He was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen. 

He was a thick set cob, piebald and all of 15hh and was being led around by Lynn Russel.  She stopped him and I asked her about his daily routine, was he any good on the road? and asked a few more questions which you normally do. 

'Hawkeye' came home to me later that month. I turned him out in the post and rail paddock with his warm turnout rug. He turned and galloped the minute I let his leather head-collar go and bucked in enthusiasm.  After a while he settled and started to explore. I just watched him in awe, could he really be mine??.

The next day I got out his saddle and bridle, I called him and he trotted over, he was covered in mud!!.  Oh well! I was ready for this. I got my grooming kit out, tied him up and set to work. 

He was soon sparkling again and I put his tack on.  He looked just as perfect after being tacked up. I then put on his traveling boots and summer sheet and tail bandage. I think he must have been surprised....wasn't he supposed to have these on at different times? 

I loaded him in his trailer. Of course he went in easily and we were soon on our way to the beach! It was a glorious day and the sea glittered in the sunshine. I unloaded 'Hawk', took his traveling gear off and tightened his girth.

I then walked him down to the yellow sand, he neighed and scuffed the sand with his hoof. I jumped up on him and proceeded at a walk.  We were soon trotting in the water and hawk was really enjoying himself. 

After a while I made sure he was properly warmed up and gave the aids for canter.  He glided along, soon we were galloping ,then all of a sudden everything was gone!!

I felt around me and... oops.. I was in my bed!

By Claire Bergin

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