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
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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
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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.
Kia ora, my name’s Ahikaa. I’m 13 years old, the only son of Aroha Grant—my mum and the powerhouse behind Standfast Horse Treks here in Te Kaha. One day, I hope to take over the reins and run the business just like her—maybe even ride as fast as her too.
I’m autistic and have low vision. I was born at just 23 weeks, but I like being me. My brain works in its own way—and that’s pretty cool. I do get shy and sometimes scared, so I still need a bit of help from my mum. But I’m full of ideas, and together we’ve started bringing some of them to life.
One of those ideas was to create plushie dolls—starting with the people who inspire me most: my mum, my uncle Haunz, and myself.
Meet Ahikaa – The Young Heart Behind the Standfast Plushies
They’re part of my Standfast whānau, and they both wear moko kauae and mataora, which I think is really special.
With Mum’s help, I found a company in China who could turn my designs into real plushies. We worked closely with their team to get every detail right. I used all my pocket money to pay for the designs and I’m still earning the rest by doing chores—watering horses and picking up poo (yep, the real jobs!).
These plushies are just the beginning. I’ve got more ideas tucked away, but for now, you can help me grow my shop by pre-ordering your own Standfast Plushy. Every order helps me keep going—and maybe even take a day off mucking out!