OLLIE Parr bought his traditional British Cob stallion, Tommy, in a bar for 250 Pounds Sterling (around $450) two or so years ago.
When he took ownership, Ollie saw something in Tommy that few other people did.
“He just has the loveliest nature,” Ollie said, “and although he was a bit run down, and even seemed a bit down on himself, I could see that he had all the Cob attributes that I really like, and that with the right treatment, could turn into something very fine indeed.”
In the UK cobs are widely appreciated for their qualities as both riding and carriage animals. For Ollie, it was the second option towards which Tommy would be aimed.
“I’ve been around horses all my life,” says the 27-year-old Ollie. “Unlike a lot of lads growing up though, riding wasn’t my particular passion.
“Carriage driving has always been my thing and with Tommy I think we make a great team.”
In late May of this year, the “team” made its first appearance at one of the many shows specifically organised for carriage driving.
At the village of Whittlesford, south of Cambridge, some 80 or so horses and their drivers competed in 10 categories, Tommy and Ollie participating in the first line up for the day – the novice class.
Watching preparations, it is clear that the number of “Ts” to be crossed and “Is” to be dotted make this a very exacting event.
“First of all,” Ollie explains, “we have to do a general trot around the arena with all the other competitors, then we line up and the judge calls each team up for an individual trot about, a chat that covers everything from the horse’s background to the carriage you’re using and then a close inspection of all your gear.
“You have to perform well in all categories to earn winning points.”
One particular topic engaged the judge’s attention at this competition, a rather beautifully crafted box in the back of Ollie’s carriage. He was asked to explain its presence and the story went something like this.
“Well ma’am were registered to compete in this show two years ago, but my old mare Esme died suddenly the day before.
“She was a great favourite of mine and I’d always promised to get her into the ring here.
“That box contains her ashes, so I’m just keeping a promise.”
While the day was not to prove a winning one for Ollie and Tommy, the judge was particularly impressed by Tommy’s demeanour throughout the event, especially given that one of the competitors – a Shetland pony pulling a two wheeled trap – took off for a gallop at the end of judging, tipping his driver, the trap and himself all over the arena.
“From the beginning, Tommy has been a steady, gentle and patient horse,” says Alice Griffiths, Ollie’s partner.
“From when Ollie first brought him home, they seemed to just click and respond instinctively to one another.
“There’s a great bond there – they’re really good for one another.”
Incidentally, Ollie has recently been offered in excess of 5000 pounds for the “dodgy” 250-pound nag he bought in that pub.
The “not for sale” signs are very much in evidence around Tommy though, his future looking pretty much assured.
- Alyson Hulley-Jeffries writes for The Land. She has just returned from a holiday in the United Kingdom.
