In remembrance

A year ago today, an extraordinary, incredible horse left this world and it was a proper cheat.

My dear friend and her spectacular boy deserved so much more time together, a happy retirement, but it wasn't to be.

The first anniversary is the hardest. I want to make a statement to mark this day because I haven't forgotten how much he taught me about damaged horses, and how to help them find their way back to trust and confidence.

So this is just for Sammie Soldier, an appreciation of what he was and what he left with us. I carry what he taught with me every day.

And for all the horses and ponies we have now in our care and love so truly, may we be good, strong guardians worthy of the trust they give us.

And for the ones we have lost and miss so much, whether our own horses, or the long ago riding school ponies who taught us to rise to the trot, strike off on the correct lead, make that first leap of faith over a jump, and gave us bruised lessons about hubris, may we never forget what we learned so it may help us be respectful, patient and kind.

And to the horses that are yet to come, may we be open to what they have to share and to new and thoughtful ways forward.

And to all of us, too, that recognise what horses are and care enough to live up to their grace.

For all of them and all of that, a pause to be grateful, remember and celebrate all the horses who cross our paths, deserve our respect, care and our open hearts.