By Lisa Ramsden
People in Mourne could be forgiven for thinking they’re imagining things when they hear the distinctive ‘clip-clop’ of horseshoes passing by their front doors, followed by the cry of ‘get your coal’.
For what was once a common practice has been revived, thanks to one local man who has reverted to using a traditional horse-drawn cart to make his deliveries.
Not only do householders get the chance to buy a bag of doubles, but they also get a welcome nuzzle from the horses and ponies who pull Shane Gilliland’s cart along the roads of Annalong, Longstone, and Ballymartin.
Well suited for frequent stops, and able to handle many of the rural roads better than some larger delivery lorries, Shane’s ‘horsepower’ is a welcome sight for customers. Often, they step out to give the horses and ponies carrots and apples to crunch on after a day’s work.
The Longstone man acknowledges that the sight of the horse-drawn cart is “a bit of a head-turner.” While some of his more senior customers mightn’t bat an eyelid when he pulls up in his cart, many of the younger members of the community delightedly flock around when they see who is on duty for that day’s deliveries.
Shane has a natural affinity with animals and trains horses and ponies to be ridden and driven. He says he is delighted with his mode of transport, which is also a very environmentally friendly way of moving about.
He’s a firm believer that “meaningful and gainful employment” is essential for animals and humans alike. Explaining that his animals love their work and love to please, Shane said: “There is no reason why our animals should not take pride in their job. They should love going to work, they should need for nothing, but they should find an uplifted sense of morale knowing that they have purpose. Mine love getting their harnesses on and knowing they are heading out for a day’s work, and I am very proud of them.”
Cobs Durin and Carrigeach work side by side, pulling the coal-laden cart, and calmly come to a halt, standing still until Shane gives them the command to walk on again to the next house on his rota.
They are a solidly built pair, with their steady disposition, distinctive long, flowing leg hair, and muscle power.
They live alongside little Hera, a sassy chestnut pony, whose lineage can be traced back to a semi-wild herd that roamed a Greek island, and the youngest of Shane’s equines, who are in the early stages of their training: the mighty Raven, a towering but gentle two-year-old, and fellow novice, the equally beautiful Faoladh.
When asked why he decided to embark on this venture, Shane, who values the ways of the past, explained: “I thought ‘What in this world can I do that I can stand behind?’ and this is how things have panned out.
“It was just a notion that flitted through my mind. I decided to give it a go, and three months on, here we are.”
In the full story Shane explains what the reaction from the public has been to his horses.
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