As a child I grew up with part-bred Arabian ponies. They were loyal, strong and rarely had problems with their feet or legs or wind. Thinking of these four-legged friends reminds me of my parents, of family holidays, of times with my sisters, of fancy dress gymkhanas and the memories instantly lead me back down the vista of time to the rosy hue of childhood years.
I still have a beloved older mare bred from those ponies, but two years ago I also bought a new purebred Arab filly with whom to share my adventures. Arabs are one of the oldest breeds of horses. They appear in Ancient Egyptian art, in legend, in poetry and in tales from Bedouins from the deserts in which the breed developed. In recent centuries they have been crossed with many breeds of horses as a way of introducing speed and endurance, good bones and refinement.
Whilst I think Phoebe is very beautiful, above all she is very different from some of the other horses here. She really seems to want to co-operate and bond with people – to be my friend, to say hello, be patted and scratched, come in from the field and get ready to go off on a ride. She is very sensitive but also very level headed and calm. Nevertheless, this paragon decided that she is not having any sort of metal bit in her mouth and is clearly quite fixed in her view, so it is an apple flavoured rubber bit only.
Maggie (who helps me with the horses here) and I took her to Gary Witheford, a horse whisperer and friend who lives half an hour away in Devizes. He breaks in horses as well as working with difficult ones so I also send the thoroughbred fillies and colts there to be broken in for racing. The principle is one of partnership and respect. It took about 10 minutes in total before Nikki was not merely sitting on Phoebe’s back but standing up on her back as well. Nikki kindly hacked her out around the roads and helped Phoebe’s confidence before she returned home and it was my turn to ride her.
We have ventured out carefully. Steering is still a bit iffy and going forwards a little uneven. Unsure of managing a rider and her feet, we stumble on a regular basis through woodland tracks and she has lost a shoe on every ride so far.
Previous travellers have ridden on horseback through Highclere for hundreds of years, if not more. Horses have carried us away from trouble and into battle. They were our means of transport until the “Downton Abbey” era, when horsepower began to appear in a motorized form. I am however absorbed by the warmth, the sounds and familiar smells of my Arab pony’s mane, the way her ears are always listening back to me on our rides together. I am very lucky and these are magical moments in busy days. Unlike my childhood days however, I have taken to wearing a flak jacket when I ride: a protection from falling off given I am quite sure I will not “bounce” as I did in the past.
I think Phoebe and I will have a good life together, a sense of belonging both together and in the landscape through which we tiptoe on our way.
Instagram
Thank you for sharing. Phoebe is gorgeous.
What a beautiful pony! I love that classic, intelligent Arabian face; so wise and deep. I have never ridden an Arabian, though I have ridden t’breds, Haflingers (), Clydesdales (), Morgan’s, Quarter horses. The bond between a person and their horse is truly beyond special. Do enjoy this pretty girl as you both explore your property. I am glad you wear a flak jacket; my last years of riding I always wore mine. Having osteoporosis and riding are not always the best combination, so I wore my ‘body armor’. It was not pleasant on hot and humid summer days….. As always, thank you for sharing!!
It is a very special bond!
Thank you for sharing your love of Phoebe. I must say I think an apple taste is much preferred to metal so I’m with Phoebe on this one!
I rather agree with Phoebe too! Not a battle to have..
You may have luck using an iron-and-copper bit. The horses I have known are quite taken by it. Lovely story and photos!
She is simply a BEAUTY in every way……….her flaws will become treasured over time !
Thank you always for your wonderful stories….albeit, everyday life or life from Highclere’s past.
Danke für die lieben Zeilen 🙂 Ich wohne in Berlin, da liebe ich diese ruhigen schönen Bilder mit Tieren und Natur . Freue mich auch bald wieder auf Berichte und Bilder von der Renovierung und von geheimen Räumen….aus Ihrem Märchenschloss ❤ Liebe Grüsse aus Deutschland
Ich habe Berlin besucht – ich habe es sehr genossen und es gibt viele schöne Parks! Aus Interesse haben Sie mein Buch -” Zu Gast” gesehen???
