Many of our supporters will know the sad news that we recently bid farewell to our four heavy horses. Although it was sad to see them go, is has been heartening to know that they have all gone to excellent homes. We have received this lovely update from the new owner of Speedy and we’re delighted to hear how well they are getting on together…
Update from Speedy The Clydesdale
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
– Socrates
Well, like all the greatest books, I have started a new chapter in Dorset with Joanne. I am having lots of fun and making new friends, equine and human. My new field mates are called Boxer, Leona and Little Jack. I have taken over the chain harrowing of the fields much to the amusement of the farm owner who did not quite believe his luck when I arrived. He gave me extra carrots and apples as a thank you.
Everyone was very excited to meet me and there are pictures of the old heavy horses that once worked the farm working the land on the wall. I have a rather lovely stable if I want a snooze, and I get to watch the other horses in the arena and be centre of attention on the yard.
Chain harrowing with my new owner
About my new owner
So a little bit about Joanne, she has lots of heavy horse experience and has owned Shires, Belgium Drafts and Percherons. I am actually her first Clydesdale. She is a member of the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association, British Heavy Horse Driving Trials Club, British Driving Society and a few more groups, so I am looking forward to experiencing lots of exciting new things and going out to events and shows.
Left to right: Boxer, Leona and me
Winter will be used to keep me fit and practice our working skills: plenty of logging, harrowing and sledge jobs to be done and then come the spring we have the following pencilled in the Diary as a start to the season:
- The London Harness Horse Parade will be held on Easter Monday, 2nd April 2018, at the South of England Centre, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL.
- Southern Counties Spring Working Day (date to be confirmed)
Joanne and I will also be doing some equine therapy supporting those with various disabilities and stress conditions. The decision in the writing of my new chapter and me and my friends leaving Chawton House Library was made, and not an easy decision, but with the “Power of the Hoof” I can touch many more. Many people are in much need of a gentle giant to show them how they can change and adapt; often they find change hugely difficult and I have been told that I am an excellent choice for this job and why Joanne was carefully selected so we could become a partnership, promote the heavy horse and give me a loving home and new purpose.
Me with Joanne
This is not goodbye as we will be giving the house regular updates on our progress and may pop in one day for some lovely tea and carrot cake.
Lots of Love,
Speedy and Joanne.