We waited all morning with baited breath for that phone call. The most important phone call of all. The one we are hanging on. The one from the vet saying Stewie has passed the vet check and we can jump in the car with the float attached. The phone call came. The news was all good. LET’S GO! We headed to the property with our trusty instructor in tow. She kindly let us use her horse float to collect Stewie in. Which I must say I am mighty grateful for,  as I have never driven a car with a horse float attached before. Karen did all the driving. With the float attached. I am grateful. Very grateful.

Upon arrival at the property, we all flew out of the car in excitement. Dave had been waiting for this day for so long and well, we had all just been caught up in the flow. After some signatures on papers and an exchange of money, Dave takes possession of Stewie.

Dave and Stewie. The proud new owner of his very own horse.

Stewie has a little snack on some grass, fresh and new from the rain, prior to being put on the float for his journey to his new home.

The float awaits patiently like a giant mouth waiting to swallow Stewie up.

First, we have to put his rug on. We wouldn’t want our new addition to catch a chill on the way home. Karen holds his lead rope whilst Dave attends the task of doing up his cotton rug.

And on he goes…he walks onto the float without any problems at all. Excellent considering he has never been on a float before. Karen judiciously watches on in case Stewie decides to spook.

Karen closes the back-bar making sure our precious cargo is secure.

Dave has hung some hay in a strategic position to keep Stewie occupied. We don’t want him to be frightened and of course food is the best way to keep any good horse occupied.

Snug as a bug in a rug and ready to roll.

Pose for the camera. Stewie’s official portrait as a new member of our family in his new home.

There are a few housekeeping chores to be done when you first buy a new horse and one of them is to make sure they are wormed. Karen shows Dave how to attend to this chore. A little like trying to give a very large baby medicine in a syringe. Never easy but Stewie seemd an old hand at it.

Now be a good boy…

Worming over, Stewie settles into his new paddock. Welcome to the family! Know that you will be the most loved and cared for horse on the planet.

And finally, a settling-in smooch from Bunny.

Feature image: istock

all other images: Linda ~ Pleasures of the Plate