Time is running out to register your interest in rehoming a Kaimanawa wild horse.

The annual Department of Conservation Kaimanawa wild horse muster at the end of May plans to remove 179 from its management area on the Waiouru military training area.

The muster is held every two years and the management plan aims to keep herd numbers in the area to 300 to ensure the healthy condition of both the habitat and the horses.

DoC discusses its plans for the muster with the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group (KWHAG) represented by the RNZSPCA, Forest & Bird, NZ Veterinary Association, NZ Defence Force, Kaimanawa Heritage Horses (KHH) and the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society (KWHPS) which support the department's plans.

DoC works closely with the two re-homing groups - KHH and KWHPS. Elder Jenks from KHH says that, once handled, the Kaimanawa wild horses had exceptional temperaments and were "delightful ponies to interact with".

This year, a Kaimanawa horse, Watch Me Move, won the Pony of the Year Award in showjumping at the prestigious Horse of the Year show.

Anyone interested in obtaining a Kaimanawa wild horse can contact Simone (KHH), muster@kaimanawaheritagehorses.org, phone 09 431 6111; Pauline Kenney (KWHPS), 07 8836708.

- WANGANUI CHRONICLE