Phoebe is so beautiful! Thanks for this story and many more that I know will be coming as you explore and enjoy the property.
So glad to see you enjoying yourself with one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Without doubt you spend so much of your time and energy caring for and preserving what has been entrusted to you, that a simple pleasure like riding is a nice reward. Those of us who likely will never see your world in person are
very grateful for the window onto it you provide.
I can see so much of this beautiful world from horseback – it is a lovely way to travel..
Phoebe is a stunning beauty! It’s wonderful that you understand her personality – sensitive but level-headed and calm. In time, you will have a beautiful and loyal partner who is ready for more adventures and a happy life with you. Thanks for sharing!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a majestic horse you have in Phoebe. Lovely photos of you together.
I once read (probably on the internet, so it must be true!) that one never buys an Arabian horse. Instead it is the Arabian horse that decides who it will allow to be its “owner”. The ‘bill of sale’ without the Arabian horse’s hoof print on it, is worthless as far as the horse is concerned.
And then there is the famous 19th Century poem, “An Arab Farewells His Horse” of by Caroline Norton. The entire poem is too long to be included in full in this blog. However, as a ‘teaser’ to fellow bloggers, here is the first verse:
“My beautiful! my beautiful! that standest meekly by,
With thy proudly arched and glossy neck, and dark and fiery eye,
Fret not to roam the desert now, with all thy wingèd speed;
I may not mount on thee again-thou’rt sold, my Arab steed!
Fret not with that impatient hoof-snuff not the breezy wind-
The farther that thou fliest now, so far am I behind;
The stranger hath thy bridle-rein-thy master hath his gold-
Fleet-limbed and beautiful, farewell; thou’rt sold, my steed, thou’rt sold.”
For the entire poem, see:-:
http://www.babsonarabians.com/Readers_Corner/Arabs_Farewell.htm
Enjoy your special friendship.
Regards & best wishes,
Jeffery Sewell
You are right she chose me and we talk and we grow together. She is thus a true Arabian
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Thanks for sharing this with us. Phoebe is beautiful and you’ll both have amazing adventures together. It is always good to be friends with one’s horse. Enjoy your day and may your adventures be blessed with beauty, freedom and love.
Betty
What a beauty. On a trip to London, we rode with a wonderful stable near Hyde Park. I had not been on a horse since I was a child, well to say the least I was hooked. I may be a bit old to be pony mad, but have found a wonderful stable near my home who is willing to take me on for lessons…..heaven help them LOL.
We rode a breed called Irish Cob horses. I was on a massive beast named Murphy, he was sassy, smart and sweet all at the same time. It was love at first sight. Counting the days till I can ride in Hyde Park and visit Highclere again. Funny like you said Horses and Highclere seem to go together.
Warm Regards,
Helena
Horses and riding are magic moments!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful new horse. I have been riding and showing Arabians and half Arabians ( what you would call part breds) in Iowa where I live, and in shows around the country, since 2012 when I decided that, since I do not bounce nearly as well as I did at 15, I had reached the age where I should probably stop jumping. Half Arabians are santioned by the Arabian Horse Association of America and shows are divided into pure bred and half catagories pretty equally, which you may already know, Both of mine have been half. I bought my first beautiful buckskin as a western horse, who decided he did not like the collected control and slow speed of western showing (in other words, he likes to run) so we switched to non jumping hunt where he did pretty well, (killer hand gallop) except that half Arabian buckskin quarter horses are not what they look for in hunt classes at larger shows. I kept him and semi retired him to lessons at the barn I ride out of , and sold him to them in May. The lesson kids love him, I still get to ride him and he still does shows with the kids. I bought my half Arabian- saddlebred chestnut mare in 2015, as kind of a project. She had done as well as making the cut at US Nationals in 2013, but had been parked in a field for 2 years and had never really had consistent training. It has been a slog, but we have made progress, although my trainer has kind of decided she would be a great horse for a different rider. Not sure where we are going from here, as she is a gorgoeus big moving mare, with only small bouts of “Marezilla” but I have been looking at a pure bred western horse who also does side saddle.
