Global Wild Horsemanship Adventures

13/11/2024

Pick your favourite breed of wild horse, or double or triple the learning and do multiple countries!

Four of our participants in 2024 booked in for multiple countries and they loved it just as much, if not more, the second time around!

If you'd like more information on our wild horse workshops email [email protected].

11/11/2024

As a country known for adventure, we have some exciting add-ons during our New Zealand Workshops! These are true bucket-list experiences and ones not to be missed!

If you'd like more information on our wild horse workshops email [email protected]

11/11/2024

NEW ZEALAND KAIMANAWA WORKSHOP
29 Apr - 18 May 2025 (AUTUMN)

Embark on an unparalleled journey to work with some of the most authentic wild horses on the planet. This exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience is hosted at Kelly Wilson’s purpose-built Wild Kaimanawa Sanctuary, where you’ll not only witness the raw beauty of these iconic horses but also take an active role in transforming their futures.

AUTHENTICITY LIKE NOWHERE ELSE
Unlike anywhere else in the world, New Zealand's wild horses are mustered just days before the workshop begins. This means you’ll be among the first to connect with these magnificent creatures straight from the wild, offering you a rare chance to engage with them in their truest, untouched form. In doing so, you’ll play a vital role in saving these horses, as every horse that isn't rehomed faces an uncertain fate. This workshop is your opportunity to give them a second chance at life, a purpose, and a future with new owners.

WORLD-CLASS TRAINING IN A WORLD-CLASS SETTING
Under the expert guidance of Kelly Wilson and Hannah Catalino, you’ll witness and participate in the art of gentling wild horses using proven, relationship-focused methods. Each day is a masterclass in creating calm, confident horses ready to thrive in their new human partnerships. Watch, learn, and get hands-on as the GWHA team apply their world-leading techniques right before your eyes.

A TRUE NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE
This trip isn’t just about horses — it’s about experiencing the thrill and beauty of New Zealand, the adventure capital of the world. Take a day off to ride the Rotorua Gondola, enjoying breathtaking views before racing down the Luge in one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have. And after a full day working with the horses, soak in the healing mineral waters of the Wairakei Terraces Thermal Hot Springs, a rejuvenating way to end your day.

ADOPT OR CHANGE A LIFE
For New Zealand residents, the horses tamed during the workshop will be available for adoption, offering you the chance to take home a piece of this transformative experience. International clients can still make a meaningful impact by gentling a wild horse that will later be adopted, with a special 7-Day Owners Workshop designed for the adopter to meet their new companion before taking it home.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A maximum of five participants per trainer will be selected to take part.

The dates are subject to change, based on the Kaimanawa Horse Muster (typically around 25 April).

All-Inclusive Package (ideal for international clients): Includes tuition, meals, airport transfers, activities, and accommodation. Flights to Taupo, NZ not included.
$10,000 USD $7500 USD (2025 Special)

Self-Camping Package (for domestic clients only): Includes tuition, meals, activities, and self-camping.

$8,500 USD $6000 USD (2025 Special)

This is more than a workshop — it’s a chance to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of wild horses while experiencing the unrivaled beauty and adventure of New Zealand. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or a passionate horse lover, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories, new skills, and the satisfaction of having changed lives — both horse and human.

If you'd like more information on our wild horse workshops email [email protected].

09/11/2024

One of many great transformations from our workshops last years, was with Katie and her Kaimanawa c**t, Major.

While we could recognise his brilliant potential from the moment he arrived in the yards, he quickly fell behind all the other Kaimanawa horses in our group and was the last of 13 horses to accept the touch and haltering milestones. We had to get very creative to help him build his confidence to reach these important milestones.

Although he trailed behind the group in the first 18 days, once everything clicked he quickly progressed and surpassed to the others. His owner, 12-year-old Katie, was able to take him home after just 4-weeks and continued his training by herself. With a few lessons with Kelly in August and September, this amazing duo went on to win the Kaimanawa Legacy Juniors & Juveniles competition at Equifest!

This won't be the last we will see of this amazing duo. Katie's hope is he start him under saddle over the next year and produce him as one of her competition ponies. We are confident that Major will continue to be an incredible ambassador for Kaimanawa horses in New Zealand.

If you'd like more information on our wild horse workshops email [email protected].

07/11/2024

This year thanks to our amazing connections with friends in Europe, we have decided to offer a new European format to help make it more possible for adopters to have the opportunity to not only work with mustangs but also take them home should they chose to.

Participants have the option to either work with a semi wild mustang, learning liberty basics and advanced skills or start from scratch with an untouched mustang they intend to adopt and import. Additional training to ensure a smooth flight and transition are included in the adoption package.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book into one of our wild horse workshops!

