A change of scene

I do not come from a family naturally used to horses, small animals yes, but large and unpredictable horses no!

Part of my house sitting deal is ensuring that the two horses and maybe a Shetland are still standing each morning. Well, they were indeed standing and not only that, standing in the garden having broken a fence.

Wassim, the Arab is rather fierce and showed me his teeth before advancing, snorting and pawing the ground, that was already poached (technical horsey term describing hoof shaped indents in the furrows), so I backed myself into the stables and called for help.

Oh, I forgot to say there had been a power cut so the phone was useless, but by using what little credit I had left summoned ‘Geordie’. He is not from Newcastle, why would he be but one of the large group of expats living here. He is Irish, thin and eager to help and so with a large stick, he approached the now rather cross animal that started to kick out and jump. I remained in the stable of course! Naturally!

Then Kate the Canadian appeared. She had been sheltering a lost dog in the stables, I need say little more except that she probably had fleas, the dog, not Kate.

The broken gate had to be dismantled and with me on a stiff knee, Geordie (with a hangover from last night, I will tell you about that later), and Kate with a flea scratching dog secured by bailer twine, we scoured the property for wood. Like any French rural place, it is a trove of broken pieces, out-houses with old tractors, rusty tools, feral cats and a pheasant. However finally three new but ancient posts where honed into place.

The horse by now with shouting and clapping leapt back into the paddock, followed by Geordie. I think his fuddled head would have given him courage.

I know what you think, Heath and Robinson (we know that name from Brooklawn don’t we) but I hope the contraption will hold tonight. Kate wanted coffee but with no power we boiled on the gas stove a saucepan for weak ersatz brew, one that escaping airman would have been offered.!

I made back it to the house as the soft rain started and must tell you more about Auch, (the nearest town) and Geordie’s party.

Stay tuned!