IT’S doctor’s orders, really, that bring Taffy out onto the street on a regular basis.
The 10-year-old small horse had a hoof complaint and, when being looked at by the vet, was also judged to be a bit overweight. So, regular exercise was seen as being part of the cure.
Taffy, hauling a jinker containing his owner Simone Kelly, have become a regular sight along the Esplanade and side streets in Mt Martha.
“It’s amazing how many people stop to chat, especially parents with little children,” Ms Kelly said.
“He’s very well trained and we’ve had no big frights, although sometimes he’s been a bit scared by rubbish bins and bits of paper blowing in the wind.”
After exercise Taffy goes back to a paddock with a couple of cows and goats, all old friends and companions on the six hectare Woodclyffe property.
Ms Kelly and her daughter Carolyn occupy one of two houses on the property which was bought by her parents in1916.
Taffy, born at Flinders, is popular with Ms Kelly’s grandchildren who also have enjoyed times in the jinker which was tailor made for him about eight years ago “when he went off for his training”