When I got him home I turned him out and he proceeded to gallop in circles for 30 minutes until I brought him in. It was so sad to see him that excited just to be in a field that he could stop running around.
It took a week of turning him out with Cassie for 1/2 hour 3 or 4 times a day to get him calm enough to stay out all day. I also rode him a lot at this time as he was very, very lively!!
After living with us for a few months, he went out with Cassie and the foal Kelsie for the summer - 24 hours a day in the field - and he turned into a new horse. He was laid back and happy, a pleasure to handle and ride!
Soltie was a superb jumper, and we competed a lot, representing the riding club in many competitions all over the country. He'd jump 4-5foot easily, and loved cross country too. He taught me such a lot, and gave me an enormous amount of fun and love.
Needless to say, I bought him after the 6 month loan was up! One of my favorite memories is of galloping him on the beach at Shrewburyness with Gold and Belinda. He LOVED it!
Unfortunately, after an accident in a trailer, Soltie injured his hock and after several periods of lameness was finally retired from regular work. In retirement he was fairly sound, and with a combination of good shoeing - thank you John- and
bute in the wet cold weather, he had a happy 6 years as a companion to Cassie and Kelsie, until eventually his legs just got too painful for him and he left us one summer day.
I'll always remember with great love and affection his gentle personality, and the fun we shared. He lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the pictures below...
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