The Silent Teachers of the Land
There is a deep intelligence in the way the herd moves—attuned to each other, to the shifting weather, to the subtle language of the earth beneath their hooves. They teach without words, drawing us into the present moment with their steady breath and unhurried gaze. In their world, there is no rush, no striving—only being. And in that sacred stillness, something within us softens and begins to remember.
Each horse carries its own presence, its own quiet medicine. Some are bold, others gentle, but all reflect back the truths we often forget to see in ourselves. They respond not to what we say, but to who we are beneath the surface. In their company, masks fall away. There is no judgment here—only the invitation to come home to oneself, just as you are.
To share space with them is a kind of return—to simplicity, to trust, to the ancient bond between human and horse that existed long before saddles and reins. At Dune Lakes Lodge, this bond is alive and unbroken, a living testament to what’s possible when respect and freedom guide the way. Here, the horses are not our tools; they are our mirrors, our guides, and our companions on the journey back to wholeness.
Introducing The Herd
Our beloved older horses—Texas, Willow, and Gemma - 'the ambassadors' (see below) who are probably the first horses to greet you upon your arrival. They are more than just part of the landscape; they’re part of the heart and soul of our property. These gentle, wise horses roam freely across the land, living life at their own pace and choosing their own adventures.
Guests often find themselves sharing quiet moments with them—whether it's a soft nuzzle hello, a slow walk alongside them, or the simple joy of their calming presence. Don’t be surprised if one of them wanders over while you're enjoying a meal in the outdoor dining area. They love to be near people and are known for their curious, friendly nature.
Below - the Bloodline of Grace: Mary & Jodie's Legacy
It began with Mary, a mare of quiet strength, born in Ireland in 1986. Her story intertwined, when in 1989, Rosemary bought her as a three-year-old ... their bond that spanned continents. Mary birthed Jodie in 1990, a filly destined to carry the line forward. In 2005, the two mares—Mary at 19 and Jodie at 16—crossed the seas to Dune Lakes. Here, they found home, and Jodie birthed three foals: Solo, Spirit, and Soma, each carrying Mary’s gentle power and Jodie's resolute spirit. Soma remained a stallion ..... the legacy continued with Susha, Sam, and Sahara.
Jodie’s life ended too soon, but her spirit lived on in her children. Mary, the beloved matriarch, lived to 35, her days marked by the warmth of her herd, before returning over the rainbow bridge to the stars. Four generations now move as one at Dune Lakes, their spirits alive in every hoofbeat and blade of grass.
But the story also belongs to Rosemary—the woman whose life Jodie transformed. Their relationship began as a test, full of resistance and tension. Jodie, wild and unyielding, challenged Rosemary in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Yet this clash of wills became the foundation of their deep bond.
Through Jodie, Rosemary learned patience, respect, and true leadership. She discovered that connection with horses isn’t about control, but about mutual understanding. Jodie taught Rosemary to listen with her heart, not her ears. As the years passed, the struggle gave way to calm, and Rosemary found her purpose—honouring the wisdom of the herd and the sacred bond between horse and human.
Jodie’s death left a space no other could fill, but her spirit remains alive in the legacy she left behind—one that continues to shape and inspire those who encounter her bloodline.
These two most recent arrivals to the herd were re-homed at Dune Lakes Lodge several years ago. Savannah has won the award for 'most photogenic', while Zeal, though being number 11 in the herd hierarchy always feels like he is the king. And they both are blessed with a hairdressers dream.....glorious manes!
Contact us to discuss
470 Wilson Road
RD1
South Kaipara Head
Helensville 0874
Auckland
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