Sorry this got long. Was just excited to see you bought an Arabian. Have often wondered about the Arabian breed in the UK as I hope to spend more time there in the future. Thanks for sharing. She is lovely.
It is a match and I agree that Arabs chose you as well – sometimes you can try and see if they will fall in and join with you, other times as in life, there are other paths. I learn so much from them!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I do wish you luck with Phoebe but hopefully, she is on the right track. We use to rent out our field to a man who had bought a pregnant Mustang back east from Colorado. It was clear that she had been badly abused so we had much work to do gaining Bonita’s trust. She did not want a bit nor did she want anything to do with a saddle! The owner had several people come in and try to work with her and even took her up to New Hampshire to a horse whisperer he had heard of. That did not turn out so well because he apparently had dreadful methods on how to train a horse. Thus we were back to square one. She was difficult to catch and kept running away from us. Every day for a year I went down to the field and just sat and read a book so that I was under her nose for a couple of hours. Slowly, she got use to me being there so that I could touch her. Finally after a few months we were able to get her back wearing a bit and working with her in the round pen. We were making progress! I fed her twice a day and did her “stall” such as it was ( she basically lived outside since she was used to the cold Colorado weather). We had her here for nine years and then he gave her away due to too many grandchildren needing his attention. I was broken hearted because Bonita came to trust me more than the owner and she was my friend. I miss her every day. I hope you and Phoebe forge that same kind of bond that Bonita and I had. From the pictures you have included, it looks like you already have. There is nothing like the friendship between a horse and its owner! Enjoy her.
Diana
Gary is a real horse whisperer – from his heart, and ever optimistic I always think most horses want to join up. Exile is never fun.
Oh how beautiful!
I used to show Arabians here in Iowa. I was so proud as I rode atop some of the most beautiful horses I’d ever seen. Your’s, however, is simply tiptop. I envy you.
The Fall is coming, leaves turning, and there’s a coolness in the air. What a perfect time to be out for a jaunt.
It is a good time and I hope to take her out this week!
From one horse lover to another, loved the story of you and Phoebe. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Arabians form a special bond with their humans, Phoebe is fortunate you have that understanding (as does your trainer!). Is she a rose grey color? She seems larger than most Egyptian bred Arabs, does
she have a little Polish in her blood line as well? I love all your stories so very much, but am most intrigued by your horseback riding adventures and photos of your stables and paddocks, barns and live stock. Thank you so very much for sharing.
She is pure desert Arab stock – her sire is DA VINCI, by Crusader ex Mazurka by Maleik El Kheil , her dam was called Winter Persephone (By Shapoor (by The Shah ex Mikoletta) Ex Grey Wood Nymph (by The Prince of Orange ex Holly Blue) .
Phoebe is above all charming!
I love these photos of your horses, and the story is so insightful. My mother bought an Arabian when she was about 50-years-old. That horse lived for 33 years – his name was Taanash. He was about the color of yours – during the fall and winter. In the spring and summer he had a reddish tint! Since we lived in the city, she boarded him at another location. The first spring my mother came out to see him she couldn’t find him in the pasture. Then, some strange red horse started running toward her! At first she didn’t recognize him, but when he came closer she saw it was Taanaash! He had shed his white winter coat! He was truly “a horse of a different color.”
He knew your mother, how special!
Strange as it sounds, I have never ridden a horse, but only a cow, when I was a little girl that is! I love to read your blog posts, as they transport me to your lovely property and I become a little mouse observing it all. Enjoy!
I see that your Arabian horse has the “Coins of Allah” (coin-sized white spots) on her withers, denoting a pure breed from ancient times! How lucky! Here in Colorado, I had several Arabians to train to drive a carriage, and we won most of our carriage classic events & races, because these wonderful animals are fast, fearless, regal, dedicated, can out-last most other breeds on the trails, are not affected by the summer heat, and do not need (or want) stops for watering. In fact, the hardest work we had during training was to help them get over their resistance to any waterway…especially crossing bridges over streams or rivers. We eventually succeeded in having them happily agree to wade right through running streams, pulling a carriage! Driving them in matched pairs, pulling a classic doctor’s carriage, along the prairies and up mountain trails in the Rocky Mountains was such a pleasure!
