Lubie, meaning whim in French – how appropriate - our only previously trained horse; a nine year-old Trotter mare, too slow for the track and too tough for the dinner plate.

Purchase price: 900 Euros.

Strengths:

A keen, but safe mount for Paul, well used to traffic, barking dogs and all the usual horse hazards.

Weaknesses:

Trotters are race horses and Lubie is used to high octane fuel. Past and as yet undiscovered injuries may also take their toll in the future.