This week I’m interviewing for staff for our carriage driving club to assist me looking after the 17 horses and ponies at Plumtree Farm. 5 of those are liveries, mainly on part livery. We currently have 3 Directors, but unfortunately all 3 of us are having issues with our mobility and health conditions, resulting in no one being able to step in when staff are sick or on holidays. My own disabilities have progressed so that I’m in a wheelchair just about full time. Our yard, based in the 1800s was definitely not designed with wheelchairs being used, even the simplistic task, such as, collecting feed buckets from the stables, includes a step up into most of our stables. Most of the horses adapted years ago to me handling them from a scooter, so no issues with them using a wheelchair. The biggest surprise has been just how wonderful and accepting the interviewees have been this week. Their words of support and encouragement has been overwhelming. They’ve treated me with respect and only asked if and when they thought I needed help. Not taken over because they think I can’t do it. They’ve made me realise that I do have value and after all there’s 48 years of equine knowledge in my head. I love lunging and the groundwork needed for training the driving horses and ponies, but I can no longer do it. The people I have met this week have made me excited to pass on my knowledge, to teach them how to do this groundwork. I’ve gone from thinking that maybe it’s time to sell up, to being totally inspired for the future. So bring it on !!

I’ve added an entry into the “classroom” I’m considering developing this if enough members are interested?

A fantastic drive, sun is shining ,driving Ferdy . Ferdy is a beautiful boy , talented and responsive, so gentle and a joy to groom and drive ... Certainly a favorite of mine 😊

Our shared passion is horses. I’d love to hear a fun story you have about horses, or a story about your favourite horse.