I’m from Taranaki where I run my family’s dairy farm. I have a wonderful husband and two young kids. I’m just an average horse lady, who loves to trek. I’ve been riding since I was 8 but had a break when I went off to uni and got back into it when a kind neighbour asked if I wanted to go for a trek. My passion for horses reignited. My horse time is my sanity time, a space in my life I carve out that’s so important to my wellbeing. I have two geldings at home who I trek with, do the occasional cowboy challenge or games day.
I’ve always wanted to get a Kaimanawa but life’s busy! This year when Mimi (my mentor) asked me again if I was thinking about getting a kaimanawa I said I’d love to but just don’t think I can, then she asked again and suggested she be my mentor and I thought well, we only live once, so I said yes! I’m so happy to be on this journey and am happy that I got the opportunity to be a part of the Freedom to Friendship Stallion Challenge. I’ve not done much with young horses, nor have I had anything to do with wild ones so I’ve really chucked myself in the deep end here. But I am loving it so far!
Kitt – Knight Rider
Kitt was known as Cloak in the database. He had only been photographed from a long distance once as he comes from Zone 20, which is the live firing zone. We think he is around 2 to 3 years old and just shy of 14hh.
Kitt came off the truck head high and terrified. He’s taking time to adjust to domestic life. When he came into the yards he was very reactive with a strong flight instinct and a large bubble. Each day that bubble has gotten smaller and his character is starting to show through. He has a very strong presence about him, that every one that meets him comments on. Each day we learn a bit more together. He’s learnt the routine of the place and loves his food, head hanging over the fence when he knows its time. He has now been haltered and we are working on the next steps. Even after a month from muster he still snorts. A lot! If he’s unsettled or unhappy he will snort like a fire breathing dragon. When he is calm and relaxed the snorts are low n slow like a purr. I think he will be quite sweet once he sheds the worry and drops his bravado.
