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I’m Katie Tueton, founder of Gait, a New Zealand-based equine business established in 2026. Inspired by Māori concepts of healing, our products are deeply grounded in the values of natural wellbeing & kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
To launch our journey, Gait is debuting Whakaora Hoof Balm. Formulated to naturally strengthen, hydrate, & protect your horse’s hooves, this balm relies on pure, high-quality ingredients designed to support long-term hoof health.
Following successful product trials with NZ Pony Clubs & other equine professionals, we have refined our recipe based on real-world feedback from local riders. We are incredibly proud of the final formula, which truly meets the unique needs of horses and riders in Aotearoa.
Whakaora Hoof Balm will soon be launching in select retailers across New Zealand. Keep an eye out for us on shelves or get in touch to find your nearest stockist.
Ngā mihi nui,
Katie Tueton
Kia Ora
Hi, I'm Katie Tueton, founder of Gait. Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I've combined my experience in education, counselling, photography, and equine care with a genuine commitment to supporting the wellbeing of both horses and the people who care for them. My background includes teaching, pastoral care, and counselling, where I've developed a strong appreciation for holistic wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of thoughtful, evidence-informed care. Gait was created from a simple belief: quality horse care products should be effective, practical, and made with care. After seeing the need for a premium, natural hoof care product suited to New Zealand conditions, I developed Whakaora Hoof Balm, a handcrafted balm designed to help maintain healthy, well-conditioned hooves throughout the year. The name Whakaora means to heal, restore, and revive. It reflects the values that inspire everything I create: respect for nature, quality craftsmanship, and supporting the wellbeing of our horses through everyday care. Every batch of Whakaora Hoof Balm is handmade in New Zealand using carefully selected ingredients and produced in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. My goal is to provide horse owners with products they can trust and feel confident using as part of their regular grooming and hoof care routine. Thank you for supporting a small New Zealand business. Whether you're a competitive rider, a pleasure rider, or simply someone who loves horses, I'm delighted to be part of your horse's care journey. Ngā mihi nui, Katie Tueton
Hi, I'm Katie Tueton, founder of Gait.
Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I've combined my experience in education, counselling, photography, and equine care with a genuine commitment to supporting the wellbeing of both horses and the people who care for them. My background includes teaching, pastoral care, and counselling, where I've developed a strong appreciation for holistic wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of thoughtful, evidence-informed care.
Gait was created from a simple belief: quality horse care products should be effective, practical, and made with care. After seeing the need for a premium, natural hoof care product suited to New Zealand conditions, I developed Whakaora Hoof Balm, a handcrafted balm designed to help maintain healthy, well-conditioned hooves throughout the year.
The name Whakaora means to heal, restore, and revive. It reflects the values that inspire everything I create: respect for nature, quality craftsmanship, and supporting the wellbeing of our horses through everyday care.
Every batch of Whakaora Hoof Balm is handmade in New Zealand using carefully selected ingredients and produced in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. My goal is to provide horse owners with products they can trust and feel confident using as part of their regular grooming and hoof care routine.
Thank you for supporting a small New Zealand business. Whether you're a competitive rider, a pleasure rider, or simply someone who loves horses, I'm delighted to be part of your horse's care journey.
Ngā mihi nui,
Katie Tueton
I’m Katie Tueton, founder of Gait, a New Zealand-based equine business established in 2026. Inspired by Māori concepts of healing, our products are deeply grounded in the values of natural wellbeing. To launch our journey, Gait is debuting Whakaora Hoof Balm. Formulated to naturally strengthen, hydrate, & protect your horse’s hooves, this balm relies on pure, high-quality ingredients designed to support long-term hoof health. Following successful product trials with NZ Pony Clubs & other equine professionals, we have refined our recipe based on real-world feedback from local riders. We are incredibly proud of the final formula, which truly meets the unique needs of horses and riders in Aotearoa. Whakaora Hoof Balm will soon be launching in select retailers across New Zealand. Keep an eye out for us on shelves or get in touch to find your nearest stockist. Ngā mihi nui, Katie Tueton
Whakaora Hoof Balm
Healthy hooves are the foundation of every horse's wellbeing. Whakaora Hoof Balm is a premium, handcrafted hoof balm made in New Zealand using carefully selected natural botanical ingredients to nourish, protect, and support healthy hooves all year round.
Developed for New Zealand's unique climate, Whakaora deeply moisturises dry and brittle hooves, helps protect against cracking, supports healthy hoof growth, and creates a natural barrier against both wet and dry conditions. Suitable for barefoot and shod horses, competition horses, pleasure horses, and young stock, it's designed to become an essential part of every hoof care routine.
Unlike many traditional hoof oils that can quickly run off after application, Whakaora's rich balm formula stays on the hoof longer, allowing the nourishing ingredients more time to condition and protect. Its easy, non-drip application means less mess and longer-lasting care with every use.
Handmade in small batches and proudly made in New Zealand, Whakaora Hoof Balm combines quality craftsmanship with effective, natural hoof care you can trust.
Healthy hooves are the foundation of every horse's wellbeing. Whakaora Hoof Balm is a premium, handcrafted hoof balm made in New Zealand using carefully selected natural botanical ingredients to nourish, protect, and support healthy hooves all year round. Developed for New Zealand's unique climate, Whakaora deeply moisturises dry and brittle hooves, helps protect against cracking, supports healthy hoof growth, and creates a natural barrier against both wet and dry conditions. Suitable for barefoot and shod horses, competition horses, pleasure horses, and young stock, it's designed to become an essential part of every hoof care routine. Unlike many traditional hoof oils that can quickly run off after application, Whakaora's rich balm formula stays on the hoof longer, allowing the nourishing ingredients more time to condition and protect. Its easy, non-drip application means less mess and longer-lasting care with every use. Handmade in small batches and proudly made in New Zealand, Whakaora Hoof Balm combines quality craftsmanship with effective, natural hoof care you can trust.
Healthy hooves are the foundation of every horse's wellbeing. Whakaora Hoof Balm is a premium, handcrafted hoof balm made in New Zealand using carefully selected natural botanical ingredients to nourish, protect, and support healthy hooves all year round. Developed for New Zealand's unique climate, Whakaora deeply moisturises dry and brittle hooves, helps protect against cracking, supports healthy hoof growth, and creates a natural barrier against both wet and dry conditions. Suitable for barefoot and shod horses, competition horses, pleasure horses, and young stock, it's designed to become an essential part of every hoof care routine. Unlike many traditional hoof oils that can quickly run off after application, Whakaora's rich balm formula stays on the hoof longer, allowing the nourishing ingredients more time to condition and protect. Its easy, non-drip application means less mess and longer-lasting care with every use. Handmade in small batches and proudly made in New Zealand, Whakaora Hoof Balm combines quality craftsmanship with effective, natural hoof care you can trust.
My horse’s hooves kept their moisture, with no worsening of cracks or seedy toe.
D. Harvey
My farrier was very impressed with the all natural ingredients.
Emily Murphy
Trackside NZ TV presenter
I liked that it stayed on well, was easy to apply.
Tash Macfarlane