This is Pas de Deux (Paddy) when I bought him. He had been pulling a cart laden with stolen car parts when his owner was arrested. The police brought him in to Johannesburg SPCA as the owner was in custody. I had no intention of getting another horse and if I had wanted to it would have not been this one. However, he looked at me with his big calf-eyes as if to say “you aren`t going to let me go back are you?” I said “Sorry pal , I am” Then he looked at me again. When his owner came out of jail and came to claim him I started negotiations for the purchase. Mr. Vilikazi knew a horse mad sucker when he saw one and I ended up paying R5,000 for the pathetic creature.

He blossomed into a stunning horse and as I was too big for him I gave the ride to my groom, Mr. Oupa Padi. They only compete at small training shows but have done well at the little local shows, moving up from walk/trot through prelim to novice in their dressage and picking up a lot of rosettes for showing as well. Pads can also jump. He can easily clear 80cm with Oupa and has jumped out of the 1,2m paddock without a rider. He is a kind and willing partner for beginner and disabled riders.

Oupa was unfortunate in that he never attended school. His illiteracy is a source of embarrassment to him. Riding and winning with Paddy has done wonders  for his self esteem. He has a wall full of ribbons and even had his picture in the Beeld Newspaper. I rescued Paddy for his own sake, never dreaming that he would make a human being`s life so much better. I consider it the best R5000 I have ever spent. For that small investment I have had the “return” of two uplifted souls.