Mandalay clinic is the favourite of both Ashley the farrier and myself. Although the owners live in the poorest of squatter camps, the condition of their horses is always very good.

The clinic is one of our most dangerous clinic sites, but the owners take turns keeping an eye on us from the time we arrive till the time we leave.

The Solomons are a well  known family at this clinic. Old Mr. Solomons – I call him Madalla - daughter Karen and son Joey have 17 horses between them, 11 belonging to Karen. To me, Karen Solomons is a remarkable woman. In February, heavily pregnant, she was working among her horses, and 4 days after giving birth to a baby boy she was back working with them again. Since I visited the baby taking a small gift, Karen has brought him to see me at the clinic every week.

Joey Solomons known, with good reason, as ‘Chatterbox’ , talks non stop. His horses - Benny, Meirre and Satan - are always in good condition although he works them hard and has received a few warnings. The harnesses need attention, but are slowly being repaired.

‘Chatterbox’ reckons he is going to marry me, as according to him, Benny, has enabled him to buy two bakkies, more horses, and a few pigs and chickens and so he will be a good provider!