WITH reference to Mrs J Harwood's letter (Citizen, January 15) regarding the whereabouts of or disposal of landau horses once they have reached the end of their 'useful' lives.

Before Mrs Harwood casts any more unsubstantiated aspersions on anyone may I tell her that if "Maghi May" is anything to go by then they are all fat, healthy and fit and living the life of Riley in the Scottish highlands.

On one of our many caravanning holidays in the Largs region of Ayrshire we met a lovely family who my two young daughters, Molly and Rachel, befriended as we stayed on a working farm.

They had just bought a Clydesdale cob working horse at an auction in Kirkudbright. It had come from the landaus on Blackpool Prom.

Our friends told us that they couldn't believe how healthy, fit and sweet-natured it was and at the age of only six had plenty of years left as a pet.

The only reason for its sale? It wouldn't stop at red traffic lights on the prom!

So, far be it from mistreating these horses, here is the true tale of one of many which was and is treated very humanely.

Our friends have told us that they have seen a number of similar horses since buying theirs two years ago at auction and all have been as fit and well as their own beautiful horse and would not hesitate in recommending buying a similar horse to their friends.

Perhaps Mrs Harwood has met with stony silence because these people like their privacy and who can blame them with such nosey bigots as Mrs Harwood about.

Or perhaps they just have nothing to hide in the first place, but unfortunately such people as Mrs H would not believe the truth if it came up and bit her on her nose.

So rest assured, Mrs H, you have nothing to worry about as far as these horses go.

Perhaps you want to have a go at their owners from a different angle next time.

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