A Chat with Adia Kensington from Nicole M. Miller’s Until Our Time Comes

The German invasion of Poland derails Adia Kensington’s plans to learn from the greatest breeders of Arabian horses in the world, but brings a British spy to her aid. Amidst the Blitzkrieg and a tense occupation, the two clash over everything—except their efforts to save the horses. Based on true events.

Welcome to Novel PASTimes! We are pleased you stopped by today.

Tell us something about where you live. 

I live and work at a Arabian horse breeding farm in Eastern Poland called Janów Podlaski—it is a beautiful farm steeped in history and splendor. It had been my life’s goal to work here and the Polish Arabian horse is a unique breed with its own history of war, sport, and excellence. 

Is there anything special about your name? Why do you think you were given that name?

Adia means “Gift from God” and as my parents were spies in the Great War, I believe they viewed me as such. They died before I could ever ask more about this. 

Do you have an occupation? What do you like or dislike about your work?

I am a horse trainer, which I know is rare for a woman. For most of my life I was underestimated and ignored, but I work hard and have risen to gain the respect of my colleagues here in Poland. I enjoy being around the horses all day—I understand them far more than people. 

Who are the special people in your life?

The director of Janów Podlaski, Filip, and the orphan who adopted me, Ewan, are two of the most special people in my life. They are my constant companions and supporters, and both of them I trust with my life. 

What is your heart’s deepest desire?

My deepest desire is to import the best of the Polish Arabian horses to my own fledgling farm in America. I’ve learned so much in my time in Poland, but I would love to share this special breed with the broader world and especially with American audiences. But these are some of the best horses in the world, and the cost is so far out of my reach. 

What are you most afraid of?

I’m most afraid of failure—I’ve always been told that I don’t know what I’m doing, and that my place isn’t inside the barn. But I don’t really care what others think. I care about what I can do, and I know I’m stubborn enough to make just about anything happen. With the rising tensions between Germany and Poland, though—I’m also afraid that time simply won’t be on my side. 

Do you have a cherished possession?

No, I care far more about animals than things, so as long as I have what I need to do my job (which isn’t much,) I’m happy. 

What do you expect the future will hold for you?

I’m not sure when so many things are outside my control—but I know that the one thing that is within my control is that I’ll always be looking after horses and the helpless. Nothing can keep me from that. 

What have you learned about yourself in the course of your story?

I’d always believed that I could handle anything that comes at me, on my own. But in the course of my story, I learn how deeply I must rely on others and that it’s not a weakness to do so. I also thought that things were so simple, before the war. And after war falls on our doorstep, I realize that things aren’t quite so black and white. 

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

I don’t like having the attention on me—I’d much rather talk about horses. I’d always much rather be behind the scenes, cleaning stalls and tending to the horses, but I’ll say that I’m glad for being able to share my story and the incredible efforts of those around me to save the Polish Arabian breed from annihilation. My role is just a small part of this bigger story. 

Thanks for allowing us to get know you a little better!

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Nicole M. Miller lives in Washington State with her husband and
two sons, along with her Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs,
cats, and guinea pigs. As a longtime horse owner, she’s been
involved in many horse organizations, including serving on the
Clark County Fair Court and as Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.
She’s received national and regional awards for her nonfiction from
American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional
Journalists. See her stories in The Horse of My Heart, The Horse of
My Dreams, The Dog Who Came to Christmas, and Second-Chance
Horses. Learn more at NicoleMillerWriter.com.