HORSE-DEALING 



the 1914 first world war broke out, we had close 

 on 120 horses and polo ponies and were 

 owed about ,£90,000. I remember on 



the Sunday I had been, I think, to Weedon. On 

 my way back I came across Colonel Alexander, 

 who was secretary to the Pytchley Hunt at that 

 time, and he said : "I don't know if you are aware 

 of it, Bert, but I happen to know that the army 

 buyer has orders to come to you directly war is 

 declared and to get as many horses as he can find 

 in your stables." So, in order to be prepared, I 

 had the rugs taken off all the most valuable horses, 

 and turned them out. I got in a good many that, 

 for various reasons, were not so valuable. I also 

 went round the countryside and got together all I 

 could from various people. I remember the 

 buyer turning up, without any warning, but, very 

 fortunately, I was ready for him. 



The buyer was Colonel McKie. No nicer or 

 more capable man could they have found. I 

 think he took 68 that time, and I so well remember 

 that when he had seen 10 or 12 which were sent 

 out to him for inspection he suddenly turned to 

 me and said : " When are you going to show me 

 some of your own, Bert .'* " I hardly knew what 

 to say to that. Anyhow, it went off all right, and 

 I remember my brother seeming very depressed 

 when he saw them go down to the station. I said : 

 " I don't feel like that about it, John. Suppose 



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