I see that your Arabian horse has the “Coins of Allah” (coin-sized white spots) on her withers, denoting a pure breed from ancient times! How lucky! Here in Colorado, I had several Arabians to train to drive a carriage, and we won most of our carriage classic events & races, because these wonderful animals are fast, fearless, regal, dedicated, can out-last most other breeds on the trails, are not affected by the summer heat, and do not need (or want) stops for watering. In fact, the hardest work we had during training was to help them get over their resistance to any waterway…especially crossing bridges over streams or rivers. We eventually succeeded in having them happily agree to wade right through running streams, pulling a carriage! Driving them in matched pairs, pulling a classic doctor’s carriage, along the prairies and up mountain trails in the Rocky Mountains was such a pleasure!
* Note: Oops, I meant to write Coins of Allah on the horse’s rump or hips, not withers, which are the shoulders!
Thank you – I think I have got a rather nice filly – and with such markings may she bring me luck as well as friendship!
What a stunningly beautiful and majestic creature (terrific pictures!), and I can really feel her personality coming through in your words. Thank you for doing right by her (and all your critters!), with a comfortable home, humane training and lots of love and spoiling. I truly believe that magic you described is real and the best reward. And thank you again for sharing these bits of your life with us and so eloquently, as always!
She is lovely and I think we will grow older together
Living life vicariously through you! ❤ Thank You for sharing! Hope to visit soon!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What lovely, lovely pictures you’ve painted, both with camera and with words. I live right in the middle of horse country here in Virginia, and my roots were transplanted to Kentucky, so. I understand that bond between horse and rider/trainer/owner, and especially friend. I love to ride and have ridden mostly Arabians. They are a wonderful breed.
Horses evolved in our southwest, and I’ve always wondered how they migrated to the Arabian desert. Could it be that the Mayans, who may have come to our continent from Egypt, took them there on a trip back home? Or did some adventurous couple from Pangea strike out on their own? “Oh, the places [we’ll] go…!
Keep blogging. Your blogs remind me of the beautiful descriptions of Shropshire and Wales by Edith Pargeter (Ellis Peters), my favorite author…well, you’re gaining ground!
Best of everything,
Mary-Carolyn
I suspect horses evolved in Iron Age times in many parts of our world and the Arab horses adapted to the desert – they needed man to survive
Phoebe is a beautiful Arabian filly. Here in Silverton, Oregon where I grew up and still live, our small town celebrates Homer Davenport Days every August. Homer Davenport was raised just outside Silverton on a farm by his grandparents and later became a political cartoonist for Hearst newspapers.. In 1906 Homer traveled to Arabia and bought several Arabian horses from a Sheik ( don’t remember his name) and brought them to America. where they were stabled in New Jersey. Homer died in 1912 from pneumonia and is buried here in the city cemetery here,
Just want to thank you for the many wonderful stories you have shared thru your blog over the years. I always look forward to receiving them, thank you.
The Arab bloodlines have travelled so widely – but what a journey across the ocean for those horses at that time!
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. They brighten a dark, rainy day in New England. A special bond with a horse is like no other. I enjoyed that bond with a horse that I rode in 3-day events. He trusted me and I trusted him with my life. Enjoy your autumn rides on Phoebe.
I will!
Thanks for sharing Phoebe is beautiful❤️
Many years ago my husband and I owned a ranch. Our ranch manager was asked by a horse breeder if we wanted an albino colt. No one wanted him. But I did. I named him Declan . We had a family from County Wexford working at our ranch, and Colm would croon Irish songs to him. The horse that no one wanted grew to 17-1/2 hands, loved children, and would actually put on quite a show fo everyone. He would give kisses on your neck and followed Colm like a large dog. Oh, my, how I miss that horse.
What a lovely story!
Dearest Fiona,
What a privilege indeed it is to own an Arabian. I had one during the 80’s, and there is nothing like the thrill of them tearing across a field, hell bent for leather, and helping one’s 80’s big hair seem even bigger. I should have worn personal protection devices like yours, as there were a couple of broken bones involved in our adventures. Unfortunately, they weren’t readily available back then, and a helmet on my big hair would have never done.
