Page 147 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK FOUR Volume 1 "Northcote 1984 to 1998"

asked me if I could take a horse to his father’s funeral. He just wanted the horse to be
there as a memory of what his
father had done in his life.
I gather several other family members thought it a waste of time...and money!

We made our appearance firstly as the funeral approached the church in the village with
its very straight road. We joined the “cortege” to the Church. Afterwards we waited at the
old railway station for the family and hearse to pass on its way to the Crematorium.
Henry stood by my side at the side of the road respectfully, in his full harness and plaited
mane. As the cars passed, I could see folk shedding tears by the bucket. I wondered why
the extra emotion?
It was not until a year or so later when I met one of the pall bearers, a personal friend. He
explained to me that as they all drove slowly past us, I removed my bowler hat and Henry
bowed his head. A natural reaction, one would say and of course for me no surprise as by
now I had became used to the fact that these huge animals have far more intelligence than
they are normally given credit for. They know when to show respect...and it showed!

Picture below of Henry (left) with Cracker.