A 10-year-old Clydesdale called Blaze has passed an employment trial period and, with the help of money from the Eastern and Central Community Trust, is about to become an official member of the Foxton horse-drawn tram team.
Blaze has been on loan from Clydesdale trainer and breeder Steve Muggeridge, but with the $4000 donation completing fundraising to meet the purchase price, Blaze joined fellow working Clydesdales Peter and Katie as a permanent member of the team.
Holly, Katie's mother, retired from the job due to arthritis.
Foxton Horse Tram Society secretary Paul Matthews said it can be a challenge acquiring a trained Clydesdale to help pull the tram but Blaze is fitting in well.
The other challenge facing the society is finding suitable drivers as backup for lead driver Jim White.
Drivers must be able to professionally manage the tram that takes 20 passengers and also hold a heavy truck license to transport the Clydesdales from the paddock in Foxton Beach to the tram station in Main St.
"It's a unique skill to drive a horse-drawn tram," said Mr Matthews.
If you have these skills and are interested in helping you can contact Jim White on 027 449 8350.