Christmas Circuit to Gisborne: Grit, Growth & Whānau on the Road

This rodeo season has already delivered miles of travel, long days, big lessons, and even bigger memories for our whānau as we’ve worked our way around the Christmas circuit and into the new year.

Dust, diesel, late nights, early mornings, floats rolling in and out, kids running barefoot between camps, and the sound of the announcer calling riders to the arena — that’s been life for the Standfast crew as we’ve rolled from rodeo to rodeo together.

One of the biggest highlights this season has been watching the kids competing side by side — cousins growing up together in the rodeo world and building memories that will last long after the season ends. More than once I caught myself turning around asking, “Hey, where’s my son?” — something I don’t say often because he’s usually right beside me. Every time the answer came back the same: “He’s with his cousins.”

And the adventures never stopped — finding pigs, rolling down hills, playing in the dark, soldiers and ninjas, riding bulls, running barrels — all the chaos kids on rodeo tour somehow manage to pack into every stop. Those moments remind us why we do this.

Riding alongside my sister Bry and cousin Destiny has been another highlight. Riders backing each other, celebrating improvements, dusting off tough runs and lining up again — that sisterhood runs deep. Walking back from the arena to proud smiles and hugs reminds us this journey is carried by whānau.

Along the road we’ve also picked up new sisters in Cherie, Dayna and little Rose — friendships built between arenas and long drives that feel like they’ll last well beyond the season.

And through every stop, the horses continue to prove they’re the true athletes of this sport — turning up day after day with heart, grit and honesty.

Growth Across the Season

The season opened with all the usual highs and hard lessons that come with rodeo life — promising runs mixed with knocked barrels, missed patterns, and tough early draws as riders and horses settled into the circuit rhythm.

‘Haunui Coming out Hard and Fast’

The rough stock action has delivered plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments too, with Haunui competing in both saddle bronc and bull riding across the circuit. His rides have kept fence lines tense — broncs firing high out of the chute and bulls turning back hard, testing every rider’s reactions and grit.

Opotiki Rodeo delivered one of those heart-stopping moments when a rank bull chased him down after the dismount, but he was back on his feet and walking it off — part of the reality of riding rough stock. Rerewhakaitu Rodeo brought an even heavier hit when he was knocked unconscious and stomped after a ride, a moment that silenced the arena and reminded everyone how unforgiving the sport can be.But grit defines rodeo riders. Haunui made his return at Gisborne Rodeo, putting together a solid bull ride that scored 63 points, finishing just outside the money and proving he was ready to keep pushing forward.

‘Kayde Takes on the Steers’

Stepping into that same tough arena environment, Kayde began his steer riding journey this season, climbing on and giving it a go even after watching his dad take some heavy knocks earlier in the circuit. Experience in rough stock comes hard and fast.

At Far North Rodeo, he took a heavy hit when a steer came back over him after the ride. It knocked his confidence, as those moments can, but he still showed courage getting in there and giving it a go. That willingness to step up — even when things get tough — is what builds future riders.

That’s rodeo — hard hits, tough stock, and riders willing to climb back into the chute.

Breakthrough Runs & Rising Confidence

Across the barrel racing crew, improvements kept stacking up as the circuit rolled north.

‘King and Aroha Making Money Runs’

King and I steadily climbed into contention, moving from mid-field finishes into consistent money placings. The breakthrough came at Oruru Valley Rodeo, laying down our fastest run of the season at 17.866 seconds for a 4th placing. That momentum carried through with another 4th placing at Mid Northern Rodeo, followed by a strong 3rd place money run at Gisborne Rodeo.

After three years of building trust, putting in the miles and working through setbacks, reaching those runs meant everything. With those goals achieved, King’s season now wraps here so he can rest and recover, because no matter what comes next, his wellbeing and longevity always come first. He is my heart.

‘MVP of the season’

A special nod goes to Ngāpuhi, who has quietly been one of the season’s MVPs. Both Ahi and Destiny rode her, and she’s helped build confidence and consistency for two young riders learning the barrel pattern under real competition pressure. A good horse teaches timing, balance and feel — and Ngāpuhi has done exactly that.

