It Happened This Weekend!
When you’ve had horses for more than 50 years, there will, of course, be both ups and downs along the way.
Since we moved to Hungary almost seven years ago, we’ve lived in a place where there are no other horses nearby. I do miss having someone to ride with, but that’s something that has come and gone throughout my life.
I now have three horses left:
– one that I rescued from slaughter, who is unfortunately permanently lame,
– an older broodmare who has lost many of her teeth,
– and Maersk, whom I’ve ridden and driven from time to time.
Sadly, Maersk has developed something in his hind legs (shivering), which makes me reluctant to ride him. I have, however, driven him a little — but with a big, clumsy cart that feels unnecessary when you only want to go for a short drive with your horse. He’s also quite a large horse, so finding a sulky that fits him is difficult — you almost end up sliding backward out of it once he’s harnessed!
Many years ago, I bought what’s called a stallion show gig from a dear friend who, sadly, is no longer with us. He had fitted it with brand new shafts, but there was still quite a bit of work left to do. I wanted to bring it here from Sweden, partly because I could see how useful it would be once finished, and partly because of the sentimental value — I had bought it from my friend.
It came along in a container that we stored at a friend’s place a bit away from here, and then we fetched the things little by little with a trailer. It was just Jens and me, and moving all that stuff was exhausting. When we were unloading the gig, we “dropped” it — and one of the wheels broke off. Maybe it was just as well, better that it happened then than while driving! The wheels were actually worm-eaten anyway.
After that, nothing was done with it. Repairing wooden wheels costs a fortune, and hardly anyone does that kind of work anymore. My farrier knew a man who was a specialist, so I contacted him — but when he told me the price for new wooden wheels, it was about the same as buying a new carriage. I couldn’t afford that, so the project had to wait.
After a while, my husband suggested we might check the cost of iron wheels instead, since the woodwork was the expensive part. And sure enough, new iron wheels that fit the gig cost “only” 10,000 SEK, so we went for it — and last summer it was finally done!
Next, I had to dig out my old harnesses, clean and adjust them to fit Maersk. He’s not a small horse, so it took a bit of work to make everything sit right. It’s amazing how much effort goes into just trying to have a bit of fun!
But last Saturday, it finally happened — the first drive!
The weather was beautiful, and I had my husband helping and taking photos. Since it was just a test drive and I needed to adjust things, I thought I could leave the other horses in the paddock. They’re old and tired, I thought…
When we drove out into the field, I suddenly heard squealing and snorting behind me — and my 24-year-old, who is lame in both front legs, came galloping and bucking at full speed past us! Naturally, Maersk got upset, tucked his hindquarters under him, and tensed up completely. But I managed to calm him down, turned the gig around, and drove back across the field.
Then Mercedes came trotting up, tail high in the air, neighing to Maersk as if to say, “Hey there, are you new here? You’re quite handsome!” — and started flirting like a young mare in heat. I could hardly stop laughing — what a bunch of silly old horses!
Maersk got lots of praise for staying calm and collected — good thing I had carrots in my pocket! He stood perfectly still while I unharnessed him, too.
Next time I go driving, I think I’ll leave the oldies in the other paddock! 😉