I write this on Columbus Day. It is a national holiday here in the U.S., much to the consternation of some. I honor Christopher Columbus for bringing horses to the Western Hemisphere. When the natives saw these white conquistadors riding up on their armoured Arabians, in their ornate costumes and hat de plumes, they bowed to them as gods.
I know you visit Florida from time to time, so I hope you will have a chance to ride a Florida Cracker sometime. Descended from the very horses that the Spanish brought to Florida, these gentle giants, although not pure Arabian anymore, are pure pleasure to ride, English or Western. The Arabian gene has survived the generations, as they are eager to please and easy to squeeze, if you enjoy riding English as much as I do.
Thanks for your post today, it was more timely than you might have imagined. It took me back to snow covered fields in Tennessee, where we would ride through the fields and forests as long as the daylight allowed, and then some. One hasn’t quite reached the pinnacle of thrills in this life unless they have galloped through a field on horseback, especially if that horse is an Arabian!
Thank you and I hope I will return to Florida – raise some money for some good American causes!
How lucky you are. Phoebe is beautiful. I miss my horses and the time we spent together.
You are both exquisite.
That is definitely too kind Carol! How are you doing in Houston?
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have loved horses all my life, especially Arabians, making pencil sketches of them as early I was able to dream and draw. After many years of riding lessons, at 14 years old, my parents gave me a Saddlebred mare upon the condition that would continue achieve the high honor roll in school. At 17 years old, I won 5th place in the US National Saddle Seat Equitation competition in Madison Square Garden. My mare will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life. She taught me about trust and love at a very young age. However, life moves on, and I went away to college, during which time my mare died.
My first love was always the Arabian breed, so when I moved from the east coast to California in 1984, where the Arabian breed is more prevalent, I started exploring the possibility of owning an Arabian stallion for the purposes of breeding and showing. In 1985, I obtained a two-year-old pure-bred Crabbet Arabian stallion, named Indian Dancer. As you may know, Crabbet is the English Arabian line bred by the Blunt family, who obtained their foundation stock from the Arabian desert. Indian Dancer went on to win many championships of his own, in addition to siring 14 offspring, one of whom won a US Arabian National Dressage Championship. Dancer was my best friend for 30 years, having an incredibly sweet temperament. I always felt that he protected me, not only in the show arena, but also on our rides through the mountain trails. When he passed away two years ago at 32 years old, he was still like a colt, prancing home from our trail rides.
Your story about you mare, reminded my so much about the special relationship that the Arabian horse has with humans. I wish you many more years of such blessings with your mare.
Carolyn C.
What a lovely story, thank you for sharing and Indian Dance was clearly such an extraordinary friend. They have such great hearts.
Phoebe is beautiful. I love her markings. You two will become great friends.
Dear Lady Carnarvon, your new Phoebe is simply splendid. I wish you much happiness with her. But what has happened to your other noble steed Azzi? He was also so amazing. I wish you many happy days of riding on them both. Desiree.
Azzie is a little older but was out today for a photoshoot!
As a girl, I loved to read horse stories, especially about the beautiful and swift Arabians, with their unique ears! Phoebe is gorgeous! Enjoy her. Glad that you’re wearing a jacket and a helmet!
Beautiful photos – Beautiful horse and story. Thank you.
As a 78 year old Aussie lady who has only admired horses from a distance I am intrigued by your story of Phoebe and loved it. I think that when I was about 3 years old I was put on the back of a great white cart horse on the farm but that is the nearest I have ever come to riding – but one can dream! I have enjoyed the experience vicariously however by your blog today. Thankyou from Perth WA.
Thank you – it is the friendship and shift in your mood or intention that they know before you do. It is fascinating!
I have always loved horses, and rode when I could, though I never owned a horse. I enjoyed your story about Phoebe, and the stories of your readers and their horses.
I did have a special relationship with a horse I rode, and hated to give him up.
I do not like being parted from my dogs or horses!!!
