Robin has a passion for Clydesdales

Robin Cornish trains Frankie to trot at the Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds Arena.

It is amazing what you can buy on Trade Me.

How about draught horses? Dannevirke local Robin Cornish, with lots of experience training and breaking in horses, training people to ride them and driving them in harness, went on Trade Me to buy Clydesdales, knowing they were particularly rare and not having great hopes.

Geshi Postetnik walks Joshi and Frankie along High Street to train at the showgrounds.

Clydesdales are a favourite for Robin as both her grandparents had Clydesdales as working horses.

On Trade Me she found Frankie as a young colt but was unable to buy him unless she also bought the 14-year old mum, which was also in foal. Both were acquired about Christmas four years ago and a mare was soon born, called Bonnie. The old mare died but Robin has since bought a Gypsy Cob-cross called Joshi.

Now five years old, Frankie is ready to start learning his trade.

Riding bareback was the first step and Robin has Frankie comfortable trotting in the arena at the A&P Showgrounds. Next step will be a saddle and then a harness to pull a trap.

Ultimately her horses will take people for rides at schools and other public events.

In the meantime to get her horses used to the public and the urban environment she and friend Geshi take them on walks through the streets and even to places like the supermarket carpark.