Kiandra my brumby

Heading home

Kiandra nudged me softly. I sat on the fence and patted her until Darkest Night came up behind me and knocked me onto Kiandra's back. She didn't react. If anything she wanted me to ride her. She was tall enough and strong enough for me to ride and she seemed happy so I nudged her forwards and she was fine. I lead her out and she walked me to the other stalls so I could open them. Some men started to react to this but others stood in shock and mum smiled. Darkest Night looked at me asking me if it was clear to go. I nodded and urged Kiandra to go. She knew it was now or never so she let me take the herd away on her. She felt me nudge her and started of cantering then went into a fast gallop. I held on tightly to her mane as she led the herd on the track I found on the map. We eventually got to an area where Darkest Night could continue to lead the herd home. I stayed on Kiandra's back until we were lead to the Kiandra heritage track. I dismounted her. She looked me in the eyes and I knew she didn't want me to go. "I promised I would set you free and here we are. Time for you to go now, girl. Go! Go home! You will be safe out here!" I yelled, tears streaming down my face. I had to leave her where she was safe but I had no idea that I would feel so bad about sending her off. She came up to me. Kiandra didn't want to go but she couldn't stay with me. "I promise I'll come back. I promise to see you again. Kiandra, my brumby." The look on her face was leading into the look on mine, hopeful but sad. She turned and galloped with the herd. It was beautiful and I knew she would be safe.

 I followed the track back to the closest car park where to my surprise, Cheryl and Hailey her waiting. Hailey looked at my sad face and ran up to give me a hug. I leaned on her shoulder and cried. Mum drove into the car park in the truck. I wiped my eyes and said thanks to Hailey for being so supportive then put myself in the truck. As we were driving on the dirt road through the bush, I watched the herd run like the wind. Each horse with a fast but steady pace, like watching a wedge-tail eagle fly so effortlessly through the sky. I put my hand on the window and watched them go.