Seven years ago I had to sell my only remaining horse, Sea Quest, due to the fact that I was neglecting him awfully. I had started my life as a community pharmacist and was finding the ridiculous working hours exhausting. Monday to Sunday 8 to 8 with every second Sunday off was not leaving enough time to give Quest the love and attention he needed. I was devastated. He was as happy as could be with a family of four going gaga over him.

9 Months ago I decided that the time had come. Why then? No idea. Could be hormones (I was 2 months along with my pregnancy)? Sounds slightly insane, I know.

What I wanted to do was find an impeccably trained, well mannered , large horse that would let me ride (gentle hack) without worrying about spooking etc. I did not want to have to teach him anything as I have in the past managed to teach every horse I started at least a few very bad habits. I also wasn't sure that I could really remember everything I would need.

I was going to take my time and start looking around and not rush anything.......... . Murphy intervened.

On a visit to a farm in the Grahamstown area I was shown a horse. Percheron/Boerperd, Dark Bay. Very wide but not too tall, big white blaze and the kindest eyes I have ever seen. I was lost. I had to have him. Without even having ridden him once, I made the deal for a much larger sum of money than any sane person would pay(the guy saw me coming), I wasn't taking the chance that he would go somewhere else, and inquired about delivery. It took more than 5months for everything to be arranged and fall into place , livery, gelding, a case of poisoning due to over-dipping where he almost died. He finally arrived in East London a week before my due date. I was so happy I could pop.

As you probably realize by now nothing in my life is ever simple and during his first check-up, Bushy was diagnosed with cancer of the third eyelid. Surgery was recommended and performed immediately and in the same week I gave birth to my son. Eight weeks later we are now both fully recovered, have boded during many visits and walks and are setting out on a grand adventure. Wish me luck!