Kiwi’s getting Older

and certainly Golder

Over the last few months I became increasingly worried about Kiwi, whether he was coping. I was scared of letting him down, of missing something he needs. No matter how much food I gave him he seemed perpetually hungry. He’s been a thin bean for a few years now, but the last several weeks he looked even thinner. A new diet of fibre, fibre and more fibre has helped enormously so we’re heading into winter feeling more confident.

I left school ashamed of my exam results and hating myself. I was lost and stuck. I didn’t have a job or a plan and I bought a horse. In hindsight, an impractical illogical decision, but the best decision. I don’t know what my life would look like without Kiwi in it.

He’s been my guy for 14 years. We’ve flown over hunt fences in Gloucestershire, schooled in a freshly harrowed Olympic sized arena at Hartpury. Had a lesson with Oliver Townend and walked quietly through the bluebell woods at home.

In between the adventures he’s brought me moments of joy everyday. I’ve spent days at the yard laughing myself to tears with other people who were also coated in dirt and clumps of hay. I’ve worried and cried and shouted and sworn and Kiwi’s seen all of it. We’ve thrived through all the seasons; rain, mud, wind and flies. Sure, when it’s dark and raining and the mud is ankle deep I’d rather stay dry inside. But there’s strength and greatness in facing the weather no matter what it throws. I’m proud of that.  

Kiwi’s been an extremely patient model whilst I snap away photographing him. I’ve seen magnificent sunrises and incredible sunsets and stared into the vast starry night whilst he’s munched his feed right next to me.

I know he can’t live forever and I don’t know what I’ll do without him. But for now, he’s in his field munching sweet autumnal grass. No doubt awaiting his next meal’s arrival in a bright coloured bucket in a purple wheelbarrow.