My association with horses started around 1980. Keith Burnett who was a keen hunter invited me to ride his horse on a lunge reign. It was a new experience and I was able to feel the tremendous power in the horse. This prompted me to start to visit the local riding school which by chance was run by Jim Read who I knew from hang gliding days when he had kindly given us permission to fly from his land.
Some time later having accumulated riding experience Barbara and I moved to a house which had paddocks and stables. With these facilities it made sense to buy a horse of my own. Jim Read the farmer mentioned earlier found me a fantastic mount called Brooksey. A thoroughbred grey gelding 10 years old standing at 16.3 hands. We formed a partnership and have had some terrific times together..
I have always loved the countryside and there is no better way of seeing it than from a horses back. We are fortunate to live near Salisbury plain which offers some of the best riding country in England. Our local hunt is the Tedworth which hunts mainly in the Pewsey Vale. Brooksey and I have shared many a good day in the Vale with the hunt. Even with all the sports I have been involved in nothing beats the thrill of galloping cross country with the field, a bit like a cavalry charge.
Oliver is a character. Nosey, inquisative and far too clever for comfort. Able to let himself out of stables and paddocks, needs special attention. Brooksey and Oliver have lived together for 12 years now, they are great buddies and it is impossible to part them without a lot of fuss. Both are ageing now and so we no longer do hunter trials but stick to local hacking and the occational fun ride cross country.
Our horse sport has been the first time that Barara and I have been able to take part together. It has brought us a great deal of fun.
Brooksey on the day we bought him.
Home to rest after a hard day's hunting.
Two shots of Brooksey as he is now, enjoying the sun and grass in semi retirement
