THE PERFECT HUSBAND

LED ME TO THE PERFECT HORSE

From our first date, I always knew that I was going to marry Carlo. On our first date, we went to watch the races at Greyville. He took me because he knew I'd never watched them before. Thereafter, we went to a lovely Italian restaurant, and by the end of the evening, I knew he had my heart.

That feeling only grew stronger as time passed, and he not only put up with, but also supported my love for horses and this sport. My previous mare became very ill, and no matter what time of day, he drove me up to visit her in the hospital (at that point, I lived down in Amanzimtoti, so we would usually only get up to Summerveld after 7pm for visits, and Carlo never complained once). After I lost her to cancer, I swore off riding. I felt defeated and broken, knowing there was nothing more we could have done for her. Needless to say, three months into this I was not a pleasant person to be around. Carlo put his foot down and insisted I start looking for a lease.

I started leasing a Saratoga mare, and after two years, I moved on to my instructor's two horses (also Saratoga horses). And so, my love for the Saratoga's grew. Fast forward another two and a half years, and we had our annual stable braai. We were all camped out around the braai, and Karin, my instructor, said she thought it might be time I started looking for my own horse. I told her I didn't think it would be an option as I'd just started my new job. She then, with a very mischievous smile, said let's just go see what Saratoga have. Carlo didn't argue and just said I could look but not to get my hopes up. So, we phoned Guy Benson and arranged to see some babies the following weekend.

The following weekend, Karin, a friend, and I got to Saratoga and hopped out of the car. My heart was so excited at the possibility of a horse. Guy showed us two other babies and then the most beautiful little palomino filly named Valerie, three months short of her second birthday. She wasn't the biggest horse around, but oozed personality and looks. I stepped into the stable, and she put her muzzle straight into my hand.

We decided to pop her in a paddock so I could see her movement, and when I say she floated, I mean it was like her feet didn't even touch the ground. She came trotting up to us after a spectacular show of nimbleness, and I was instantly in love. I got home all excited and told Carlo about the little filly I met and fell in love with. We sat down and chatted and decided that now wasn't the best time to get a horse; I had only just started my new job, and there was still so much uncertainty. Although I was disappointed, I understood.

I knew Saratoga was posting Valerie's advert the following Tuesday, so I kept checking, eagerly waiting for her to come up. Tuesday came and went, and there was nothing; my heart held hope; maybe I could still put together the last of the funds I needed and get her in a few month's time.

On the Wednesday evening, I got home from work, and Carlo asked me to have a seat next to him. He then handed me a sweet card, stating how proud of me he was for how hard I'd worked, for everything I'd accomplished, and how he appreciated me. And right at the end of that card, he wrote, "I've also put down the deposit on Valerie; she's yours". her off the Stud and did a year and a half worth of groundwork. We built up our relationship and got to know one another. I then backed her myself and have slowly started exposing her to various disciplines and showing environments in which she just seems to excel! Carlo has always been on the sidelines cheering us on and doing the husbandly duties of taking photos, lugging tack and grabbing the breakfasts...

My heart danced, tears streaming out so unexpectedly; my inner child crying with all the happiness and hope she'd held. I thought it would be at least another five years before I could have another horse of my own.

Valley, as I fondly call her, is bold, brave and everything I've always wanted in a horse. I've managed to find both the perfect husband and the perfect horse, and I consider myself the luckiest woman around.

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