Just after Christmas 2015 I took the rather large and some would say (and did) rash decision to change my world. This would involve stopping work and buying a horse.
It was not such a light bulb moment as I had been riding since before my memories begin, my Dad appeared with my first pony when I was 3 years old, a 6 month old welsh mountain colt. But it had been 10 years since I was on horse back.
The first decision to make was breed. I had owned an Andalusian gelding when I lived in Spain some 15 years earlier, so this is where I started… during my search I came across the Spanish Mustang, the more I read about the incredible history of this breed the more I knew I had found what I was looking for… now I just had to find one and hope my expectations would be justified. It was not going to be easy as they are so rare and sadly becoming more so.
- A shining example of the Natural Horse
For more on the history of the breed click here
For more on the confirmation of the breed click here
The second decision was less difficult, I was focusing on a filly as this way I had the potential to breed someday in the future.I eventually came across two small conservation herds in the UK; The medicine pony Center in Devon and Spanish Mustangs UK in Bury Saint Edmunds.
First stop, Spanish Mustangs UK we met with Martine who I had been communicating with over the previous month, she had for sale 2 magnificent horses a 5 year old mare Honey and a 4 year old gelding Charlie. I was immediately taken by Charlie’s presence but only spent a little time with him because he was not part of my plan – I mean, you can’t breed with or from a gelding! We moved on to Honey who was sweet and very beautiful but did not “talk” to me as Charlie did.
As we walked around, Martine introduce us to her herd from her foundation stallion Handsome Jim now 12 years old, still impressive, that she imported from America and was the first ever Spanish Mustang in the UK,and to her brood mares, which by chance this year where all in foal. We were very lucky that Adena, a stunning grulla mare had just foaled a week earlier and at foot stood Micky, a very cute overo Medicine Hat. As we left we went back to the paddock that Charlie and Honey shared and as we were ready to leave Charlie lowered his head and rested his muzzle on my chest and breathed all into me.. We said our goodbyes and set off south to visit The Medicine Pony Centre to see the 3 year old filly that I had become quite focused on through the pictures and conversations I had had with Laura.
As we drove I could not get Charlie out my mind, I kept telling my self that a gelding was not the right horse, no matter how impressive, he was the wrong sex and not just that, was not even intact! So I tried to push him out of my mind. Off we went to see the filly, perfect age, perfect sex, great lineage. She was sweet and pretty and gentle and and and, something kept nagging at me, and as hard as I tried there was no ignoring it any longer, Charlie had got under my skin! I could not have thought it possible considering the little time I spent with him and the constant mantra of “no not him” running through my head… I had to see if what I felt was real. I rang Martine and asked if I could visit again.
As we got closer my butterflies increased as now I wanted what I had felt to be real…
- Say Hello to Charlie.
We drove down the track and there he was running to the gate, his head held proud and nickering..
As I led him out and brushed him down he snuffled into me, we walked down the lane together and it was love! After a few tears of joy, it was agreed Charlie was my boy. Don’t get me wrong he will not be a push over at 4 he is still a baby and has much to learn ( as do I! ) and as a recent gelding has all the presence and power of a stallion.
- First walk for Rachel and Charlie.
However he is honest and willing and together we will begin our journey. I can’t wait… But I will have to, as it will take some organizing getting him to Italy!
With eyes the colour of ink, and a half shield snow white face Lakota Windchaser steals your heart.
- The always inquisitive, Charlie.
