Close-up of beige horizontal lines on a black background.
A woman kneeling on the ground, surrounded by horses, gently touching one horse's face with her hand, in a natural outdoor setting.

ABOUT STANDFAST

Standfast was born from legacy — a tribute to our father, John Grant, a fierce horseman and kaitiaki of the wild horses of Raukokore. He carried the motto of his Scottish ancestors — Stand Fast — and lived it every day: standing fast for his land, his people, and his whānau. That legacy now runs through us, his children, each carving our own path while carrying his deep love for horses, community, and connection. From the rugged coastline of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui to the roar of hooves on open whenua, Standfast is a living reflection of whakapapa, resilience, and purpose.

Where Can I ride horses? Standfast, Te Kaha, NZ

Standfast is now led by Aroha Grant — daughter of the late John Grant — who carries her father’s legacy with strength, humility, and vision. Aroha is a qualified Equine Assisted Therapist and a lifelong horsewoman, raised in the saddle and shaped by the whenua of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. With a deep understanding of both horsemanship and healing, she weaves together her passion for helping others with the values her father instilled — whānau first, manaakitanga always, and standing fast in who you are. Under her guidance, Standfast continues to grow as a space of connection, courage, and care for all who visit.

A person wearing sunglasses and a cowboy hat with a tattoo on their face, looking at a white horse with a dark patch near its eye. The horse's head is close to the person's face in a black and white photo.

Here, horses are more than companions — they’re kaiako, kaitiaki, and healers. Whether you join us for a coastal trek, an overnight horse camp, or an equine therapy session, you’ll feel the wairua of this place, this work, and these animals. Our kaupapa blends Te Ao Māori with practical horsemanship — rooted in respect, humility, and a fierce love for both people and whenua. At Standfast, you’re not just along for the ride — you’re part of the story.

A circular logo with the text 'STAND FAST JOURNEY WITH HOPE' around the perimeter. Inside the circle are the letters 'SF'.

Let’s ride together

Woman hugging a black horse outdoors, smiling with eyes closed, near a grassy area and a body of water in the background.
Two women are sitting in a river while a girl rides a horse in the water. The river is surrounded by lush green vegetation.
Black and white photo of three people riding horses on a beach, with the focus on a horse and its rider in the foreground. The rider is a woman with tattoos on her arm, wearing a helmet and smiling. The horse has its mane flowing as it moves through the shallow water, with a background of grassy dunes and trees.
Person holding a horse's rein with a sunset in the background, and a person riding a horse on the horizon.