‘Ahi Climbs The Ranks’

Ahi’s improvement through the season has been massive, knocking big chunks off early times and climbing placings as confidence built. His standout run came at Oruru Valley Rodeo, finishing 10th with his fastest time of the season at 22.37 seconds — proof that hard work and experience are paying off.

‘Acacia Shows Grit and Determination’

Several early disqualifications while her pony learned the ropes never stopped her showing up each weekend. Then at Oruru Valley Rodeo, it finally clicked — pattern completed, first official time recorded. She backed that up at Mid Northern Rodeo and again at Gisborne Rodeo, showing persistence wins in the long run.

‘Bry Getting it Done’

Bry has also shown steady progress across the circuit, stepping up each weekend and improving her times even while riding different horses at points during the season. Switching mounts in competition isn’t easy, but she’s adapted well, putting together stronger runs as the weeks have rolled on.

A real highlight came at Gisborne Rodeo, where she climbed aboard King for her final run of the weekend and finished with a placing in the local barrel race — a solid way to cap off her run there. Her confidence and consistency continue to build each rodeo, and watching her settle into her runs and back herself in the arena has been a highlight for all of us riding alongside her.

‘Destiny Found Her Seat’

And cousin Destiny Stehlin, entering barrel racing for the very first time this season, improved every rodeo she entered. One unforgettable moment came at Far North Rodeo, holding on through every turn only to lose both boots charging home — pure determination. By Gisborne Rodeo, she was sitting deep into turns and handling the pattern smoothly, putting together her best run yet and showing she’s truly finding her groove.

More Than Just Results

Through every rodeo stop — wins, losses, clean runs and hard knocks — one thing stays the same: this journey is never done alone.

A massive mihi goes to everyone supporting from the fence line, from home, or helping keep fuel in the trucks and horses on the road. Rodeo takes a village, and we feel that support every mile.

And the season isn’t done yet.

Next stop: Waikato Rodeo and Kakahi Rodeo, February 21–22, with several more rodeos still ahead before the season wraps.

More miles. More dust. More lessons still to come.

And honestly?

We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Standfast.

When people join us for a trek, they often see the magic — the horses, the whenua, the freedom of riding along the coast. What they don’t see is the careful preparation that happens behind the scenes to make sure both horse and rider are safe, confident, and ready to enjoy the journey.

Building a Trek Horse

Our trekking horses aren’t just thrown into the saddle and pointed down a track. Each one is patiently trained, from groundwork to riding out in pairs, then gradually into a herd. We focus on calmness, responsiveness, and trust — the qualities that make them reliable partners for riders of all levels.

Daily Conditioning

Like athletes, trek horses need regular exercise. They’re schooled, taken on conditioning rides, and rotated between light and steady work. This keeps them fit without wearing them down. Every horse has different strengths — some are steady and safe for beginners, others are sharper and suit experienced riders.

Care and Well-being

Before and after every trek, our horses are fed, checked, groomed, and their gear inspected. We make sure saddles fit, hooves are healthy, and the horses are mentally fresh. A happy, healthy horse makes for the best trekking companion.

Matching Horses to Riders

One of the most important parts of trek prep is pairing the right horse with the right rider. We take the time to ask about each rider’s experience and confidence, and we choose a horse that will give them the safest, most enjoyable ride.

More Than a Trek

At Standfast, trekking isn’t just about riding. It’s about connecting — with the horse under you, the whenua around you, and the whānau you ride alongside. The preparation behind the scenes is what makes that connection possible.

Where the rhythm of horses, whenua, and whānau set the pace — even in the off-season.

When you live close to the land and work alongside horses, the seasons shape everything. Right now, it’s the quieter season at Standfast. The treks are on pause, the pace has softened, but life at the stables never stops.

The horses are still here. So are the early mornings, the quiet rituals, the school run, the movement, and the moments that anchor me in what matters.

Here’s what a winter day really looks like behind the scenes.

What to bring, what to expect, and how to show up as you are, boots, nerves, and all.

At Standfast, our healing with horses workshops are gentle, grounding, and welcoming. But we get it. Stepping into something new (especially when it involves large four-legged animals) can feel like a big deal.

