From Miniature Horses to White Galloways

Starting in 1989, Karen & Bob Curry were one of the first breeders of purebred American Miniature Horses in New Zealand. The Suncrest Miniature Horse Stud was established in the Akatarawa Valley, north-west of Upper Hutt in 1989 and later relocated to Mangaroa Valley, north-east of Upper Hutt, where the Stud has resided since 1994.

From just a few, their herd grew to over thirty by 2005. To manage pastures, they cross-grazed white-faced cattle, which worked well but produced low cyclic beef market returns.

Looking for a specialized breed, they discovered the White Galloway at the Mystery Creek Field Days in 2003. They met John & Beryl Cleland of the Ngutunui Stud, who were dispersing their herd, and purchased their first four foundation cows.

Over the years, the stud established a fully pedigree registered herd, including breeding cows, bulls, yearlings, and calves. While Suncrest used to breed miniature horses, the stud now specializes exclusively in premium registered White Galloway cattle.