I finally got close to a horse, after years and years of dreaming about it, ever since I was a kid. IHP gave me the chance to realise my ambition.

Before my actual arrival at the Rescue Centre, Roberta had got me up to speed with all I needed to know, and was constantly there for me and interested in how I was getting on, during the time of my stay there.

I was only there for a week, but that was long enough to get a concrete idea of what the Association does, to begin to get to know horses up close, and also to find out what it is like to be far from home and everything familiar.

But certainly, just one week is not enough to enjoy the experience to the full, or to really get to know these magnificent creatures well. I recognise that I was too busy learning what to do and how to do it, since this was my very first taste of it all.

It was exhausting, but so rewarding. At morning feeding time, it was fascinating to see how some horses came up to meet Giulia when she called them; what an emotional experience it was to see, close up and for real, two horses galloping and bucking; to catch sight of them grazing on the brow of a hill, or see how curious they are when they spot something or someone new.

I gained a deeper knowledge of some of the characteristics of the horses I worked with more closely, and helped with the medication of the old horse, Richard. Each one of them taught me to be careful and precise in all I did.

Sonny’s theory lessons were very interesting and enjoyable, but above all, they were very clear, and he was always open to hearing all my questions.

Many thanks go to Sonny and Giulia, who were so patient, in spite of my mistakes, helping me to get things right. I owe thanks also to my roommate, Elin, who let me practise my English with her, and who told me new things about her country.

Without a doubt, this was an experience to be repeated. I would love to go deeper, to learn so much more about horses… and about people too.