07/11/2024

Kelly and Hannah met back in 2015 at an Extreme Mustang Makeover that they were both participating in. From learning more about Kelly and her sisters and their work with Kaimanawas, Hannah became fascinated with the alluring idea of taming a wild stallion in the distant land of New Zealand.

When Kelly announced a Kaimanawa taming workshop in 2018, Hannah reached out to see if it might be possible for her to travel there and tame a stallion for someone else. With the added challenges a wild stallion brings, it was decided that she should tame two stallions and that she should spend an extended time of six weeks.

Although beginning as only a participant, Kelly was impressed with Hannah's style enough to ask her to help mentor the entire group. In doing so Kelly realised she wanted to learn more than just her methods with wild horses but also her liberty advancement beyond the basics. So she later that year she invited Hannah back to her place to learn more about the development and training with her own horses.

Over the years their friendship only grew and Kelly also extended an invitation for Hannah to join her on some of her expeditions studying wild horses in multiple countries for her Wild Horses of the World book research. Kelly has become a huge inspiration for Hannah not just in her horsemanship, love for adventure, but also a mentor for her own aspiring author goals.

In 2023 they decided to launch a dream close to both their hearts of sharing their love for wild horses, adventure, and ethical horse training through the creation of the Global Wild Horsemanship Adventures. The first year was a trial year where they both decided to mentor each other on training techniques in each of their home countries to refine techniques and ensure the possibility of a congruent program.

After the grand success of their trial year which cultivated much learning and growth, as 2025 approaches they both would like to officially kickstart this very unique business collaboration. So often industry leaders especially in the horse world, divide themselves from their competition which sadly not only limits what they can do alone and but also puts limits on their students. They hope to inspire others to find likeminded individuals who hold similar values so that the horse community can continue to evolve and grow stronger.

Kelly and Hannah's business partnership while offering unique perspectives and styles for both also share a similar baseline ideaology when working with horses thanks to their many years studying under one another. Together they can reach more people across the globe and in turn help more wild horses around the world.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book into one of our wild horse workshops!

06/11/2024

"Being able to get a Kaimanawa, especially a wild one has been a dream come true. It was amazing being able to work with Kelly and Hannah on this Journey. They were both so kind and knowledgeable."

Grace from our Kaimanawa Workshop in New Zealand share this sweet testimonial with us. She adopted Lexus, an Argo Valley c**t whom was gentled by an international participant. Grace joined our 7-day owners workshop, then continued training her Kaimanawa over the last few months in preparation for the Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation competition at Equifest.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book into one of our wild horse workshops!

04/11/2024

Until adopted, mustangs gathered off the range generally have two options.

Ones that are deemed adoptable are processed and put into short term holding so that can more easily be offered up for approved public adoptions. Which usually means they are kept in dry lots with large numbers of horses of similar gender and age, sometimes for many years. This is the most expensive way for the horses to be held for taxpayers since they only can only eat hay. However with the chance of adoption into a private home, currently the most practical way to make that possible.

When a mustang goes into long term holding, their identification neck tags are removed and replaced with a hip freeze brand. While they are no longer eligible for adoption, they do get to roam and graze in large groups with horses of the same gender on ranch land which the government pays private land owners to lease for the duration of the horses life.

As of 2024 it's estimated that over 70,000 free roaming and federally protected wild horses and burros are still on public lands. Meanwhile an estimated 66,000 mustangs have been rounded up and are currently either in short term holding corrals waiting to be adopted, or in off-range pastures, also known as long term holding.

While various programs have helped adoptions rise in the last decade, they are no where near where they need to be to get every mustang adopted or into a sanctuary situation. Our mission at GWHA is to help give these horses who have already been removed from public lands and never have a chance to be free again, receive proper care and training before they get placed into a loving home.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book into one of our wild horse workshops!

04/11/2024

From wild to mild, the Kaimanawa horses would top the list as the wildest and most authentic horses to tame world wide, arriving straight from the helicopter musters just days before our New Zealand Workshop begins! Unlike the Kaimanawahorses, the Australian Brumbies and American Mustangs have a transition time between being gathered and tamed.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

02/11/2024

2025 ADVANCED WORKSHOP
November 21st - December 11th (New Zealand Spring) 2025

Get ready for the ultimate horse training experience! This exclusive workshop is limited to just a maximum of SIX dedicated trainers creating an intimate and immersive mentoring environment for those ready to take their passion for horses to the next level. This isn't just any workshop; it's the most comprehensive and dynamic educational opportunity we've ever offered, combining the excitement of working with wild horses plus teaching advanced skills in liberty and bridleless training. Other complementary techniques in energy and awareness are optional to elevate a training approach, blending traditional with innovation.