Maybe you're not a “horse person.” Maybe you’ve never done anything like this before. Maybe you're wondering if the horse is going to psychoanalyse you (spoiler: they won’t). That’s all okay. This guide is here to help you feel ready — in body, mind, and gumboots.

At Standfast, we see it every day: someone walks into the paddock holding tension they didn’t even know they were carrying and a horse helps them let it go.

Horses have a way of helping us return to ourselves. Not through talking. Not through effort. But through presence.

You don’t have to ride to feel it. You don’t have to say a word. Simply being with a horse, breathing near them, observing, moving slowly begins to shift something in us. And science is starting to catch up with what horse people have known for generations: horses regulate us.

Why I Love Horse Sports

One of my favourite things in the world is horse sports. I love riding horses and competing in events. It’s not just a sport to me—it’s my life.

My Horse Lunah

I have my own horse named Lunah. She is very special to me because I broke her in myself and trained her to do all the different events. Lunah is a sports horse which means she knows how to do many events like barrel racing, pole bending, jumping, flag races, and the potato race. I enjoy working/riding with her because she is fast and VERY smart and kind of listens well.

My Favourite Events

My favourite events in horse sports are barrel racing and pole bending. Barrel racing is all about speed and tight turns around barrels. Pole bending is like weaving through poles as fast as you can without knocking them over. Both of these events are super fun and give me a rush of excitement.

Training and Teamwork

Training for horse sports takes a lot of time and hard work. I practice to make sure Lunah is ready for horse sports and make sure we work well as a team. You need to control your horse and steer it by using your feet and your body to make it move. If you have spurs on then it will be easy for you. We have a strong bond, and that helps us do our best in competitions. We don’t win at all but it's not about winning, it's about having fun and spending time with your horse and your family. Horse sports has taught me to spend time with my horse, to do my best and not to care about winning.

Looking After Lunah

Looking after a horse is a big job and once that's done you have to do the horse sports which is even harder of a job. I want to keep getting better and maybe win some big competitions. Horse sports make me happy, and I’m proud of everything Lunah and I have done together. It’s a sport full of challenges, and I love every part of it.

If you’ve ever had a horse step into your space, barge past you, or lean heavily on you, you’re not alone. A “pushy” horse isn’t being rude, they’re communicating. And often, they’re asking one simple question:

“Who’s leading here?”

At Standfast, we don’t meet pushiness with punishment. We meet it with clarity, calm energy, and consistency. Because most of the time, a pushy horse isn’t trying to dominate; they’re trying to find out if they can trust you to lead.

Meet the Standfast Crew: Haunui

At Standfast, our plushies aren’t just cuddly toys — they’re characters grounded in real people, real horses, and real stories. Each one is based on a person who walks the land, works with horses, and lives with heart. These are characters grounded in whakapapa, whenua, and whānau.

Today, we introduce you to Haunui — in plushie form, and in real life.

Haunui: The Horseman from Raukokore

Haunui is one of nine siblings — five brothers and four sisters — raised on the rugged East Coast. He now lives at the family homestead in Raukokore, where the ocean meets the bush, and the horses move with the rhythm of the land.From a young age, Haunui was guided by our late father, John Grant, a true horseman who taught all his tamariki the value of quiet strength, clear presence, and respect for animals. Haunui listened. Watched. Learned. And over the years, those teachings became the way he moved through the world — calm, capable, and deeply connected.

Today, he carries that legacy forward through his own kaupapa: Standfast Horsemanship, where he teaches others to work with horses in a way that’s grounded, honest, and real.

The Showman Beneath the Stillness

Though Haunui moves through life with a quiet confidence, don’t be fooled, there’s a bit of a showman in him too. He can turn heads when he rides bridleless, crack a whip with precision, or spin a horse like he’s dancing.

He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but when it finds him, he handles it with style.

It’s that rare mix of humble and bold that makes him unforgettable: the horseman who leads with feel, but knows how to light up a crowd when the moment calls.

