Throughout former supermodel Kylie Bax’s life, no matter where she is or what she’s doing, she’s always returned to the land to restore and renew. Even during her two decades living in New York, immersed in the glamorous world of fashion shows, photoshoots and international travel, the pull of nature and her beloved horses was never far away.
So it’s perhaps no surprise that she was the natural choice to host Upon the Land We Stand, a Sky Go documentary series exploring New Zealand’s equine industry. Kylie, 51, who gave up the catwalk to breed racehorses more than a decade ago, delves into the powerful bond between people, horses and the land in the documentary, and she says it’s been a wonderful opportunity to help shine a light on a world she loves.
“It’s been so interesting to meet and talk to all these incredible people,” she shares.
“They live upon the land, they utilise it and they do so many other things, as well as taking care of horses. “The show’s really about connecting the dots between the horse industry and the general public, who have no idea about what it is and how much we love it. It’s full of fascinating stories.”
From runways to racehorses
For the former supermodel and mum of three, being in front of the camera again was a welcome change from her day job – breeding racehorses at her home in Cambridge. She laughs when asked if her day-to- day life is glamorous.
“Not at all!” she exclaims.
“I’m in gumboots most of the day or flip flops. It’s a very practical life that I lead, so it was nice to be part of something creative again.”
A practical life
Kylie first fell in love with horses growing up in Thames. She and her family lived on a hill above the racecourse, and she would look upon these animals in awe every day. Her dad Graham became involved in breeding racehorses when she was young and he’d take his family to the races.
From there, Kylie’s interest began to grow.
“I was always fascinated by the idea of how you could breed a good racehorse,” she admits.
From New York to global stardom
But at 20, the aspiring model left New Zealand for New York, where her extraordinary global career was launched. Over the course of the next 20 years, she appeared on catwalks for fashion houses including Chanel, Christian Dior and Gucci. She graced the cover of magazines like Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.
But her love of horses didn’t dampen and while she was in the US, she owned a farm in Kentucky, where she would go at every opportunity. In 2013, she and her daughters, Lito, now 21, Dione, 18, and Danae, 14, moved to New Zealand and settled on a bloodstock farm in Cambridge.
Life on the farm
Since then, Kylie has been totally immersed in the world of racehorse breeding and syndication. Working the land and her animals might be a tough slog, but the joy and connection she has with her horses makes it all worth it.
“They are the most remarkable animals,” she enthuses.
“They’re healing, sensitive and can form the most incredible connections with us. I find if I’m stressed or having a bad day, just spending time with them makes me feel so much better.”
A busy morning routine
She jokes that she needs another farm to house her beloved horses – as it is, she often has more than 20 in the paddocks at her home. Every morning, she’s up early to feed the horses before a full day’s training, working on her land and running the business. It’s a long way from the catwalks of New York and Milan, but Kylie says she can’t imagine a time when she won’t be looking after horses.
“I’ll still be feeding out when I’m an old lady in a wheelchair!” she laughs.
“Once it’s in your blood, it never goes away.”
Family first
Kylie is also grateful for her happy life alongside her daughters. Lito is a hairdresser, living between Auckland and Cambridge, Dione has followed her mum into the horse game and Danae is at school in Hamilton. Being a mother to older kids now brings her much joy – they’re a tight foursome, despite lots of different personalities in the mix.
Kylie shares, “When I became a mum, I assumed they’d all turn out just like me. But they’re not! They’re all unique and all very talented at different things. It’s wonderful being part of their lives.”
