From Web Developer to Horse Enthusiast: Douglas Cook's Equestrian Journey

Hi, I’m Douglas Cook, an avid horse enthusiast and web developer. Over the past 3-4 years, I envisioned creating an up-to-date marketplace for the equestrian world. The idea of combining my passion for horses with my technical skills was a dream come true.

My Journey with Horses

Seven years ago, I had little interest in horses. However, my daughter and wife were passionate about riding. We decided to buy a pony for my daughter, who was already riding. We got a Welsh A pony, only 12 hands high. Despite her spirited nature and initial challenges, I fell in love with her vibrant personality. Spending time with her became the highlight of my day, especially when I could enjoy it with my wife and daughter.

As our interest in horses grew, we rented some land and established our own yard. My wife, an experienced rider who had taken a break from riding, rekindled her love for the sport. Soon, we bought Molly, an Irish Draught with a spirited yet gentle nature. Molly was the first horse I rode, with my wife teaching me. Unfortunately, Molly developed lameness, and despite our best efforts, we discovered she had previously broken her pelvis. Saying goodbye to her was heartbreaking.

During this period, I realized how much horses could bring a family together. The shared moments of joy, challenge, and learning created a bond that was deeply fulfilling. We found ourselves spending every weekend and evening at the yard, grooming, feeding, and simply enjoying the company of our horses. This shared passion became a central part of our family's life.

A week after losing Molly, we agreed not to get another horse for a while. But that lasted only three weeks when my wife showed me an advert for Elizabeth, an 18-hand Shire mare. We drove eight hours to see her, and it was love at first sight. Elizabeth and I quickly formed a strong bond, and I spent hours grooming her in the field. Her gentle nature was a balm to our recent loss, and she became an integral part of our family.

Our daughter needed a more suitable horse, so we found a mini cob at the Wickham Fair. He was under a year old but had an incredible personality. Now three years old, he’s been amazing with our daughter, who broke him in herself. Watching her grow in confidence and skill as she trained him was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

With Elizabeth being mine, my wife needed a new horse. For her 40th birthday, we got Angus, a 4-year-old Clydesdale, and she’s adored him ever since. One of our dreams was to have a foal from Molly, which we never got the chance to do. So, we put Elizabeth in foal, and she delivered a beautiful filly we named Molly. She’s nearly a year old now and shares her mother’s gentle nature.

Our Dream

We recently moved to Ireland and bought a property with ample land, though the house needs a lot of work. This is our dream and our passion. The move was both exciting and challenging. We faced numerous hurdles, from adjusting to a new country to renovating an old house, but the expansive land for our horses made every challenge worth it.

Living in Ireland has given us the opportunity to expand our equestrian activities. The serene landscape and open spaces are perfect for long rides and training sessions, allowing us to connect more deeply with our horses and nature.

The local community has been incredibly supportive. We've made friends with fellow horse enthusiasts and have become active members of the local equestrian clubs. This sense of community has enriched our lives, providing both social connections and opportunities for our horses to interact with others.

Mydreamhorse: The Future

Mydreamhorse will always be a free platform for buying and selling in the equestrian community. While we may introduce adverts to cover costs, the core service will remain free for everyone who shares our love for horses. Our vision is to create a thriving online community where horse lovers can connect, trade, and share their experiences.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the potential for Mydreamhorse to grow and evolve. We plan to introduce new features such as training resources, forums, and virtual events to bring the equestrian community closer together. Our goal is to make Mydreamhorse a one-stop resource for everything related to horses, from buying and selling to learning and connecting with other enthusiasts.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope our story inspires you to follow your passions, no matter how unexpected they may be. Horses have transformed our lives in ways we never imagined, and we are grateful for every moment we've spent with these incredible animals. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting, we invite you to be a part of the Mydreamhorse community and share in the joy of the equestrian world.