A Day in the Life at Standfast Stables
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.
4:00am — Before the Sun, Before the World Wakes
My day begins before the first light touches the sky, not in a saddle, but with a strong protein coffee with cream, dogs curled at my feet, and a peaceful house around me.
Replying to emails
Updating social media
Writing blogs (like this one)
Invoicing, ordering, and planning
These early hours are for holding the kaupapa strong, behind every healing session is a whole lot of quiet mahi that makes it possible.
5:30am — Strength, Stillness, and Intentions
With the admin done, I shift inward and into my body. This is my sacred hour, a blend of movement, breath, and wairua.
Mobility and strength training to carry the physical demands of this life
Grounding breathwork and wairua-based meditation
Frequency healing to reset and align my nervous system
A quiet gratitude practice
Manifesting the day ahead with intention and clarity
This isn’t just about fitness. It’s about presence, being strong in body, settled in spirit, and steady for the people and horses I hold space for.
7:00am — Son, Dogs, and the School Run
As the sun peeks over the hills, my son rises and the house shifts into whānau rhythm.
Breakfast is big at Standfast. It’s not just a meal, it’s a moment. A time to laugh (and there’s plenty of that, my boy’s got jokes for days), to connect, and to fuel up for the day ahead.
We sit down together to a good kai, no distractions, just presence. Strong nutrition sets the tone for a strong day, and this time anchors us both before the world picks up speed.
At 8:00am, he’s off, walking down the drive to the bus stop, with the dogs trailing behind like loyal shadows. That image? That’s the heartbeat of my morning.
8:30am — Horses, Herd Checks, and Quiet Connection
With the house quiet again, I check the horses and the land.
The morning routine includes:
Fence checks
Wellbeing checks — legs, hooves, eyes, breathing, movement
Feeding hay and filling troughs
Watching for anything that feels off
It’s not all about work, there are cuddles too, scratches, soft whispers, and that kind of presence that doesn’t need words, all the good feels, building relationships. This is what lights up my soul, I laugh, I smile and sometimes I cry.
No halter. No agenda. Just trust, built from being there. Every day, rain or shine.
9:30am — The Workday Begins
From here, my day unfolds — and no two days look the same.
I might be:
Training young or green horses
Working with competition horses
Collaborating with the farrier
Cleaning paddocks, building/repairing fences or moving horses
Running workshops/clinics
Other days are about:
Planning workshops, school holiday programmes, or fundraising events
Invoicing and admin, updating the website or preparing grant proposals (especially Mondays)
The rhythm shifts, but the purpose stays the same: to keep Standfast flowing with integrity, wairua, and aroha.
Afternoon — Chores, Horses, and Time Together
By 3pm, the house shifts again, but this part of the day isn’t about slowing down. It’s about showing up.
The afternoon is for chores both around the house and with the horses. My son is usually right there beside me, whether he’s mucking out, helping with odd jobs, or riding and most importantly his chance to co-regulate by telling me all about his day and all the things he wants to let out to me after a day of stimulation. There is alot of cuddles, alot of loud noises and alot of talking through things that don’t make sense to him.
It’s not just about ticking tasks off a list. It’s about being present with him, sharing space, teaching by doing, and making memories in the everyday moments.
Even in the quiet season, the rhythm is steady. And even in the chores, there’s connection.
Evening — Cuddles, Kai, and Quiet Moments
As the sun dips below the ridge and the sky softens into pink and gold, the day winds down.
Dinner is cooked, the dogs are fed, and the house settles into its evening rhythm.
There’s no fire, but there are always cuddles, soft moments on the couch, a shared laugh, and time to simply be with my boy after a full day lived with intention.
Then it’s lights out, a deep breath, and gratitude for the whenua, the horses, and this life I’ve chosen to live close to what matters most.
Want to experience Standfast for yourself?
We’re out in the paddock right now — but healing workshops, school holiday programmes, and new season treks are just around the bend.
Visit 👉 www.standfaststables.com
Or email kiaora@standfaststables.com to stay in the loop.
