TESTIMONIAL - HORSE: SOLLY - October 2009

5th OCTOBER 2009

Solly's last day at Jo's!

My horse Solly, a 16.2 thoroughbred gelding, went to Headingley at the end of January this year for what was originally supposed to be only a couple of months, but soon turned into 8!

He initially went for his stay at Jo’s due to various reasons – injury (human not equine!), personal commitments, and a trip I was due to make overseas to name but a few – so I needed a temporary home for him where I could be sure he would receive 100% care while I wasn’t around. Headingley was recommended to me by a friend, so I went along to have a look around and to have a chat with Jo.

Immediately I was impressed by the facilities on offer and by Jo’s friendliness and obvious equine knowledge. And so the decision was made to move Solly for his 2-month break, with the full intention of returning him to the D.I.Y. yard as soon as I was able to do so. However, 2 months down the line both Solly and I were so happy with the care he was receiving that I arranged with Jo to keep him there on a livery basis. He had become so relaxed and at home with his surroundings, he was looking fantastic thanks to the outstanding care given by Jo and her staff, and I had been made to feel so welcome by everyone at the yard, almost like part of the family. These three things combined made the decision to keep him at Headingley a very easy one to make!

The commitment Jo shows to the horses in her care is second to none. The horses come first, no question. She’s there 24/7 and doesn’t spare a thought to giving up a night’s sleep (or several!) to a horse that needs her attention. And so I knew that there would always be an extremely experienced, knowledgeable person on hand who would do all in her power to keep my horse happy and healthy.

I have now moved my horse not because I wanted to leave Headingley, far from it, but because I am moving overseas and sadly could not take Solly with me, and so have had to find a loan home for him. If however at some point in the future I find myself back in the area and needing a home for my horse, I know where I’m headed!

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank-you to Jo, her staff and her family for making the past 8 months so enjoyable and worry free both for me and my extremely contented, healthier than ever horse.

Caroline Home