The first meeting

In 2013, I was on the look out for a horse.

I had been a working pupil at an event yard and then set up a free lance riding business, looking to make riding and competing my profession.

I had my event horse, Squirrel, who was competing at novice level but he was in his early teens and had hock arthritis so I needed a youngster to take the reins.

I had found a promisin

g 3 year old but after failing the vet, I was on the lookout. I travelled to Sports Horse Continental as they had a number of 4 year olds recently imported from Germany so I felt if I couldn't find one there, I was doomed!

On the way up, I commented on one horse's advert. It was a 16.2hh Holsteiner mare, 4 years old by the stallion Cachas. She was slightly more expensive than the others and as I watched the video of her loose jumping a 1.30m fence, giving it a good foot of room. I said "I'm an eventer. I don't need a horse like that," 

When I got there, I was like a kid in a candy shop. All the horses were gorgeous. Good confirmation, beautiful movement and all could jump. They were out in two paddocks. The dealer advised me to go out, pick the ones I liked the look of and we would bring them in to loose school.

We crossed the first field and the grey mare that I had originally discounted due to being too talented, trotted over to me. I picked her and a bay mare.

I watched them both move and the grey was in a class of her own. Her movement was so elevated and she put in an extended trot. Over fences, she made a brilliant shape and gave the poles plenty of room.

We put them back in their stables and I stepped from stable to stable.

Each time I left the grey, she gave a little huff. 

I had to admit defeat. I knew the grey was coming home with me.

I made the offer, deposit was paid and she was mine.