It’s no secret that we do everything for a reason. Our behaviour just about always ­fulfills some need or desire. So if that’s the case, why do we play the ponies? What do we get out of it?

Who needs the mall?

Few ­horses have touched a track as many times as Kendal Python. This infamous trooper has 491 starts under his 14-year old belt. Now, he’s within weeks of hanging up his well-worn harness.

Certains pourraient être portés à dire que le Père Noël et moi nous ressemblons (à cause de notre rondeur joyeuse), mais j’ai souvent souhaité lui ressembler autrement, – avoir son talent p

Some might say that Santa Claus and I have just one similarity (our jolly roundness), but I’ve often wished for an additional likeness -- I’d love to have the gift of giving.

Blottis bien au chaud dans leurs petits lits,
Des trotteurs dansaient dans la tête des enfants endormis;
Maman et moi, dans nos chemises de nuit,
Venions à peine de souffler la bougie…

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of trotters danced in their heads;

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,