This is Luca, my gorgeous nearly 9yo Lusitano gelding.
I met him on a very chilly, damp new year's day, when he was two and bought him the month after! I absolutely fell in love with his kind eyes and sweet personality.
He spent some time living on the Welsh hillside while I finished my masters at uni and then I began the journey of backing him. He was a dream to start and hasn't put a foot wrong since...he's a hot and fiery horse who gets anxious easily, a lot of people notice how much he stresses in new environments if I'm not with him all the time.
I've had a lot of trauma in my own life since having him and we have been able to work through our confidence issues together - He has reflected back at me some of the areas in myself that I've needed to work on to be the best version of me. This in turn has meant I've been able to help him with his attachment anxiety and while he still pines after my little cob mare when she chooses to make an escape act through the hedge, he is all round a much calmer and happy horse for it.
I'm so incredibly proud of everything we have achieved over the years from tackless riding on the beach, bridleless jumping, liberty work and wins at county level. He's made me feel like the sky is the limit and gave me the confidence to start teaching groundwork, classical dressage and connection work more formally.
When I first bought him, I knew I wanted some of his hair for another circle pendant to join my existing pendant of my Arab Stasia who is no longer with us. This felt really important to have both of them with me all the time. A few Christmases ago, knowing how much I love Alison's pieces, my parents gifted me a beautiful inlaid silver heart pendant with Luca's hair. I wear this 24/7 and it is the most important piece of jewellery I own. It might sound a bit daft but when I'm out of the country or away from home it feels like a way of remaining grounded and connected to him ?
We are very lucky to be sponsored by Janey Lazenby (photo credit to Janet) who has become a very close friend and has documented our journey together! I have added the only picture I could find which proves the pendant comes everywhere - this holiday was the longest I've ever left Luca and so having it with me was very important."
