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.
