Cultureshock

You need Adobe Flash installed to watch this movie.
Get Adobe Flash

Video transcript

I was born in South Shields, but moved away around the world and ended up in Kingston Upon Thames. While on holiday in South Shields when I was young I watched horses on Sandhaven beach. The fairground children were riding them bareback. I wanted to do that. It seemed such fun! I wanted to learn to ride, but it cost a lot back in Kingston.

I got the opportunity! A wealthy man – Mr Raymond Gordon had started an organisation for poor and disabled children. The Horse Rangers of the Commonwealth Association at Shepperdon, Surry for 2 and 6 a week and weekly payments for the uniform. Once a week you learned to ride and the next mucked out.

It was nice to be with horses they accepted you for who you are. It was nice to know they need me to look after them – it was unconditional love between us.

We also went on pony trekking holidays in the countryside. Never on a beach! On founders day I presented a bouquet of flowers to Princess Margaret. I loved my time as a horse ranger. It was part of my childhood I enjoyed.