Kyra the Perfect Model.
FEATURED in the Equine Portrait Photography group July 2009
“Ismalia” OR “Kyra”
If you are very lucky during your equestrian life a horse will cross your path that will teach you lessons in discipline, courage, persistence and above all humility. Ismalia or Kyra as she is known at home has taught me these and many other lessons.
Kyra is a 15.2hh Clydie Cross mare who was bought near Ballarat in late 2000. She was a just broken 2-year old filly breed by local horseman Bill Rinaldi. She took my eye late one evening while looking at another horse Bill had for sale. With her four white stockings and broad blaze I was immediately smitten. Kyra matured quickly travelling to most of the major competition venues. So after joining the HRCAV we were assessed at level 4 with half points. We where ready to compete in early February 2001. Kyra was 4th and 5th on her first outing, just a hint of what was to come…..........She did not better these placing’s in her first season but at three and half we where extremely satisfied. 2002-2003 proved to be very exciting. A win in Level 4 and Level 3 in her first competition saw our combination reassessed to Level 3. With 9 wins and the level 3 Golden Spurs Championship by one point. We continued to consolidate our basic skills and looked forward to Level 1 in 2004. We pointed up to Level 1 and her ability and success continue to amaze. Her career record has been remarkable, 90 dressage tests and only unplaced 11 times.
EFA Elementary/Medium is our goal in 2005; her lateral work continues to improve, as does her ability to collect. . Good instruction is the corner stone of all competitive sport, especially the equestrian pursuits. However it is us that bring fairy tales, myth and agendas to the arena. We should seek out the best instruction that we can afford and always look at our own performance before we blame our horses for shortcomings.
...........AND THEN!!!!!!
Kyra’s Recovery…………(Artical written just after her accident)
It seems a long time since the 22nd November 2005 when “Kyra” (Ismalia) had her accident in the paddock that broke her knee and my heart. The emotions have ebbed and flowed with each passing week and piles of manure (……………….there is not a tree, bush or weed that has not been mulched). Kyra spent 16 weeks in the stable, eonough to drive most horses over the edge….......................
The fear of losing my best mate soon gave way to anger then fear again as the reality of the job in front of us became apparent.
Three weeks into “Kyra’s” treatment she had a small rub sore at the base of her caste. Our Vet cut away the offending plaster and we hoped nothing sinister was occurring inside the caste. A week later the first caste came of to reveal the tiniest of sores on the inside of her knee. Our vet was extremely happy at this point as it had been his experience that most horses had massive sores that often degenerated into life threatening infection long before this time. Another caste was placed on the leg with extra padding around the knee. Our Vet passed on the revelation that he had only seen three horses recover from the injury that “Kyra” had suffered. Fear again crept into my thoughts, fear and sadness………………… “The sadness was that my mate may not yet survive and sad with the realization that she could never be ridden again”. Three weeks later at about 5.30 pm I went to dress the top and bottom of the caste and up she went…..very nearly kicked me! ( Kyra would never do this if she was feeling well) obviously not happy! Straight to the phone and in less than 20 minutes the Vet was in attendance. After some heavy duty sedative the second caste was removed and a nasty rub sore on the inside of the knee was revealed. A course on antibiotics twice a day (poor horse had become a pin cushion by this stage) and more BTZ’s. On the plus side she was placing more weight on the leg and even showing some flexion. The Vet X-rayed the leg for the third time to reveal the healing was progressing well and she could now spend time in the day yard and box. And now a further four weeks down the track she is trotting a little and even trying to canter. She will be X-rayed again on Thursday the 30th March 2006 and if all is well she will go back to the paddock over the weekend. Four months of nursing, feeding, shoveling manure, amusing with toys and treats, grooming and carefully observing at every hour of the day and night will end. This is brief summary of our last four months some of the things like her being “Caste” in the box in that first week that terrified us all, or the cuts on her legs as she discovered new ways to lay down and then rise. The hundreds of dollars worth on elastoplast and the mountains of wood shavings that have been shoveled are difficult to recall….........................
...............AND TODAY!!!
...................”Kyra” had a filly foal by “Boere Jazz” in September of 2007, but the really big news is that I rode her today and she was sound. Two years and four months after that awful night she was back in the arena and she owned it, she has not fogotten a thing, she even did two Flying Changes and I am crying as I write this….......my best mate is BACK!!!!!
Kyra the Perfect Model. belongs to the following groups:
Equine Art and Photography, Equine Portrait Photography, Everything Draft Horse & Carriage and Simply Horses Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Nanmarie
I’m crying too! This is truly a success story. You tender love and care helped her and her determination put her back in the game! She’s beautiful inside and out. I must also mention that i love her bangs, very vogue. Good story Ade. Well done.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you Nancy…........she is my special girl.
