On Tuesday morning the 5th of May, Charlie would begin his journey that would traverse 5 countries over 4 days. It is a very strange thing to put so much faith in strangers, but that is just what I did.
After looking into horse transport companies, I finally decided on John Parker Transport. This was partly due to the conversations I had with their team but mainly and more importantly due to some very high recommendations.
The lorry was all mod-cons,AC, web cams ,independent suspension, you name it this truck came with it.. Stopping every four hours to give water and check on the horses, it was a shared load so he had company, and with each night being stabled and given space to stretch their legs, the care was impeccable. I was given a mobile number just in case I needed to speak to the drivers Howard and Suzie, trying to limit my “new parent” paranoia..
He’s in there somewhere.
Actually, I was less anxious than expected up until the moment we went to meet the lorry at the motorway exit so they could follow us in. As soon as I could see the lorry I felt every pebble under the tires and each corner was like being on a roller-coaster. All I could do was picture my boy in the back. The approach to the yard is down a very narrow private road, and the day before road works began, making the entrance even narrower! The thought of unloading on the side of the road and leading a travel weary Spanish Mustang colt, in strange surroundings, down a 2 km track did not fill me with joy! However I need not have worried as Suzie, an amazing young woman, managed to negotiate the massive rig past the roadworks, round a hairpin bend and down the narrow track as if it was a fiat 500.
My first glimpse.
The first thing I saw when they opened the back was his ears poking over the barrier, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both!.. Charlie was the last delivery so he had been alone from Milan, and apparently been a little unsettled..
Happy to be on terra firma
As he was led down the loading ramp I think he was glad to be on “terra firma”.
Puffing up and calling out he was just as handsome and as special as I remembered. I had made the right choice… After the inevitable signing of paperwork, I was handed his lead rope and Howard and Suzie turned around and headed home. I will be eternally grateful for their care and professionalism and also the support from the office team at John Parker transport..I can not recommend them highly enough.
Charlie making sure everyone knows that he has arrived.
His journey was nearly over, with just a short walk to his paddock. Leading down through the olive trees, his new neighbours came to their fences to say hello, much snorting and calling out ensued but not with panic or aggression, just announcing his arrival. Once in his paddock, I let him off and was amazed at his composure, he was calm and seemed immediately settled. Not running off but walking around close by, investigating. After a short while he got down and rolled in the dust, and as Alice said… “adesso in casa”… now, at home.
Charlie gets stuck in
Happy in his new home.
Charlie testing the Italian grass
