A friendship that lasted 30 years inspires first book
A Loch Lomond woman’s 30year friendship with her horse is detailed in a new book.
Janette Mckeague - who launched her first book Good Girl, Sesky on Saturday night (October 30) in Gartocharn says she realised a dream by becoming a paperback writer.
During lockdown, she started seriously writing the tale of Seskinor, an Irish Draught Thoroughbred, who was with her from 1990, until passing away in 2018.
She said: “I was going to write the book for years, that was always my dream. I had Seskinor for 28 years after getting her when she was four. She was my second horse.
“I did a bit of showjumping and cross country on her and I had a trekking centre and she did all the trekking there. She was a good all-round horse.
“I’m an accredited British Horse Society coach and have done a lot of coaching with children and adults. So when I lost my horse I decided to write a book about her which would incorporate some tips as well.”
The author summed up her bond with Seskinor by saying: “It was just a true friendship and partnership and horses are really enjoyable.
“When I rode with her over all those years I could cut off from everything else and I had my own time and living at that moment in time.
“She was a really good companion and we had a really good bonding connection, which you can’t really explain until you have a horse.
“I would say horse riding is really enjoyable for people who might want to take it up, especially when you go riding outwith the riding school and go out into the country.”
She was delighted to write the book but admitted it was a bittersweet experience.
“It was heart-wrenching when I lost my horse. I would never have imagined it as she was fit as a fiddle at 32 years old.
“After that happened I decided to write the book.
“I set my mind on having it written in time for when my horse’s birthday would have been in February. It was great therapy, writing it from the heart,” Janette added.
She hopes people can take encouragement from her tale.
Janette went on:“I hope those reading it can take some positivity for things they want to do and enjoy reading about a true partnership which went a long way. Also it just shows there is hope for people that they can realise their dream as I did by writing my book.
“I bought a sign years ago when I started training which said what you believe you can achieve and that has always been at the top of my mind.”
A book launch celebration day is being held beside the Oak Tree in Balmaha on Saturday November 13, from 11 am until 3pm. There will be bouncy castles for children and adults, and face painting and everyone is welcome. The author will sign copies of her book.