Intuitive Equine

02/04/2026

We are excited to announce Mike Gannaway as our official photographer for the 2026 Year Of The Horse Show.

Mike took some super shots at the Air Napier Showhunter Championships and the RAS New Zealand Showing Championships while Margo received expert tuition from Alan Windle on her journey to becoming a RAS Equestrian Judge.

Are you in these photos? Tag and share to help your friends find their special moments.

Equine Photography View fullsize Air Napier 2026 Show Hunter Championships Date: 28 March 2026Location: Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings RAS NZ Showing Championships Date: 28 March 2026Location: Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings

28/03/2026

Make a trip to Kyrewood and see the new arenas and take advantage of world class talented trainer Muzi James (Tinks Pottinger’s daughter for those of us who remember her brilliance )

We are holding Year Of The Horse Show at Kyrewood… the Arena Surfaces are outstanding … check it out.

26/03/2026

The authentic New Zealand horse needs you… we see so many of these wonderful horses in the Manawatu and hear stories of how willing they are to learn and their brave hearts.

Wild horses are simply the best… nobody has ruined them, they haven’t learned to fear humans … if you have the time, facilities and want to learn true horsemanship, contact the Kaimanawa Heritage Horses page and put your hand up. You won’t regret it.

We understand, every year emotions run high when it comes to advertising homes for the muster.

These stunning, iconic horses are being taken from the only home they’ve ever known and rehomed around the country. In a perfect world, they could be left where they are, with endless food, no pressure on the land, and no health concerns. But that isn’t the reality. And that’s where Kaimanawa Heritage Horses steps in.

As a welfare charity, our focus is, and always will be the horses. We’re here to find them the best possible homes and support them through what is a huge transition, for both horse and owner. We know the home check process can feel daunting, but it’s there to protect everyone involved and give each horse the best chance at a safe, successful future.

We do everything we can to match the right horse with the right person. And if things don’t go to plan for any reason, we’re still here. Whether that means helping find a new home or supporting a move into one of our incredible foster placements, you are never alone in this.

Behind the scenes, there is also a huge amount of work happening to create long-term change. We are working tirelessly to bring contraceptive solutions into New Zealand, something that isn’t currently available locally. It’s a complex process involving approvals, importation, and ongoing research, but early results are promising. This work is about slowing the number of horses needing to be mustered in the future.

We know not everyone is in a position to take on a horse. And sometimes that feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming. But there are still so many ways to make a difference and they matter more than you might think.

Sharing posts. Starting conversations. Joining our tours. Donating, even just $5, knowing it goes directly to the horses. That support helps cover transport, welfare, rehabilitation, and gives these horses the best chance at a new life, or a safe, permanent home within KHH.

Most of all, we want you to know this: we hear you. We feel your frustration. We care just as deeply.

We’re all here for the same reason - the horses.

So let’s stand together and find homes for the 149 horses coming out of the ranges this year. 🤍

22/03/2026

Happy in her new paddock


Nz Warmblood Association Inc
Matthias Alexander Werner
Margo Lawrence

Manawatu Farrier Services
Phylisia Loh

14/03/2026

Jody Hartstone is one of the finest trainers in New Zealand. This article about the different kinds of energy is absolutely spot on. The feeling of riding in flow is something I always aspire to.

To me, it mirrors my own approach: calmness, softness and lightness, harmony and balance, peace and serenity, power and unity… and built from small steps that work with the horse not against it.

This is someone worth following for her Sunday musings and clear explanations.

Enjoy and follow The Equine Catalyst to keep up to date with applied horse training using science and feel.

Margo Lawrence

☕ Sunday Musings

This week I’ve been thinking about the energy we bring into our rides.

Not the saddle, the bit, the arena surface, or the exercise we have planned - but the state of mind and energy we carry with us when we climb into the saddle.

Horses feel that far more than we realise. I
sometimes think about riding in terms of three different energies that riders bring into the conversation with their horse.

The first is what people often describe as masculine energy - clarity, direction, leadership. It’s the part of the rider that says, this is where we are going, this is the rhythm, this is the line.

Without that energy, horses can become uncertain. They drift, they lose focus, or they start making decisions themselves because the rider hasn’t provided a clear plan.

But the opposite energy is equally important - what many people would call feminine energy. This is the rider’s ability to feel, to listen, to soften, to notice when the horse is confused or worried. It’s the part of us that adapts, that allows space, that recognises the horse’s emotional state.

Without that sensitivity, riding can quickly become forceful or mechanical.

But there is a third energy that sits quietly alongside these two. Analysis. The thoughtful observer in the rider who is constantly asking:
Did the horse understand that?
Was my timing clear?
Was that tension confusion or resistance?
What could I change to make this easier for the horse?

Good riding, I think, lives somewhere in the balance of all three.
Clear leadership.
Soft feel.
And thoughtful reflection.

Too much direction without feel can create tension. Too much softness without clarity can create confusion. And without analysis, we risk repeating the same mistakes again and again, often blaming the horse for something we could improve ourselves.

Horses have a remarkable ability to reflect the energy we bring. When the balance is right ie when we ride with calm clarity, quiet feel, and a curious mind, something shifts. The horse begins to relax into the conversation.

And those moments… those rides where everything seems to flow… are often the ones where the rider has quietly found that balance.

Something to ponder on this Sunday.
✨

13/03/2026

A great prize… you need to be in to win! Please like Pinky’s photo - courtesy of MaKe Photography

✨ NZ HORSE OWNERS — WE WANT TO SEE YOUR HORSES! 🐴
Because of the amazing launch of Ultra Shine and all the beautiful horses you guys have been sending through, we thought we’d make it a little fun…
So we’re doing a Honey Trap Giveaway!
🏆 WIN A HONEY TRAP PRIZE PACK
The winner will get to choose either:
✨ Show Ring Pack or ❄️ Winter Care Pack

HOW TO ENTER:
🐴 Comment ONE photo of your horse on THIS original post
👯 Tag 2 horsey friends
📢 Share this post to your page or a horse group
🦄 Make sure you’re following The Honey Trap

⚠️ Important:
Your horse photo must be commented on this original post for the votes to count.
🏆 The horse photo with the most 👍 likes / ❤️ loves on their photo by 31st March will WIN!

So make sure you share the post and get your friends liking your horse!
Let’s see the horses of New Zealand 👇🇳🇿