From the very first time I saw Oakley I knew he was special.
There he was standing in a stall at the local saleyard, in a pen full of horses just begging to be given a second chance. You could see that this chubby little bay Arabian x Stock Horse had had a hard life. He was once campaigned in on the campdrafting circuit, but was discarded after he tore a piece of hide right off the cow’s rump.
He was one of the lucky few that day, something about him caught my eye and also that of a buyer for the riding school that I worked at as a child.
That day was the beginning of Oakley’s new life.
As a riding school horse, Oakley was not among the favourites. He was known for his bad behaviour, and outbursts of madness. Despite all of this, I still felt he was just misunderstood. So when I overheard that he was going to be sent back to the saleyard I just had to save him again. I asked if I would be able to take him on for a few weeks and see how much difference a little TLC would make to a stubborn young horse.
The next day Oakley was given his first taste of love & affection… he had a bath, some yummy feed and had rugs put on. Every little bit of attention you could spare he lapped up. Within a week you could see the difference, and he had become easier to ride. After a month or so, I approached the riding school with an offer to purchase him outright. A couple of hours later I walked out of the office the proud owner of this special animal. I paid more than double the price that they had originally paid for him, but I can tell you now that every cent was worth it.
Many years have past now, in fact over a decade, and Oakley is still my most prized possession.
Together we have achieved so much, Horse of the Year Awards, Multi Champion & Supreme Show Hack titles (in 5 states) as well as prizes and awards in Showjumping, Eventing, Endurance Riding, Polocrosse. Oakley has even used as a Lead Pony at some top Thoroughbred Racing Stables!!
For all of those people that have admired and indeed loved Oakley over the years – I thank you for seeing the same qualities about this special horse as I have.
Oakley is now almost 19 years old and is graciously retired and will spend the rest of his days as a very special part of our family.
What more can I say about Oakley… he is simply and always will be My Best Friend.