Thank you for reminding everyone of the nobility and worth of horses. People forget that America would not have been explored or settled without these wonderful creatures who do often worked until they died in their traces. I owned (I should say partnered with) a wonderful full bred Arab as well. He was so affectionate and intelligent- more like a large dog than any horse I’ve ever known. He lived to age 31 and I still think about him and miss him. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing, she is absolutely beautiful but as I was looking at her and you in front of Highclere I just noticed something absolutely beautiful in the structure of your home. Above the third floor is something that looks like lattice standing upright and it is absolutely beautiful part of your home. Do you know if that is gold covered iron? It is so so lovely and just 1 more thing about your home that is amazingly beautiful. Thank you for showing pictures and thank you for doing your blog Love Andrew from Harrisburg pa.
I think you are seeing the carvings on the stone. They are very beautiful!
Dear One, what a beautiful horse! You two will be forever friends…as with any valuable friendship we take the good and try to understand the bad and keep trying to build the love and understanding of each other. It will be so worth it. She is a magnificent animal. How blessed you are to have her.
The comment of the way she smells in the softness of her neck touches me deeply, We had horses growing up and grooming was an everyday practice. My horse was so sweet smelling…it was like a fragrance from heaven. I used to snuggle her there and she would turn her head as if to hug me back. I hope Phoebe will hug you many times and send that sweet smell of love back to you.
Thank you for this exceptionally beautiful letter. God bless you. Pam Green
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Phoebe is exquisite. If you remember, I broached the idea to you of doing a video featuring Azzie. What a treat to see Phoebe.
The accompanying pictures of Phoebe in whisper school with someone standing on her back, of you cuddling with her in her stall are priceless. My father as a young boy used to do his homework curled up with his horse in her stall nestled inside the curve of her body. The sweet smell of horse sweat, their smell in general is so dear.
The communication and friendship between horse and human transcends much of our comm with humans. I have always been honored to be in the presence of an animal. Phoebe and you are lucky to have each other.
You have so much. So many beloved people and beloved pets. So much going on in your world. Especially when there are many people who have so little, or nothing at all.
Sincerely,
Catherine Splane
Thank you – everyone who has a pony knows that peculiar smell when you just stand there buried in their necks.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Phoebe is exquisite. I first suggested that you do a video featuring Azzie. It is also wonderful to meet Phoebe.
The pictures of Phoebe in whisper school with Nikki standing on her back, of you cuddling with her in her stall show the love you feel for each other and the long life ahead with each other. My father as a young boy used to do his homework nestled in the curve of his horse’s body as she lay in her stall.
You are lucky that you have so much, beloved people, beloved pets. Especially when there are many people who have so little or nothing at all.
Sincerely,
Catherine Splane
I am lucky and from childhood, they teach you to think of others as they come first.
They do come first. The sweet comforting smell of a horse. Sweet sweat. To me, every one of a horse’s smells is sweet. Yes, every one. What an honor to be loved by a horse. An honor to be loved by any animal who needs you.
You look like a mounted police officer on a too elegant horse. Very endearing for sure.
Like always I enjoy reading your blogs.They tell me what it is like to live at Highclere castle. I have always loved horses, not only because they are beautiful creatures, but they are majestic. I say again please don’t stop writing your blogs, as I enjoy reading them.
They are majestic – and good friends, it is a great combination.
What a beautiful horse. I love the name Phoebe and even before I realized what it meant (hunter), I named my cat Phoebe. She was the best of mousers ever! Of course, your horse probably has more lofty attributes as elegant as she is.
I love riding and was taught English style. Later on, because I live in the West and the Southwest, I began to ride Western which is my greatest love of style.
It must have something to do with the way I dress, always in blue jeans.
Thank you so much for posting the pictures of this lovely horse and I wish you every enjoyment.
Thank you
Phoebe is beautiful! And yes, horses do have a mind of their own. I was riding a friend’s big grey, having a lovely time when all of a sudden the horse turned her head sideways, her eyes grew large, and the next thing I knew I was on the ground! I looked up to see the horse staring at me, and I swear I heard it chuckle!!
Ah yes – they rather wonder what has happened to you don’t they!!
With all the wildfires and disaster around us – I live in Napa Valley – it was nice to finally get this blog in my email today and read about Phoebe! Thank you so much – she is adorable!!!
