IS IT REALLY HOCUS POKUS?

I've never been one to understand or believe in the supernatural skills of people claiming to be healers or horse wisperers. But recently my good friend Annie told me about a fellow she'd met, who although never claimed he was anything special certainly had some kind of 'powers'.

Annie's beloved horse had an injury and it wasn't looking great for his future. She had spent many months along the vet route and apart from giving him time was told that his competition days were probably over and he would more than likely end up completely retired, not even hackable. Obviously heart broken, Annie was determined to try every option for the horse's sake and was told by a chap at a show that she speak to Fred. Annie was a little 'spooky' in my book and believed in all the hocus pocus stuff which frankly, I've never had time for.

She eventually plucked up the courage to call Fred and he answers the telephone in a soft, calm voice asking her immediately why she's so worried. A little stunned, Annie begins to tell Fred about the problems she's got with Merlin, her beloved horse. Fred stops her mid flow and asks if she think it strange that his dapples have dissappeared. Annie can't think for a moment and then stunned, agrees with Fred that Merlin has lost his rich dapples from his coat since being on box rest with his stifle injury. "Dont worry, well get him back" says Fred. "I'll come and see you tomorrow." Annie asked if he'd like the address but Fred cut her short . "Don't worry, I'll find you. Must go, got a nice piece of fish in the oven. see you tomorrow" and he rang off.

A little bemused Annie thought he'd call in the morning for directions, but as it got nearer to 10am she realised that he wasn't going to call. At ten minnutes to ten an old man with cowboy boots walked into the barn and walked straight up to Merlin's stable. "This must be our poorly friend, and you must be Annie." He shook Annie's hand and said "let's get on with fixing this boy up then."

Annie told me how strange it all went from here and how Fred spoke only in a very soft voice to Merlin and appeared to be answering him back, as though they were having a 'proper' conversation. He rubbed Merlin from head to toe and as he ran his hands over the horses back, Merlin seemed to rise through his back and then gave an almighty shake. Annie was godsmacked as Merlin had been in so much pain that he couldn't even swish his neck, let alone shudder like that.

Fred suggested they leave him alone for while so he could have a roll and sort himself out. Annie was quick to add that Merlin had been unable to lie down since the fall where he first injured his spine but they could have a cup of tea. "He'll roll" Fred told her. "And then he'll roll again and again. He'll think all his birthday's have come at once."

Annie cut Fred a slice of fruitcake and offered it to him but he declined. "Not today thanks dear." "But there's plenty here, I'll never get through it on my own" replied Annie. "Another time," interrupted Fred "but I will have some more tea." There was never enough milk in the tea room fridge so Annie popped across to the house for a fresh pint. On her return Fred was standing at Merlin's stable laughing. Merlin was thrashing around his stable, rubbing hismelf as if he'd been itching for ages. Annie was beside herself, she couldn't believe it. "He hasn't done that in over 4 months" she squealed.

Fred drank his tea and said "Now keep an eye on those dapples. Don't let him rub them away!" With that Annie stared at Merlin. She couldn't believe her eyes. There they were. Beautiful big dapples, which he seemed to have lost since the injury. Annie went in to Merlin and gave him a polo and and a pat and with tears in her eyes turned round to Fred, but he was gone. She ran out to the yard and he was walking up the path to his very old car. "Fred, I've not settled up with you" Annie shouted "and I need to ask you about him". "It's alright" he replied, there's no need. I'll see you get back back on." And off he went.

Three months later Annie returned to the yard from her hack on her beautiful dappled Merlin. Glimmering in the sunshine was a shiney little Nissan parked in the drive. As Annie approached, unable to recognise the vehicle, an old man with cowboy boots stepped out and headed towards her. He nodded his head and said "Now how about that slice of cake?"