Sharon Wormleaton
Beautiful photo and beautiful story. Always love an animal story with a happy ending. She’s a really beautiful horse
~ Ademac replied
She has been a professional from day one. I do wonder why I am surprised sometimes…............thank you for your lovely comment Sharon
Nancy Stafford
That is an amazing story of your horse. and she she beautiful. It makes a person feel good.
about twenty some years ago. the horse i had at three years of age. injuryed her foot. above the hoof had to have an surgery. I thought i was going to lose her but she was a fighter i it took about a year and a half before i could have her trained . but she did well and became my mate in parades and trails. I lost her just two years ago at the age of thiry two years. I had her for all those years and I miss her.
~ Ademac replied
........I do know your pain Nancy, they are truely wonderful partners. Thank you for your comment.
Deri Dority
Wow, such an amazing story. It brought tears to my eyes. I am happy that it had a great ending. I have lost horses to injury before and am happy that you did not have to go through that.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you Deri…..............you will see a new born filly foal in me folio….........we lost her this time last year, I do know your pain.
david campbell
beautiful
~ Ademac replied
Thanks David
Maximus
wow. I’m so pleased for you both. I am no horseman, though I admire horses. cheers. :)
~ Ademac replied
You don’t have to be a horseman or women to see the beauty and grace of these wonderful animals, thank you Max I appreciate your great comment.
Barbara Sparhawk
Oh Adrian, what exquisite drama. Heart in my throat all through the reading of your Kyra story, your mate, healing, kicking, trotting, owning the arena and hearts joined between the two of you in a way that will never be undone. How she must love you! She’s beautiful, she’s beautiful, you’re beautiful. And I knew it, the idiot bastards who automatically kill wounded horses are more concerned about the time and emotional cost of what the two of you struggled through, to dedicate your life to her cure and well being with time and love. Maybe the practice will end, and healing horses instead of murdering them will for all time to come be called the Kyra Cure. Bless your heart Adrian, it’s a fabulous story you’ve lived and written. Kiss Kyra on the nose for me.
~ Ademac replied
...........geez Barb now you made me cry again, thank you my friend it is only when I sat down to upload this image that the realisation hit me and months and months of emotions flooded out….................I know its just a horse story and in the whole scheme of world events it means very little but if we can care just a little more then that would be great, thanks again.
Rosina Lamberti
Stunning shot.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you Rosina
ltruskett
O M G, Ade. Just read this, didn’t know about her story. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. With nothing short of a miracle in the tender, loving hands of her carers, she survived. CAN ANYONE BELIEVE ANY HORSE SURVIVED A BROKEN BONE IN THE LEG?? WHAT A LEGEND SHE IS…............
~ Ademac replied
Linda the first X-ray showed the three bones in her knee shattered like ice but all in place…................we saw her have the accident and imobilised the leg almost immediately. We floated her about 150 metres to the stables as she had the injury about 8.30pm. To get on the float she rocked back on her back legs and leapt into the float landing on her good leg only…...........the Vet looked at me and said we have to try to save this one she is so very clever!!.........and you know he did!!
Barbara Sparhawk
In the whole scheme of world events, Adrian, it means everything. The process that you and Kyra passed through to reach this final proud powerful moment when she could accept you as her rider again…it makes me cry. And what you described IS the way to embrace a world, to love a country, to feed the hungry and heal all sickness everywhere. When St Francis extended his hand to the birds of the forest where he stood centuries ago, he changed mankind, and he changed wild creatures, forever.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you so much Barb…............as I said the emotions of two years have flooded the key board, my sleeve and her rug today, just an old sook I suppose.
halftone
Omg…..duck bumps here! What a fabulous story, and what a wonderful girl she is!!! Big congrats to you for helping her recover so well!!! She is truly remarkable!
~ Ademac replied
That she is Halftone….........that she is and thank you so very much for your comment.
Al Bourassa
An amazing story.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you Al…..I really appreciate your comment.
Junebug60
beautiful, beautiful animal. Great shot
~ Ademac replied
Thank you June….................really appreciate your comment.
Shanina Conway
What a rollercoaster you’ve been on…it would have been unbearable to lose her…I’m so happy and nearly in tears…you have your best mate back…and her beautiful filly;)
~ Ademac replied
Thanks Shanina…..........I am spoilt for riches, just keep going out to her paddock just to make sure…...................driving the poor little horse nuts!!!!............thanks again.
Shanina Conway
No I’m sure she adores the company and knows she is well loved;)
Antanas
beautiful shot
~ Ademac replied
Thanks Antanas…............it was a beautiful day.
Rachel Leopold
Oh my – what a shot and what a story! Brings tears to my eyes! Well done to have your best friend back… xx
~ Ademac replied
Thanks Rachel….............it has been a very special day, thank you sharing it me…........
