"I heard a programme on the radio recently about 'Horses and Ponies'. The wild ponies on Dartmoor cannot be controlled in numbers and one of the kindest methods of dealing with the problem is to eat them! The programme presenter also pointed out that on the more domestic front, a number of horses which had been left out to pasture over the past two years were stabbed and badly mutilated by senseless and heartless criminals. Another criminal practice which is becoming more common is 'sheep rustling'. To make it harder for the rustlers to sell their stolen produce, a clever Dales' farmer has dyed his flock Orange. Any crime against a horse or any creature for that matter is a crime that strikes at the very heart of civilisation, for there is no more stable companion a man could ever ask for than horse, dog, or cat.
Ever since I developed a love of reading history, I have been fascinated by the part that the horse has played over the centuries. Whether it has been work, transport, pleasure or companion, the horse has proved adaptable for the time. Even pit ponies spent most of their lives down the hazardous mines pulling tubs of coal from face to pit-head; and having the opportunity to see the light of day only when they'd gone blind or had little sight left! Whatever its task, whatever the weather, horses and ponies have always been by our side and have played their part.
The horse will ride you, work in your fields or pull your cart; whatever you ask of it, it will do in good heart. Your horse will remain a constant companion, it won't judge you or question your motives; it cares not how much you know so long as it knows you care. It will offer unconditional love as long as you rub it down and keep it warm at night, and will delight in the occasional apple and sugar lump treat. I swear that if God ever made any creature more beautiful, more faithful, more industrious and more majestic than the horse, He kept it for Himself.
During the late 1990's, a professionally read-tape of one of my stories, accompanied by background music was produced for radio transmission. The story is based on fact and is called 'Midnight Fighter.' It is suitable for any child aged between 5-10 years old, especially if they happen to be a horse lover or has to cope with cerebral palsy or any other disability. The book can be purchased in paper back fromwww.lulu.com or www.amazon.com or in e-book format from www.smashwords.com. As with all of my previous book publications, all profit from their sales go to charitable causes in perpetuity (£200,000 since 1989).
In the event of the child reader requiring two stories in the same book about the indefatigable nature of a true fighting spirit against all odds (one of them which is about Midnight Fighter, the horse, and the second, being a boy of stunted growth called 'Maw', who resists bullying), both stories are published in the book entitled, 'Fighter', which is also obtainable from the same source.
The audio version which was produced for radio transmission can also be freely listened to or downloaded from my website by accessing the link below." William Forde: August 14th, 2017.
http://www.fordefables.co.uk/midnight-fighter.html