For me it is the Arabian horse

They mesmerise me. I think they are the most beautiful animal on the earth.

So graceful yet powerful. Nervous yet trusting. Tough yet beautiful.

Over 4,500 years ago, the first known Arabian horses ruled the deserts in the middle east. Today the purebred Arab  is virtually the same as that ridden in ancient Arabia. Part of the history belonging to the Egyptian Pharaohs, these hot blooded horses were bred for their endurance and strength. Their agility and loyalty.

After spending a lot of time in Egypt myself, I have come to love and admire this stunning breed. Their natural environment is hostile and unkind. Yet somehow this delicate animal has flourished and is now considered the oldest and most pure breed of horse.

He literally just flops on the floor in front of you and expects you to stop whatever you are doing to rub his belly.

Here are a few Ragdoll warnings!

• If you’re trying to do something where you need to concentrate, i.e. re-wire a plug, do your homework etc. they will try to help.
• Raggies can climb up loft ladder
• Raggies cannot climb down loft ladders
• Anytime is playtime to a Raggie, regardless of what time it is!
• If it is on the floor it has to be a toy
• Slippers are for putting things in, namely bits of paper, toys etc.
• Window sills are for falling off
• A Ragdoll flop occurs wherever and whenever, but most usually in your way!
• That those big blue eyes really can get whatever they want.
• Ragdoll cat bellies are for rubbing.
• Expect to waste loads and loads of time marvelling in your babies and giving them brushes and cuddles and playtimes – hours every day in fact, the more the better! You won’t have any time left to do anything else!

It was my first time riding at Crouchfields Farm. After 3 years of riding the Pot-Hunter horses (www.pot-hunters.com) I felt I needed a change. And some lessons.

Never really bee in interested in the ins and outs of English riding. I much prefer charging round the countryside. But if I’m going to get my purebred Arab and break it in myself then I need to brush up on the basics as well as the more advanced stuff.

Last weekend Lee and I went to Devon for a long weekend. I managed to sneak in a riding lesson at the yard near the woodland lodge we were staying in. In between sitting in the sauna, having a massage and watching the stars from our private hot tub.

That’s me on the Andalucian horse I rode. Can’t remember his name.

Lee tells me he has a 10 year plan. It includes stuff like; buy a house, buy a Custom Gibson Les Paul guitar…

I think I should have a ten year plan too. Of course it has to match up with Lee’s I suppose.

So mine looks something like this. By 2020 (argh):

Own a house

Buy an purebred Arabian horse

Own my own company (not sure what yet…but it has to be mine)

*long pause*

Those are the main things I think.

I’ll add more if I think of them. But that’s probably enough to aim for anyway.

Oooh I have Malteasers in the fridge. Yay!

When I’m sad, she comes to me
With a thousand smiles, she gives to me free
It’s alright she says it’s alright
Take anything you want from me,
Anything.

Fly on little wing,
Yeah yeah, yeah, little wing