Ana Apatu: Horses help give boys leg-up in life

Ana Apatu

I am introduced to Richard Kettle by my brother, Jonty, who has recently taken up playing polo with the Birchleigh Polo club, Paki Paki. My interest lies with Richard introducing Flaxmere boys to polo. Having ridden during my formative years, I have had the privilege to experience what it is to take care of a horse and to learn to love that horse. I was lucky to have a mother who was horse mad.

My mum, Jen, 74, still gives riding lessons, rides and is involved as an adviser with Pony Club in Wellington.

Growing up, I was fortunate we had the means to ride competitively. We bought horses as novices that we felt had potential and went from there. Pony Club champs, Horse of the Year, hunting, were activities we were involved in. I was fortunate.

I was keen to meet Richard to see what we, the U-Turn Trust, could do to support. Richard said he was bullied into helping these Flaxmere boys (girls are invited but have not lasted) by Ros Rowe of Leg Up Trust and James Mason a youth aid officer.

He describes the boys he works with as not being the really naughty boys, but those who just need a bit of support to keep them on track. Richard said he was unsure to start with about how it would work out but soon realised boys took to riding easily. Simple learnings - the boys are not the boss (and if they think they are " one quick tumble takes care of that he laughs) - take care of the horse and the horse will take care of you, showing leadership with the horse. He was impressed at how quickly these boys picked up the skills to ride. Richard also provides a level two NZQA equine course which the boys have almost completed. Not only does this give them a qualification, it also provides the basics for employment opportunities such as shepherding, grooming for polo, and or travel to other farming/polo placements overseas.

I am guided to their recent show on Maori TV " the Hoiho show. Haupoi hoiho " hockey on horse.

It's a cracker. The Flaxmere 5 " three brothers Codie, Lorenzo and Dillon Irwin and Taranaki and Satriani Hokianga.

I discuss with Richard how relaxed these boys appear after only riding for a few weeks. Long reined, they appear to be naturals. Their mum, Charlene, describes how their grandparents were brought up in the country and how horses were part of their lives back then. However living in Flaxmere does not provide the same opportunity for most. Charlene feels that the boys commitment to the horses is translated back into their home life. The boys tell me they learn communication skills, life skills and respect. They learn that the fun of riding they experience is about the horse teaching them.

Harriet Kuru has a polo training school in Porongahau. The boys play against her team that consists of Mongolian boys and one girl - I am told polo is an old sport that originated in that country - two Aboriginal boys and an English boy. I pick up from the boys that it is not just all about the horses. The boys describe Richard as being "cool' and "mean". He treats them with respect, he gives his time and commitment. Harriet says there are a lot of men like Richard, but where are they? Perhaps he can pave the way for others.

Richard has dreams. He says "wouldn't it be great to have a Flaxmere College polo team, and be involved with national tournaments". He also tells me he thinks a couple of these boys are good enough now to compete nationally. He is also eyeing up Chatham Park, Flaxmere, where the polo grounds used to be situated.

So as the second season comes to a close, Richard is planning to enlist new Flaxmere youth - ideally between 12 and 16. The current boys will help with the new ones as mentors, Tuakana Teina.

Although there is great support from other club members, this sport comes at a cost.

When asked to break it down to individual boys, we arrive at a figure of about $3000 per boy for the season.

If anyone would like to sponsor a Flaxmere boy for a season of polo, please get in touch.

For those who would like to watch a heart-warming show on the Flaxmere 5 " stream the following link

http://www.maoritelevision.com//S/hoiho-series-3-episode-5.

It's a cracker.

-Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.