The Kaimanawa Ranges in New Zealand are home to a wild horse population with a captivating spirit. Among them, Atahu, a four-year-old stallion, embodies curiosity and resilience. His story, from a wild yearling to a horse forging a deep connection with his trainer, offers a compelling insight into the world of wild horse taming.
Atahu’s lineage traces back to Rangatira, meaning “chief,” and Kuia, signifying an elder. His name, “Atahu,” meaning “curious” or “to charm,” was earned during his yearling phase when he displayed an unusual inquisitiveness towards photographers in his natural habitat. This initial encounter hinted at the bold and engaging personality that would define his relationship with humans.
Nine months later, as a two-year-old, Atahu was part of a bachelor herd and once again approached humans with remarkable ease, venturing within meters of a group of observers. This consistent display of curiosity set the stage for his eventual taming journey.
Upon arriving at the trainer’s facility, Atahu’s inherent curiosity was immediately apparent. It was only a week later, while reviewing archived photos, that the connection was made: this bold, charming colt was the same curious yearling encountered on a previous occasion. This realization deepened the trainer’s connection with him, recognizing he was truly living up to his name.
The taming process for Atahu, conducted largely at liberty, was exceptionally swift. Within a mere nine days, he achieved numerous taming milestones. This included facing his handler, drawing near, yielding to hindquarter pressure, accepting food and gentle sniffing from a hand, and tolerating close examination of his entire body, including his hooves. He also demonstrated an ability to follow in a figure-eight pattern, navigate obstacles freely, and be haltered in the round yard.
His progress continued seamlessly into the handling milestones. In the subsequent week, Atahu learned to lunge, walk calmly beside his handler, accept grooming all over, embark on farm adventures, overcome more complex obstacles, wear a saddle blanket, and confidently load onto a truck.
Remarkably, just three weeks after being mustered, Atahu transitioned to ridden milestones. He was backed for the first time and has since undergone a few short follow-up sessions, including walking with a rider bareback and in a halter. This rapid progression highlights Atahu’s natural aptitude and willingness to trust.
More recently, Atahu experienced an adventure at the National Equestrian Centre. Here, he explored new environments, lunging down banks, playing in a water jump, and clearing several cross-country jumps. His physical health was also assessed, with a dentist confirming his age as rising four years old and his first hoof trim being completed.
Atahu is described as one of the most amazing horses the trainer has worked with, offering continuous learning experiences. The trainer expresses great enjoyment in their time together and anticipates a bright future for their partnership.
This journey with Atahu is part of a larger narrative of wild horse advocacy and training undertaken by his handler, Kelly. Kelly Wilson is globally recognized for her achievements in wild horse training, including top finishes in prestigious competitions like the Extreme Mustang Makeover and the Australian Brumby Challenge. Her extensive experience includes taming over 60 wild Kaimanawas and extensive research on wild horse herd behavior across multiple continents. Kelly’s expertise in wild horse behavior and horsemanship has earned her international acclaim, leading to appearances on television shows, podcasts, and in magazines.
Kelly’s work extends to advocating for the welfare of Kaimanawa horses, both in their natural ranges and in domestication. At her property in Taupō, New Zealand, she dedicates her time to writing, taming wild horses, hosting workshops on wild horse handling, liberty training, and photography.
The story of Atahu, from his wild origins to his developing partnership with Kelly, underscores the potential for trust and cooperation between humans and wild horses when approached with understanding, patience, and respect.