PLUS participants have a very rare opportunity to visit the Kaimanawa ranges where they can witness wild herds in their natural environment. This extraordinary experience is rare since the horses roam on a Military Training Base which is only open to the public once a year.

LASTLY, for the adventure lovers, there are options to join in on our off days to the Kaituna White Water Rafting experience in beautiful New Zealand scenery, cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, and relax in the rejuvenating healing mineral waters of the Wairakei Terrace Thermal Hot Springs.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

31/10/2024

In Australia, the wild horses are routinely passively trapped or mustered for slaughter, as well as aerial culled by the thousands.

The horses used in our Australian Workshops are saved from slaughter by the Victorian Brumby Association, meaning our participants are helping to save the life of these iconic Brumbies.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

31/10/2024

Brumby Milestone: Swim the Brumbies in the Dam

This very unique and extremely fun milestone is only possible during our Australian Brumby Workshop, with the horses enjoying a led adventure through the Brumby Junction Sanctuary paddocks, to their horse-friendly dam!

Splashing and cooling off in water brings the brumbies so much joy; something were have witnessed time and time again from our observations of the wild herds.

It brings us great pleasure to give these recently wild Brumbies the opportunity to rediscover the freedom and fun that can come with a partnership with people.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

30/10/2024

AUSTRALIAN BRUMBY WORKSHOP
2 MAR - 19 MAR 2025
Here at the Bumbry Junction Sanctuary, we'll be taming wild Brumbies that have been saved by the Victorian Bumbry Association (VBA), including horses from the iconic Snowy Mountain herd that have been facing extensive culling. You'll also have a chance to walk amongst their resident wild herds and swim your Brumby in the dam!

SAVED FROM SLAUGHTER/AERIAL CULLING
Unlike anywhere else in the world, Australia's wild horses face extensive culling. The horses you'll be working with have been saved from slaughter or aerial culling by the VBA. This workshop is your opportunity to give them a second chance at life, a purpose, and a future with new owners.

TAME A LIVING LEGEND
Under the expert guidance of Kelly Wilson you’ll witness and participate in the art of gentling wild Brumbies using proven, relationship-focused methods. Each day is a masterclass in creating calm, confident horses ready to thrive in their new human partnerships. This workshop is your opportunity to give these living legends a second chance at life, a purpose, and a future with new owners.

ADOPT OR CHANGE A LIFE
The Brumbies we tame are available to adopt by Australian residents, or for those that aren't able to keep their Brumby, you can help an Australian adopters' dream come true by gentling a wild horse that the VBA will then pair with an approved home.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A maximum of 8 trainers will be selected.
Self-Camping Package (for domestic clients): Covers tuition and self-camping fees. Meals and VBA fees not included. $3500 US (2025 SPECIAL)

ALL INCLUSIVE Package (for international clients): Additonal fees apply for rustic style bunk rooms or a self-contained caravan/camper van.

This is more than a workshop — it’s a chance to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of Australian's wild horses. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or a passionate horse lover, this workshop will leave you with unforgettable memories, new skills, and the satisfaction of having changed lives — both horse and human.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

29/10/2024

Applications for next year's Global Wild Horsemanship Adventures are now open and we are beginning the interview process. Participants have a variety of options, such as joining one or multiple countries, as well as the choice of adopting a wild horse at the conclusion of the workshop or taming one for someone else.

Email [email protected] for more information or to book.

28/10/2024

The wild horses we use in our New Zealand workshops are mustered from the wild from the Kaimanawa Ranges of New Zealand!

Each April this herd is managed by the Department of Conservation, with excess horses being rehomed. Over 15% of the horses saved in 2024 were delivered to our New Zealand Base, with 13 being tamed as part of our Kaimanawa Workshop.

26/10/2024

26/10/2024

A milestone unique to the New Zealand's Kaimanawa Workshop is a gorgeous Native Bush walk. While the trek is breathtaking for the Kiwi and international trainers alike, this milestone is also a breath of fresh air for the once wild Kaimanawas.

In this adventure they get the opportunity to discover a new sense of liberation with their human partner, whom they’ve spent the first two weeks developing trust with. The open space and seemingly endless land to explore gives these horses a taste of the freedom they can often greatly miss. This can be a pivotal point for some of the horses and really boost their mental well-being. Not to mention it's always a lot of fun finally getting them out of the corrals!

25/10/2024

"The learning I got out of the workshop was incredible, from first touches on our wild ponies, to complex obstacle courses. We were all mentored one-on-one with Kelly and Hannah always willing to answer questions and help out."

Lina from our Kaimanawa Workshop shared this lovely testimonial from her experience taming her three-year-old mare from the 2024 muster, Kaala. These two formed an incredible bond. We were very pleased that Kayla was able to stay with Lina who quickly learned the skills needed to continue to set this young mare up for success.