Kennedy's Adventures!: A Lovely Day with Mr K!

Things hadn't exactly gone to plan when I arranged to visit Kennedy on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. By this time, if the original plan had gone as planned, he should have been in his new home at Sparrow Park for at least 3 days but things do have a habit of never quite happening as they are supposed to. And this is why, on Wednesday of the week before, myself and my auntie, from now referred to as Auntie Lynne - who is potentially more excited about Kennedy than I am (if that is possible) - found ourselves Googling places to stay in Durham. She had wanted a few nights away and I was looking for an opportunity to spend some time with the man of the moment (which is Kennedy and most definitely not any of the locals of The Bay Horse - particularly the very friendly man with a whippet and a cigarette who decided to ask us lots of questions whilst we were attempting to have a very civilized picnic). So a couple of nights in and around Durham suited us both well.

I do get butterflies when I go to see Kennedy but I'm pleased to report that these have matured from this initial slightly sick with nerves to the mostly excited with the odd sprinkle of 'what if?' mainly on my part. So as I pulled up, I got that familiar fluttering feeling about seeing him and spending some time with him without his mum, Caroline, being there to give me confidence and the odd pointer here and there.

*On a side note, for anyone reading who doesn't know me in person. It is well to know that I worry about absolutely everything. This will come across in my blog posts no doubt but serves me both positively and negatively. I'd elaborate but you'll get the point.

With nowhere to be and no other plans for the day, it was lovely to have lots of time to spend with Kennedy and spend some time fussing about him and grooming him and finding his nice itching spots and applying various lotions and potions. Then of course we did some selfies (most important on a spa day as we learnt from the aptly named 'Mr Selfie' at Ramside Hall the following day)...

"Did you get my good side?"

After sending these off to anyone we'd get a nice reply from, including Kennedy's mum, we decided to stop all this foolishness and head out for a bit of serious hacking! So we got tacked up and headed off out, Aunty Lynne on foot.

I will be 100% honest in this blog and say, I was nervous. I've ridden Kennedy quite a few times now but always had the safety blanket of his mum, Caroline, being there (albeit quite far in the distance on the last hack). This time, however, I felt like it was our first step, foot and hoof, into trusting each other to look after each other whatever. It definitely felt like some of the safety net being taken away - sink or swim - as it were and I was determined to put our best foot forward. So, after checking my stirrups were right 400 times, checking his girth one last time and finally sitting up and remembering to breathe, we were off with Auntie Lynne walking alongside.

As usual, a few metres in, and Kennedy had reminded me why he is so special. Suddenly, every little bit of anxiety had gone and I was enjoying myself. We trotted a little to lose the flies and I decided I was going to have a canter in the place Caroline had told me was good. I knew we were getting closer and as the hill came into view my heart sank. As could only happen to me, two men in mobility scooters were sat half way up the bank having a conversation. To squeeze past them in walk was just about enough so we went a little further than planned as we crossed into the second part of the path where we were able to have 3 nicely spread out but absolutely amazing canters. For those confident regular ridery horsey type people that may seem fairly expected but for me, cantering has always been a worry. However, as always, Kennedy seemed to emit calming vibes and rock me into a comfortable, confident canter that I didn't want to end! I told my auntie I felt brave on Kennedy and she said "you look confident and calm" and I think she's probably nailed it.

I hope that Auntie Lynne will be a big part in Kennedy's life and I know that Kennedy will look after her and warm to her as he is such a loyal and trusting boy - this has been evident since I met him. So, on the way back, she hopped on and rode Kennedy back up the drive to the farm. It has been a long time since she has ridden and, like me, she lacks confidence so it was lovely to see her smiling and enjoying Kennedy so much. I know he will make a lot of difference to her and I hope they'll also form a strong bond.

Here are some pictures of the pair of them enjoying the end of the hack: