“There’s nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.”

Lord Palmerston

I haven’t been the registered owner of a car for several years now since part exchanging my faithful and beloved Mazda for my wife’s new car – but since the end of last year I am the registered owner of a horse called Phacelia.

As a kid I couldn’t come within a few feet of any horse without my eyes puffing up and my nose running as they were, without doubt, the animals I was most allergic to.

So, the idea that I might own a horse, let alone spend time in its company, has never seemed a likely prospect. Even more unlikely is the idea that I would actually love this creature – but I do.

In fact, I will go as far as saying that owning and caring for this animal is one of the best things I have ever done. It’s not easy, it’s certainly not cheap but it is, in many ways, very therapeutic – particularly during a tough six months.

Up until now, I haven’t broadcast the fact that I ended up suddenly and unexpectedly in hospital during the early part of this year.

It’s the first time I’ve been admitted to hospital and hopefully the last – at least for many years to come I hope – and the aftermath has been challenging. Continue reading →