Shire & Retired

Some of you may already know that I’m an avid horse rider. However, over the past year, I haven’t had much opportunity to go riding, as I have now had to retire my beloved horse, Todd.

Todd is a big and beautiful Shire horse, with a heart and a personality to match his stature. At 27 years of age, he’s now an old gentleman, with a salt ‘n’ pepper mane, and arthritis in his bones. He has most definitely hung up his horseshoes and is now enjoying a life of mooching around in the paddock, chomping on his favourite hay and veggie snacks from our garden, and looking forward to his daily visits from me and Brydon, with a few cuddles thrown in.

As much as I miss riding, looking after Todd in his dotage is a privilege and part of the commitment one takes on when they bring a horse into their lives. Caring for him every day has let me get to know and appreciate him in a different way and he continues to teach me so much about the amazing spirit of these gentle giants.

I love chatting about all things horsey, so if you’re a fellow equestrian, write in the comments or send me a message, I’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, a spot of fun for ‘hippophiles’ ? -?Fifteen Words That Mean Something Different To Horse Lovers

Stay safe and take care,

Cristina.