HE MANA TŌ TE WHENUA, HE MANA TŌ TE TANGATA, HE MANA TŌ KARAREHE
In the heartbeat of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, where the mighty Kereu River meets the raw coastline of Te Kaha, our whānau stands fast — to our whenua, to our horses, and to each other. Guided by the spirit of our late father and his fierce love for land and people, Standfast was born to carry a legacy of connection, courage, and care.
At Standfast, we honour the old ways while embracing the future. We carry the Grant name with pride, and we move together as one — grounded in legacy, lifted by purpose, and galloping toward healing for all.
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.”
Pursue that which is precious, and if you falter, let it be to a lofty mountain.
Through every trek, every wānanga, and every quiet moment of healing beside a horse, we offer more than a ride — we offer a return to self, to whenua, to wairua. Horses mirror us. They teach us to breathe, to trust, to stand tall, and to move forward — gently, honestly, and with intention.
We are horsemen and women, storytellers and healers — steeped in Te Ao Māori and shaped by both Māori and Scottish roots. Here, horses are not tools. They are kaitiaki, kaiako, and companions in the journey of life. Whether you ride with us through wild whenua or sit in stillness during a therapeutic session, you’ll feel it: the presence, the power, the peace.
“Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.”
With your basket and our basket, the people will thrive.
NGĀ KŌRERO O TE KAINGA, TE TANGATA ME TE HOIHO
This is where we share the ride — from life on the land to the lessons our horses teach us daily. Rooted in Te Ao Māori and lived experience, these blogs are more than just words — they’re insights passed down, discoveries made on the trail, and whakaaro that might just shift your path.
HORSE TREKKING + EQUINE THERAPY
LETS
RIDE
KIAORA@STANDFAST.COM
TE KAHA, AOTEAROA
ADVENTURES
-
For all levels of riders aged 13+
Feel the heartbeat of Te Kaha beneath you as you ride with us through the mighty Kereu River and along the wild coastline of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. Our horses are calm, responsive, and well-trained — perfect for riders of all abilities. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just getting back in the saddle, this is a powerful way to connect with nature, wairua and the spirit of the land.
$150 per rider · Bookings essential
-
For confident riders or those with strong legs and good humour!
This one’s for the bold. A three-hour ride upriver through bush and across awa leads you to our hidden camp, where you’ll be greeted with platters, a waterfall walk, a hearty cowboy kai and stories by the fire. Sleep under the stars and wake to bacon, eggs and beans before the ride home.
You’ll need some riding experience or be physically strong — trust us, your legs will feel it if you’re not used to riding. It’s part of the magic. Horses and camping gear provided.
From $600 per rider · Book early to secure a spot
At Standfast, our Equine Assisted Therapy is not just a practice — it’s a powerful form of healing rooted in legacy, land, and relationship. Led by qualified Equine Assisted Therapist Aroha Grant, this work uses the natural behaviours and movement of horses to create space for insight, growth, and transformation.
EQUINE THERAPY AT STANDFAST
Equine Therapy
Healing. Connection. Presence.
The wisdom of the horse, guided by kaupapa Māori.
Whether you’re a young person navigating anxiety, an adult working through past trauma, or a team leader seeking better connection in the workplace, Equine Therapy offers something real, lasting, and profound.
We work from the whenua of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, alongside a herd of horses that hold space with calmness, clarity, and presence. Here, we reconnect people with themselves through the horse — a kaitiaki that responds with honesty, teaches through reflection, and holds no judgement.
At Standfast, horsemanship isn’t about how much you know it’s about how willing you are to listen, learn, and meet your horse where they are.
Too often, horsemanship is seen as a set of techniques to control or train a horse. But true horsemanship is about relationship.
It Starts on the Ground
Everything begins on the ground where trust is earned and awareness is born. A lead rope is more than a tool; it’s a line of honest conversation. Horses respond to our smallest shifts: posture, breath, intention. The question is: are we really watching?
Pressure with Feel , Not Force
Horses feel pressure constantly — in the wild it’s part of survival. But there’s a big difference between pressure offered with sensitivity and pressure with force. We earn respect not by overpowering, but by being consistent, clear, and fair. That’s real horsemanship.