Estate Living Magazine Estate Living Issue 29 May | Page 30

A horse, a
horse, my
garden
needs a
horse
Or perhaps,
‘my little pony’
If you’ve just moved into an
equestrian estate for the scenery,
the security and the position, you
may be tempted to buy a pair of
jodhpurs – and, of course, a horse
to go with them. But buying a horse
is not really that simple. Horses make the best companions. They smell wonderful, and
Defining your needs or traction, and teach them how to care for their horses. They
There are many good reasons for acquiring a horse, but the
main distinction is whether you want to use – which probably
means ride – the horse, or whether you just want a pet and/or
paddock ornament.
they are great listeners. They can keep secrets, and they have
wonderful shoulders to cry on. They’re also the world’s quietest
lawnmowers – with the added bonus of free fertiliser.
If you’re looking for a horse that you’re not going to ride, there
are some great options. One of the best is to adopt a rescue
horse. There are a number of organisations that work hard with
low-income horse owners who depend on horses for transport
also rescue and/or confiscate horses and ponies that have
been abused or badly neglected.
You’d be amazed how these “toast racks” can turn into pretty
plump ponies with a bit of love and affection, and lots of good
Horses for looking at and cuddling food and care. You could also foster a rescue horse, which
Just because you’re not going to be using your horse for
riding, showing or pulling a plough doesn’t mean it’s useless. you might then decide to keep, or take on a retired working
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or competitive horse, perhaps one with a career-ending injury