
| Matagouri |
Little Matty will look after anyone like a perfect gentleman, and who can help but fall for that quivering bottom lip?! |
| Bracken |
One of the 'black' horses given to more experienced riders, Bracken is responsive, a real fast walker and a pleasure to ride. |
| Birch |
Another of the 'black' horses, Birch is like a machine - he will win every walking race by miles. He is a top class stock horse, climbing any hill in seconds. |
| Rimu |
He is often known as The Clown but despite his clown-like antics, Rimu will take care of his rider and deliver them at the end of the ride as good as new. |
| Fern |
The perfect ladies horse, little Fern is fast-walking and loves to be at the front. |
| PACK HORSES: |
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| Manuka |
Better known as Jumbo, this guy keeps an eye on the other horses only allowing them to pass him if they have his permission. A real character, and great fun to watch. |
| Kanuka |
Although not related to Jumbo, these two giants look like brothers and are the best of mates. One is never far away from the other, and without fail, they'll look after each other through thick and thin. Also known as Cuddles. |
| Rata |
Standing at 17.1 hh, Rata is the biggest of all our horses. She effortlessly carries the swags on our trips, but also is a foolhardy ride for even the most nervous beginner. |
| Tussock |
Pack horse number one, Tussock will look after his load as if it were his own, and check that the others are all doing their jobs properly too. Also used as a top riding horse. |
| YOUNG HORSES: |
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| Miro |
One of the sweetest horses, she loves being with people and getting lots of attention, an upcoming horse that will find a place in everyone's heart. |
| Raupo |
Boss of the younger horses, Raupo is becoming one of the most reliable of them all, soon to be another Old Faithful. |
| Ngaio |
More fondly known as Cheeky, she is little and very friendly, and she will always poke her nose in to be part of the action. |
| Flora and Fauna |
On our safaris, we see a wide multitude of native plants, bushes, and trees. It is this close proximity to nature that has prompted us to name our horses after such native plants, although some names are not actually featured on our rides. Plants found within Waitohi Downs that we have named horses after include Flax, Matagouri, Tauwhini, Manuka, Kanuka, Tussock and Fern. To find out more about these native species, please look at some of the links below: |
For More information or bookings contact:
Alpine Horse Safaris
Waitohi Downs, Hawarden, North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND
Ph/Fax: +64 3 314
4293 Email: alpinehorse@amuri.net
