'Pertemps to Dream. From Cowshed to Cheltenham’ tells the enchanting story of Isobel’s dream come true.

Kayf Aramis is a small horse with a big challenge. 
This is an account of his incredible journey from a cowshed to winning at the Olympics of Jump Racing: the Cheltenham Festival.

It is an inspiring story of Isobel and her family, together with the hard work and dedication of the racing teams that made the dream come true. 

Kayf Aramis ran a total of 85 races on the flat and over jumps.

After retiring from racing, Kayf Aramis came home to live happily in a field with his dam, Ara and his sisters. 
Isobel and Kayfi now enjoy competing in endurance riding. 


Just a few of the things you can read about in ‘Pertemps to Dream. From Cowshed to Cheltenham’:

“Our shadow, a length in front, dances on the grass verge, leading the way up the hill towards Castlemorton common. As the shadow moves up the hedge, Kayfi raises his head and snorts, shying at the shadow; he’s ready to race.”

Kayf Aramis scored his first triumph in thick mist and rain and no-one saw anything of the race! 
25 jockeys rode Kayf Aramis over his 85-race career. 

Talented jockey Aidan Coleman rode Kayf Aramis seven times and notched up 2 Wins, (one of which was the Pertemps Final in 2009), 2 Seconds and 1 Fourth.

After winning at Cheltenham, an interviewer said to the owner/breeder's son, Ross, “Will you be getting more pocket money now?" Isobel commented later: "Ross will ask “What’s pocket money?” Now we’re in trouble!"

“He was a special boy to me and will keep the memories forever” said Haggis, who looked after Kayfi.



Dreams can come true, but only with a lot of grit, determination and the help of lots of people. 

“A thumping good read” says one reader.

About the authors:

As a young girl, Isobel was pony-mad and dreamed of owning her own pony. Eventually, the golden opportunity came and Misty, a beautiful grey Welsh/Arab pony, moved into the back garden in London. Isobel and Misty enjoyed 19 very happy, fun years together, at home, then at university. Later, Isobel had the chance came to buy another horse, Ara, an unbroken three-year-old chestnut thoroughbred mare. In 1995, Ara and Misty moved to Gloucestershire with Isobel, where she met and married Gary. The horses, of course, came to the church to celebrate the happy event. 

Misty passed away on Midsummer’s Day 2000 at the age of 31, under the apple tree in the field, leaving Ara alone, missing her friend. 

Isobel decided to put Ara in foal. The result was Kayf Aramis.

Gary tragically passed away in 2016. Isobel now lives in Malvern with their son, Ross.
Ara and her family live in a field nearby.

Isobel’s parents Barbara and Derek Coltman are joint authors.