Nice new jumper
Michael Kallenbach sets out to buy a horse
After two weeks of advertising, there was a flood of calls. Soon, Gypsy was snapped up and when I delivered her to nearby Swindon I knew she would be happy. Her new owner wanted a horse for safe and calm riding, and so she was finally able to hang up her hunting boots.
I gave her a few carrot sticks as I led her in. As she nosed around her new surroundings, I didn’t have the heart to say goodbye properly, for fear that I might become tearful.
By now, Magic had settled in. If he was able to talk, I imagine he would tell me how happy he is to be in such a luxurious eventing yard, dotted with lush green fields and well-maintained paddocks. Throughout the summer, Jonelle gave me a series of jumping lessons, and as she predicted, ‘This horse will open doors for you that you never thought existed.’
And she’s been proved right. At the Tedworth’s opening meet the other week, I jumped every fence that came my way and even managed to give a lead to some of the youngsters out on the hunt. My confidence seems to have soared, and I’ll always be indebted to the Kiwis for convincing me that I needed a new steed.
Now it was time to splurge on new tack and equipment. I went to Gary Gilroy at the local saddler in Marlborough (G & S Saddlery, Tel: 01672 515665) who made Magic an extra-large bridle and a pair of reins for £70. Then I decided to go for one of those lightweight cricket-styled riding hats, and picked a burgundy John Whitaker one (www.johnwhitakerintltd.com) at £195. And of course, there’s always a need for a new pair of gloves, so his black gripper gloves set me back by just £19.99.
It all turned out to be rather costly. But then, since I don’t have children at a fee-paying school, I might as well spend my money on Magic. He is, after all, worth his weight in gold.
More articles from: Michael Kallenbach | this section
Post this entry to: del.icio.us | Digg | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
Advertisement
To the manner born
James SherwoodJames Sherwood discovers a new meaning to the phrase ‘fashion house’
Tamzin’s Guide to the Conservative Party Conference
Tamzin LightwaterTamzin Lightwater's take on the Conservative Party Conference
Poetry in motion
Henrietta BredinHenrietta Bredin talks to Peter Manning about taking risks and creating opportunities
Diary
Dylan JonesDylan Jones on his year with David Cameron, and his trips to India and New York
A pilgrim’s progress for the 21st century
Mary WakefieldMary Wakefield talks to the author William P. Young, whose self-published religious novel has astounded the publishing world and sold nearly two million copies
Slow Life
Alex James
Baton twirling
Latest blog posts
sponsored links
Sky TV, Broadband & Talk from £16 a Month
Sky TV & free broadband packages available from £16 a month. Choose from a standard free sky box, sky plus or sky hd.
Sky TV, Broadband & Talk from £16 a Month
Sky TV & free broadband packages available from £16 a month. Choose from a standard free sky box, sky plus...
ROME CENTRE
PORTA METRONIA, ROME Standing high on the top of one of the seven hills of Rome- the Coelian- this unique
City Breaks. ROME and PARIS
ROME and PARIS: over 350 holiday rentals apartments listed: visit www.romanreference.com and www.parisreference.com or call +39 0648 903612.
Jewellery. RUFFS (Estd. 1904).
Goldsmiths by Design Welcome to Ruffs! You have found a company of Goldsmiths that specialises in the manufacture, amongst other
Spectator Business | Apollo Magazine
Corporate | Advertising | Privacy | Terms
Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London, SW1H 9HP
All Articles and Content Copyright ©2008 by The Spectator | All Rights Reserved
Sharon Katz
September 28th, 2008 7:59pmMichael Kallenbach has written an article for Departures regarding Desert Tours and I am interested in knowing more about the trip and what the differences were in his custom trip and the base trip. I have contacted the company but would like to somehow know more if I could from Mr. Kallenbach. Thank you.