I am so sorry for you – I was looking at the news and photos – hope your family and friends are safe
DEAR LADY FIONA ,
MY MOTHER LOVED ANIMALS,ESPECIALLY HORSES.
,SHE SAID THEY
WERE ELEGANT,EXQUISITE AND MAJESTIC.IF SHE WAS ALIVE SHE WOULD LOVE HER PHOEBE
I ALSO LOVE ANIMALS ESPECIALLY CATS AND DOGS.DO YOU HAVE CATS IN HIGHCLERE CASTLE?
I was so happy to be able to tour Highclere on October 4 – everything was lovely and the hostesses were so very well informed and obviously loved their jobs! They shared many anecdotes of both the Downton Abbey experience as well as insights into your family history. As an American on my first trip abroad, it was wonderful to see firsthand the workings and beauty of this wonderful home. Everything about the tour was special, including the tea afterwards. Is there any possibility of getting the recipe for the white onion and truffle soup? I entertain on a much smaller scale in my home and would love to include a soup for my Thanksiving guests. I have your book and have almost completed it – tonight’s reading is the last few pages. Thank you for your strength and drive to honor the legacy and history of Highclere!
I will indeed ask Paul for his white onion and truffle oil soup recipe – it is delicious and one to post up here for you. I would like him to show you on a video too!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a beautiful horse! If you ever come to Portugal, you should try to ride our Pure Blood Lusitano, a Portuguese horse breed. I’m quite sure that you would fall in love for them too.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story.
Best wishes for you and Phoebe from Lisbon, Portugal.
Thank you – I would love to! One of our team here has a Lusitano! I also have an Andalusian..
Great horse, nice home. How about more new Downton Abbey episodes.
GOOD IDEA
I had an Arabian and loved riding her. She passed away in her 30s. She was a wonderful trail horse. Congratulations on your new Arabian Horse!
Thank you – I hope we will grow old together
Phoebe is lovely! She looks very similar in type to my *Monther Al Nasser son, how is she bred? I bred and showed Arabs for many years, now mostly doing Quarter Horses and working western. I did just take on this young Arab a few years ago though and he is a sweetheart. So happy you enjoy your girl
November, 2017
Hello Lady Carnarvon,
I wrote a brief note to you on one of your blogs, and have no idea if you happened to see it – about ‘Prince Fluffy Kareem’ and the plight of the horses used in trafficking tourists to the Pyramids, etc. I have been mulling over how to approach you re this very urgent matter, and at least bring it to your attention – not knowing how else to contact you. It is my fervent hope you might consider becoming a Patron of this Non-Profit, extremely important organization, or would know of someone who might.
As a huge ‘Arabian’ fan – and a proud owner of just one such beauty, in your mare ‘Phoebe’ – along with a family history of ‘Highclere’ and the ‘Egyptian’ connection – with regards the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, Howard Carter, and the Tomb of Tutankhamun – this would seem a patronage worthy of just such a person as yourself. ‘PFK’ – and Marte’s ‘story’ of how it came to be, is one of incredible perseverance in the face of adverse conditions. If ever there was a person to have in their corner with the means and ‘connections’ to others who can help raise funds, I truly think you are that person. I myself am a hapless bystander in Canada who is trying to reach out to anyone who can help these horses. To that end, I hope you will take a moment to read about Prince Fluffy Kareem (PFK), below and if there is anything you can do, to share this info, please accept my heartfelt gratitude.
Jody
Mission: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
PFK is a UK-registered charity based in Cairo, Egypt. Our mission is to help the animals working by the pyramids of Giza. We treat mainly horses but also lots of camels and donkeys.
Animals here are used to take tourists and Egyptian locals on rides around the pyramids and in the surrounding desert, they are used as transport and they pull carts selling local produce.
Many of the pyramid horses are in shockingly poor condition, usually caused by a combination of reasons. The uprising in 2011 caused a dramatic drop in tourism, and similarly affected the income of local horse owners. But the revolution in 2011 and then the contra-revolution in 2013 are only parts of a large, complex puzzle. Most of the owners we work with are illiterate and survive on a low income. In addition to caring for their own family they often support other relatives as well. They have usually dropped out of school early to work for their family – there are lots of children selling souvenirs at the pyramids and many children work with horses as well. Like people, most horses start working at an early age. They are working animals, not pets.
