About us

At Kintail Equine, we’re passionate about helping horses and their people build safe, trusting, and lasting partnerships. Based in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, we offer a uniquely comprehensive approach to training and care — bringing together groundwork, under-saddle education, fitness, problem-solving, and full horse management in one place.

What truly sets us apart is how we tailor every program to the individual horse. We believe every horse is unique and deserves an approach that reflects their personality, history, and potential. Our training also goes beyond the arena: by incorporating real work on our sheep and beef property near Hastings, horses gain valuable life experience that simply isn’t possible in a standard facility. From developing patience and confidence to building willingness and a strong work ethic, this practical exposure helps them become well-rounded, adaptable partners ready for anything life throws their way.

Our story

Kintail Equine began as a small side project alongside life on a working sheep and beef farm. Ali would take in the occasional young horse to start under saddle or help owners with difficult behaviour issues — a way to put his experience to use and earn a little extra alongside the day-to-day work of running livestock. It was never intended to be a business, just honest, practical horsemanship rooted in real-world experience.

 

Everything changed on 14 February 2023, when Cyclone Gabrielle struck Hawke’s Bay and devasted the region. In just 24 hours, more than 600 mm of rain fell, ruining every facility on the property. The entire operation, including what had once been a small sideline suddenly came to a halt — and in the aftermath, it became clear that simply “rebuilding” wouldn’t be enough.

 

With Laura joining the operation full-time, bringing her experience in competition, coaching, and schooling green horses as well as a deep passion for the husbandry and care of horses, the vision for Kintail Equine expanded beyond basic starting and problem-solving. Together, we set out to build a purpose-designed training and education facility that could offer a full spectrum of services — from foundational education and real-world exposure to schooling and rider support.

In addition to training and problem-solving, we now breed a small number of carefully selected crossbred horses each year. Using our expert training methods from the outset, these horses are produced for sale and ready for new homes. Our breeding program includes a versatile Pinto stallion and a selection of quality broodmares, chosen for their temperament, athleticism, and suitability for the practical, real-world work that forms the heart of Kintail Equine.

 

Today, we’re still evolving and expanding, but the foundation remains the same. Kintail Equine is built on the belief that good training starts with understanding the horse in front of you — and that the best results come from patient, consistent education shaped by practical experience and a genuine love for the work.

Alisdair MacKenzie

Ali brings years of hands-on experience with horses in both practical and challenging environments, combining traditional horsemanship with real-world problem-solving. He works with young horses, complex behaviour cases, and ongoing schooling, drawing on his background in horse starting, problem horses, and a career as a stockman to provide calm, effective, and consistent guidance.

Ali focuses on building trust, respect, and confidence in every horse, ensuring they are safe, willing, and capable partners. His practical approach and deep understanding of equine behaviour form the foundation of Kintail Equine’s training philosophy, supporting horses and owners alike through every stage of their journey.

Laura Sykes

Laura brings a lifelong passion for horses and a wealth of experience across multiple equestrian disciplines to Kintail Equine. She works with starting young horses, addressing complex behaviours, and providing ongoing schooling, placing a strong focus on husbandry and overall well-being to ensure every horse stays healthy, confident, and engaged throughout their training journey.

 

Working closely with each horse, Laura provides consistent education, fitness, and life-skills development, helping them become patient, willing, and reliable partners. Her practical experience and careful guidance complement Ali’s real-world horsemanship, creating a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to training and care.

Our core values

  • Openness: Clear communication with both horse and owner.

  • Fairness: Respect and understanding for every horse and handler.

  • Coherence: Consistent, reliable training methods horses can trust.

  • High Expectations: Encouraging growth, confidence, and capability.

  • Education: Equipping owners with knowledge while fostering happy, willing horses.

Our measure of success; Happy horses and owners who enjoy their time together. We work together to build understanding and confidence, and to achieve excellence in equine education.