My ultimate vision for my business, is to be able to offer choice. Over the years we have built up an extensive range of carriages, for both singles and pairs, and an amazing range of tours for all different interests. Where we are lacking however is in the horse power. Finding horses for this job is not an easy task. Ultimately I would like to have a pair of clydesdales, a pair of greys and pair of blacks, all of which can work in singles or in pairs. 

I was so lucky with the Clydesdales, during their formative years, I had Calvin, Nibbles and Tabby, who were all wonderful and able to do the work, allowing the Clydesdales plenty of time to mature, develop and learn. Time has ticked on, as it does, my old faithfuls have all passed away, leaving the work load to only the Clydesdales, who are magnificent, but it would be nice to have them some backup. 

My gamble of purchasing the Andalusians did not pay off. While some progress was being made, it was much slower than hoped and kind of needed to be. With the loss of Calvin, the pressure of not enough trained horses has really started to become apparent. While there have been glimpses of hope that they may get there, but the realisation that they would not get to the exceptional level required was looming. 

I struggled with how to move forward. Having recently had knee surgery, I was unable to ride them, but also not steady enough on my feet, and certainly not trusting newly repaired knee, in order to long rein them, which entirely limited my options. It also dawned on me just how much work they still needed. 

Then I heard a friends carriage business, Rob’s Carriages, was starting to wind up. Rob had a pair of greys, that I had been watching their journey for many years. I was expecting they would be available towards the end of the year, but was offered the opportunity to drive them and try them before they were advertised. These horses are 12 years old, and have been doing commercial work in the south east for years with Rob. 

We made the trek to Mt Gambier to test them out, and they were just lovely. Compliant, calm and keen to work. We took them for a 10km lap around the block, and I couldn’t fault their behaviour. This raised the question of should I buy them. 

And when reading this back, I do wonder why I struggled so much to make a decision. I guess, like is often the case, I really have a hard time differentiating between ‘business decision’ and ‘personal achievement’. I really wanted to prove that I could do it. That I could take unbroken horses, and train them to the commercial standard I require. 

I know I can do it, I mean, I did it with Angus and Henry, and they are magnificent, but so often I fall into thinking perhaps they were a fluke, or I just got lucky. I really was hanging on to ‘I have something to prove’. 

Usually when I have such a clogged up head with hard decisions, I saddle up Trudy and go for a ride. Physically I can’t do that right now, so I did the next best thing- harnessed up her son Brian and took him for a drive. Then it dawned on me. I can do it. I have done it with Brian, although not yet commercial, he is an absolute dream boat to drive. I have started him from scratch and he is my proof to myself that the clydies were not a fluke. 

Not all horses are cut out for what I need them to do. And that’s ok. I was concerned from a business perspective, that if I gave up on the Andalusians, that I would look incompetent. But Brian gave me the clarity to show it’s actually quite the opposite. 

My business offers horse drawn carriage rides. For this I need content, calm, honest horses who love their work. At no point do I advertise myself as a harness trainer. I do not break in out side horses. I realised Monty and Luna are just not destined to be harness horses for my business. 

This realisation cleared the way to allow the purchase of Mickey and Curly, and I thank Rob very much for the opportunity to allow them to join my team, but also understanding my initial hesitation. 

Deciding how to move forward with the Andalusians all kind of fell into place too, when Halado Park- who specialise in training baroque breeds had availability to take both of them. They are now commencing their journeys, in the absolute best hands, and I look forward to seeing their future as amazing riding horses.