The low-income owners can only afford to buy the cheapest horses. These are horses that are underweight, injured and/or sick. It’s not uncommon for sellers to give the horse a good dose of bute so that the buyer will think it’s reasonably sound. Many pay a down payment for a horse that is already in poor condition, and are then forced to work that horse to be able to pay off instalments. A low income means that owners cannot afford the good, experienced vets and farriers and although medication is sold over the counter, they can’t afford to buy it.
While there are some excellent vets in Egypt, people generally have poor knowledge of horses. Living in a desert country no one has seen horses grazing naturally, and hard feed like corn, barley and fava beans is considered the best feed. Owners that can’t afford hard feed usually feed chaff and some yellow corn. Hay is not sold locally. Feeding so much grain causes colic, ulcers and laminitis, but knowledge about laminitis is minimal. After nearly six years we are still struggling to make people understand that they must be careful with grain. This goes hand in hand with little awareness about healthy eating habits for humans; Egyptians consume a lot of oil and sugar and a large part of the population struggles with overweight and diabetes.
Cairo is a city of nearly 20 million people, and like people’s houses, most stables in our area are small and quite cramped. The working horses generally don’t have their own boxes, but are tied up in rows. We see a lot of leg wounds caused by ropes, or other injuries like head wounds after horses have laid down and gotten stuck. Bite wounds are also common since so many horses live in close proximity to each other.
Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease, is very common due to enormous amounts of ticks, especially in summer. Clinical signs range from fever, anorexia and lethargy to colic, haemoglobinuria and jaundice. Many horses end up in a downwards spiral of babesiosis – weight loss – anaemia and liver problems – babesiosis again – more weight loss and so on. We have treated many severely emaciated horses whose blood tests show chronic anaemia and poorly functioning livers. Even for us, with a brilliant vet, IV fluids, supplements and lots of varied feed, it can be very difficult to put weight on these horses. For an owner with barely any money it’s impossible.
Much of the local treatment is considered outdated in Western countries, or it’s based on wives’ tales and superstition. Like in many other cultures, Egyptians believe that the “evil eye”, or the “eye of the envious”, can cause illness and death.
The PFK patients that are too injured to have any quality of life are humanely euthanised – these horses are usually purchased by us for market price, but more and more owners let us do it without asking for money. Animals that are too injured to work, but that can live happily as pets, are usually bought by us and retired – more and more owners surrender horses to us without wanting anything in exchange. The animals that heal and become strong and healthy again are returned to their owners. Every owner gets several chances, but if they show us repeatedly that they are not interested in caring for their animals they can no longer leave horses with us.
PFK offers all treatment free of charge, whether that is feeding a horse for two months, x-rays, wound care, farrier work or surgeries. Most important of all, we educate. We can’t change the financial situation in Egypt, but we can teach the owners to better understand their animals’ needs.
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Perhaps Phoebe could help her friends – would you like to email me on [email protected]
Upon reading the ‘Seven Days of Christmas’ this morning, and Tresses’ story of her time in Mumbai, and thinking how it had affected her, Melissa and yourself, of course, I realized there is just SO much to do in this world – so much help is needed to make even a small change in the lives of so many – how can I ask you to do more than you already do, with your generous support of the worthy agencies, charities and organizations you are already involved in – all the while still wondering if you had even read my added message back in November, and always with the plight of the Prince Fluffy Kareem organization in my heart..
Imagine my incredible surprise when I decided to check back on the story of Phoebe and noticed the reply from yourself below my post. Thank you! and I shall reply to you as requested. If you only know how much you have lifted my spirits – from my home on Vancouver Island, BC Canada, to yours, come the most sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for this.
Pheobe is beautiful! I’ve got a 16.2hh thoroughbred who is an ex race horse so a bit of a nightmare but we’re getting there with time!
Thank you – she is rather lovely and quite tall for an arab filly.