Mackenzie’s unicorn birthday wish comes true

Mackenzie Kirby did not want much for her 4th birthday — just a unicorn, please.

Luckily for the Pine Hill girl, a member of her extended bubble had the time, the inclination, the equine and modelling resources to make it happen.

Auriel Mercer set about transforming her compliant pony Drover into a unicorn, assisted by friends Laura and Samantha Bryant and Tiffany Lippert — a metamorphosis which was not easy since most retail shops were closed under Level 3 restrictions.

‘‘It took four days. We had to draw up sketches and we also had to devise how we were going to do it without being able to go to a shop,’’ Ms Mercer said.

‘‘We had to call on family and friends to get all the materials so it was quite difficult, and it took a good three hours or so to get the horses dressed up today.’’

A dress rehearsal on Tuesday proved Drover did not mind having paraphernalia added, which included a horn made out of toilet rolls, duct tape, and sparkly foam paper.

Yesterday, Drover and Laura Bryant’s horse, Neecy, suitably festively redecorated, took a stroll down the road from their paddock to Mackenzie’s house, delighting neighbours along the way.

‘‘I had a birthday in isolation myself, and it was wonderful, but it wouldn’t have been wonderful without all the love and support of family and friends,’’ Ms Mercer said.

‘‘I thought it would be lovely to do the same for a little girl ... I started crying and so did she, her face just lit up with excitement, it was absolutely beautiful.’’