Taranaki has ironsand beaches ("black" sand). This particular beach has long stretches of sand that's perfect for exercising horses, which is what one particular racehorse-trainer does at low tide. Hence the lines of hoof-prints up the beach. You can see beautiful Mount Egmont/Taranaki in the distance to the left, & the Tasman Sea & the city & port to the right. Where else in winter could you ski in the morning & surf in the afternoon on the same day? Magic!