Erin Cassie and Stephen Muggeridge Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
When Cosmo Kentish-Barnes visited Erewhon Station in the Canterbury High Country, there were no tractors in sight.
Instead, a team of eight Clydesdales were churning the soil over in preparation for sowing.
"The cultivation is done with an eight or 10-horse team," says Erin Cassie, who runs the farm with her partner Colin Drummond.
"There are no paddock princesses or show ponies here," she says.
Erin and Colin's 14,000-hectare property is based in a valley flanked by jagged peaks at the head of the Rangitata River.
"Predominantly, we're a merino wool operation, so we run about 4500 sheep and supply our wool to Icebreaker."
The couple also have 300 Hereford cattle and a large Clydesdale horse stud.
"We winter about 60 horses, but from now on with spring foaling, we'll blow out to about 80 by the end of November."
Erin and Colin breed half Clydesdales too, and all the horses have a job, she says.
"Eighty percent of the time we'll use the horses and the rest of the time we'll use whatever vehicle to get the job done."
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Out on the sloping paddock, the majestic Clydesdales pull the plough slowly and steadily.
Sitting on the plough behind them is Stephen Muggeridge, a teamster from the North Island.
"Steve usually comes down for a fortnight each spring. The rest of the time Colin and I work the horses, but we're generally busy running the farm," Erin says.
Driving teams of draft animals is Steve's main job.
"The horses love him, he's got kind hands and this fantastic laugh that's infectious."
Stephen makes sure the discs cut a clean line through the soil.
"If you can start off straight, it's easier on the team, and your mind too," he chuckles.
Working horses have always been part of his life.
"My late father was the last guy to have Clydesdales in Taranaki. We used to run the whole farm with them, and then when he passed away in '85, I just kept it going.
"They're a big passion of mine and a big part of my life," he says as he gets back to work.
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Erin Cassie riding Monty, a young Clydesdale, who is happy to help coax a reluctant sheep across a river. Photo: David Hallett
A mob of Merino sheep at Erewhon Station Photo: Erin Cassie
