When I first rode Kiwi, I knew I didn't like it one bit. Mainly because I knew he was fast and I was still a new to horseback riding. 

I can't quite remember my first lesson on him. But somehow, we became best of friends. A bond between horse and rider must have developed, because he was a wonder to ride after that. We really knew each other. 

Then, just last year, at the end of a good jumping lesson, for no reason what so ever, Kiwi suddenly fell down, I was still mounted. It went in slow motion, and it felt like what you see happen at the end of the film, The Horse Whisperer. When Grace's horse rises, for the first time, with her on him. Like that, Kiwi quickly got to his feet. my instructor told me to dismount carefully and undo his girth a little. I did as I was told, and when I turned around and saw his back leg tucked under his stomach, trembling, I felt so sad and very, very worried. My best friend was in a bad way. The instructor started to rub his upper thigh and gradually, Kiwi put his foot down. my instructor lifted his hoof too, to make sure there was nothing causing him any discomfort there. 

The owner of the stable and of Kiwi came to look at him and gave him a trot up and down to if he was lame. The next Saturday, I found I could not ride him. Only riders whom weighed up to 6st could ride him. I felt very, very sad. 

A couple of weeks later and the new owner of Kiwi, Dawn told me he had fallen yet again with her daughter out on a hack. I was distraught. Living in fear that he might be put down. I was absolutely heart broken. 

A few months later and he was back in work again, but still strictly light riders only, and now, only light work. My best friend, Georgina rode him in our lesson. it was nice to see him back. She didn't like him much, because he fast and very strong, and she was only small. 

He has now moved stables, by his owner, Dawn. Lucky for me, it's only up the lane from us. A non-riding school stable. I know she takes great care of him, as I know she loves him as much I do. 

I went up to ride him the day. He was still his old self, but a bit reluctant to go. Dawn says he is getting old now and won't go any faster than he has to! She says she never schools him, because that's what hurts his shoulder. You see, he fell down and was holding up his leg, but it was in his shoulder all along.

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