Rachel Leopold
The pleasure is mine! xx
whisperingruth
Well my Dear Adrian….........you know how I feel about Miss Kyra….......I knew this day would be a very special one…............I’m so very happy for you both!BEAUTIFUL portrait of the lovely lady…......she’s looking lke a million bucks…..................
~ Ademac replied
Oh Ruth she does look flash…......first real wash in two years, new shoes and rug…......I am still on a high, thank you for your support, I do appreciate your lovely comments.
KatsEye
Wonderful but sad/happy story and what a beautiful horse.
KatsEye
P.S. You have me crying now. What a wonderful horse you have and what an awesome owner you are. I am very happy for you both to be back in the ring together again.
~ Ademac replied
It was an emotional day…..thank you for sharing with me.
Kathleen Struckle
Beautiful image and horse. Glad you are both back in the ring. Made me cry.
~ Ademac replied
Thanks Kath….........I am humbled by the support of my bubble mates, thank you.
PennyEdwardes
My GOD Ade!!! I’m so happy for you! To almost lose your best friend would have been terrible! The exhilaration to know that she is sound…....words cannot describe! I bet she’s happy to have her dancing shoes on again…..and you are honoured to give them to her! You both are very blessed to be able to dance again…...I’m all choked up!
I had a fantastic dressage horse years ago who unfortunately had to be put to sleep because of bowel cancer…...I held him in my arms and said goodbye…..a moment I will never forget. To see the enjoyment and unbridled love coming out in the words you write has given us all a little something to make us smile and cry tears of joy Ade! Kyra and yourself are a remarkable team and you have my full support, my tears, my dreams and my hopes! I shall cheer for you!
~ Ademac replied
Penny you are the best…...................as somebody said earlier, I have gone from nearly losing my best mate to having her back and her beautiful daughter….........I feel I am a very lucky man today. I struggled to sleep last night, so excited and as i feed my little mate this morning the tears weld up again…....bloody horses!!!!!
PennyEdwardes
Oh don’t I know the feeling…..Jed thinks I’m quite mad when I get emotional over bloody dressage videos!!
PPPhotoArt
what a wonderful story and i’m crying right now as i congratulate you both on being best mates and real love between people and/or animals really does help … my doggie has to have an operation soon but it my heart I know whe will be okay … beautiful horse too, i’m so happy for you, wonderful story!!!!!
~ Ademac
Thank you PPP….......really appreciate your comments and I hope your puppy comes through his op with flying colors.
LaFleureRouge
What a lovely creature! How lucky you are my friend.
I miss my horses of my youth.
~ Ademac replied
Thank you Red, this little mare has bought huge pleasure to our lives, not to mention the lessons in patience, humility and tolerance. Thanks again
lareejc
wow! impressive and beautiful :)
lareejc
I am so happy that Kyra came back to her health; you also had me in tears and I don’t even own a horse but I can certainly relate! You sound like a very nice, caring person :)
Emily Peak
I don’t know how I missed this one before! But I am so glad Miss Kyra is coming back stronger than ever! You two shall dance again! :) That part of your heart can be stirred and smile again!
Maureen Bloesch
great capture of face, features and shadows…..
Jill Fehringer
beautiful draft cross!! well done!
skyhorse
She is a beautiful mare – what wonderful achievements you have had together, not least of which is saving her from such a terrible injury and getting her back under saddle – congratulations to you! There is nothing like that feeling, I went through it when my old mare got septic arthritis – sheer hell, despair & then the final exaltation of success. You deserve every special moment that follows after such trauma, well done!!!
Lover1969
Thank you for sharing your story about your best mate. It was a tear jerkier for me. I’m so happy to hear that she is doing well and that you were able to ride her again. She is absolutely beautiful! I hope you have many years of being with her. I know she loves you very much.
kaycam
very slick, she’s a stunner.
louisegreen
She is a lovely girl & this is a great shot – should be in the Equine Portrait Photography Group. Heartwrenching story but a happy ending:-)
janfoster
A true beauty to say the least and incredible story to boot : )
Gh0ul
She is so stunning, a nutter, but stunning <3>
Rebeladdict
She truly is gorgeous!! :) With a fighting spirit …... AWESOME!!
Anne-Marie Bok...
What a beautiful horse and amazing story! I’m glad this one has a happy end, because, sad enough, most of these kind of stories don’t have! You’re very lucky with this ending and Kyra has the perfect “mate”.
Catherine Howell
this is so beautiful. I just went through something with a special gelding. He stepped on something and it penetrated his joint capsule. He should not have been sound. It took several months, but thankfully he is. I totally relate to the months and special care. Crying, anger, worry and fear!
I am very happy for you as I am my dear Red.