Rig — More Than a Horse

Haunui’s main horse is Rig, a powerful stallion named after our uncle Robert Ian Grant. Rig isn’t just a mount, he’s part of the whānau. Strong, watchful, and deeply attuned, Rig reflects everything Haunui is: dependable, instinctive, and connected to something bigger than himself.

Their partnership didn’t happen overnight. It was built over time with trust, patience, and presence. The kind of relationship that doesn’t need words to be understood.

The PlushyVersion

The Haunui plushie carries all of that with him. He might be small and soft, but he represents something solid, a protector, a provider, a leader by example. Though he’s not the eldest, he’s taken on the mantle of guiding and holding space for the whānau.

There’s loyalty stitched into every seam. The kind of strength that shows up again and again no matter what’s needed. He’s the hunter, the horseman, the one who makes sure everyone is safe, fed, and grounded.

This plushie is for tamariki who need someone steadfast in their corner. For the kids who carry a lot, who look after others, who need to know that someone’s got their back. And yes there’s a little bit of swagger stitched in there too.

More Than a Toy — A Whānau Connection

Haunui is just one part of the Standfast plushie whānau, alongside Aroha, Ahikaa, and King the horse. Each plushie is part of a bigger story, one that’s lived out on the land, in the paddock, and now, in homes across the motu.

You can bring Haunui home or collect the full crew

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.

It started with a ride.

One summer afternoon back in 2018, I saddled up and went out for a ride with my whānau. Nothing fancy, just us, the horses, and the whenua beneath our feet. We were boosting down the beach, wind in our faces, wild and laughing and then came the quiet. The kind of silence that only happens when you’re out there together, hooves in the sand, breathing the salt air, nothing else in the world pulling at you.

That unfiltered joy. That feeling of being alive and together. Memories of riding as kids came flooding in of my dad, my siblings, the adventures we had growing up.

Understanding Autism and Sensory Needs

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. While every autistic person is different, many share a heightened sensitivity to sensory input, often called sensory processing differences or sensory modulation challenges.

At Standfast, whānau means more than just family. It means connection — to people, to whenua, to wairua. It means showing up for each other, even on the hard days. It means holding space for growth, healing, and unconditional love.

But strong whānau don’t just happen. They’re nurtured. And often, that work begins with ourselves. We believe the strength of a whānau starts within the heart of each person.

Healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about reconnecting, rebalancing, and rediscovering the strength that already lives inside us.

Riding with Te Taiao In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected — from the land, from each other, and even from ourselves. But out here, where the breeze carries the scent of wet earth and the steady thrum of hooves fills the quiet, we remember something ancient and true: we belong to Te Taiao, and it belongs to us.

Te Taiao isn’t just nature — it’s everything. The land, the rivers, the mountains, the sky, the birds, the winds, the quiet pauses between dawn and dusk. It’s the living world that sustains us and whispers the old stories if we’re still enough to listen. And few companions teach us to listen better than horses.

“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu – Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly.”

At Standfast, horsemanship isn’t just about riding — it’s a way of life. It’s about building trust, understanding body language, staying present, and learning to lead with patience, not pressure. Whether you’re guiding a horse through the bush or simply standing alongside one, you’re entering into a relationship that asks you to show up honestly, calmly, and with intention.

This is especially powerful for tamariki. Teaching kids to ride builds more than physical skill — it teaches resilience, confidence, empathy, and responsibility. A horse doesn’t respond to ego, but to energy. When our rangatahi learn to ride, they’re also learning how to breathe through fear, set boundaries, listen deeply, and trust themselves. These are life lessons that stretch far beyond the saddle.

“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu – Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly.”

At Standfast, horsemanship isn’t just about riding — it’s a way of life. It’s about building trust, understanding body language, staying present, and learning to lead with patience, not pressure. Whether you’re guiding a horse through the bush or simply standing alongside one, you’re entering into a relationship that asks you to show up honestly, calmly, and with intention.

This is especially powerful for tamariki. Teaching kids to ride builds more than physical skill — it teaches resilience, confidence, empathy, and responsibility. A horse doesn’t respond to ego, but to energy. When our rangatahi learn to ride, they’re also learning how to breathe through fear, set boundaries, listen deeply, and trust themselves. These are life lessons that stretch far beyond the saddle.