My name is Kiki. I’m 11 years old and I talk to horses.
I’ll talk to any horse I’m alone with, but mostly I talk to Spi.
Spi is a Bay Mare who lives at Riverside Equestrian in the Kauaeranga Valley. She is also the horse I ride every second weekend.
Spi is like my best friend and I can tell her anything. When I get smad I sit there counting the number of days until I can go and tell Spi all about it.
Before my riding lesson begins I get a chance to talk to Spi as I lead him around the arena to the mounting block.
We talk about what I had for breakfast, what I am happy about, what I’m sad about, what I’m looking forward to and what I’m doing after.
I can tell Spi anything and everything because I know she won’t tell anyone.
A lifelong love of horses
I’ve loved horses ever since I’ve known what they were. The first ride I remember going on was one of my Mum’s friends horses when I was about 3.
Any chance I got to get on a horse – I would take it.
I rode my friends horses and I even got to ride down 90 Mile Beach where I got to ride through the water.
Why I ride?
I love that when I’m riding all my worries fly away and feel happy and excited.
Like that I don’t know what I’m going to do each lesson. I love trying new things.
When my instructor Di raises the jump I look at it and my eyes widen and I feel the anticipation. Di thinks I’m scared and tells me not to look at it but I like to see the size of the challenge before I take it on.
When she raises the jump I look at it and my eyes widen and I feel the anticipation. Di thinks I’m scared and tells me not to look at it but I like to see the size of the challenge before I take it on.
Before a jump I feel focussed. I lock my hands into position and I’m in the moment.
When I land a jump I feel proud but then I over analysis it and think about what I can do better.
It’s fun to wear my riding uniform. It makes me feel excited, cool and proper. I love the feel of every part of my uniform differently…
The chaps tight around my calves, the boots make me feel like a real horsewoman, the jodhpurs make me happy and the helmet makes me feel safe (and sparkly).
I love the caring of the horse. I give him a peppermint. In return he blows snot in my face.
I love the smell of horses – they make me feel bubbly.
About Riverside Equestrian
Riverside Equestrian is in the Kauaeranga Valley just out of Thames. The drive out to Riverside Equestrian is very pretty.
I love being able to see the horses my Mum looks after (Montana, Stumpy, Icon and Flynn) on the way.
Di is my riding instructor and owns Riverside Equestrian.
She was a vet nurse and then became a horse riding instructor. That’s what I’d like to do when I grow up.
She teaches me lots of things from the Pony Club manual and a person called Wendy Murdoch.
My favourite part is trying new things on the horse, like jumping and going fast.
Riding every second week is a dream came true.
You can find out more about Riverside Equestrian here
For horse mad kids
You should take up horse riding. It’s good to get away from things that bother you. It’s not gaming. It makes you more adventurous. It improves your fitness.
And if you can’t get out on a horse my favourite horse stories are Pony Club Secrets (Mystic and the Midnight Ride particularly ) or Black Stallion. My favourite horse movie is Flicker.
This blog post is written by Kiki – our 11 year old daughter. Photo’s are by Cat.