February 2010

by Steven Turvil

I was convinced my eyes were deceiving me. I felt confused, shaken, and desperate to hold onto my slight grip on reality. The catalyst for this unsettling experience was the sight of a vast chalk horse leaping through the countryside. This was not a delusion caused by petrol fumes - it was actually the famous Westbury White Horse.

To tame this wild stallion we need the Volvo XC90. This rugged off-road vehicle was introduced in 2002 to rival the fashionable BMW X5. There were initially two engines available - the 2.9-litre six-cylinder and the underwhelming 2.4-litre diesel. These were later joined by three other units including the mighty 4.4-litre V8. This range topping variant produces 310bhp, hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds, and is capable of an eye-watering 130mph.

Now the transportation is sorted, leave Verwood on the B3081 to Shaftesbury. Join the A30, then follow the A350 towards Westbury. Continue by cruising two miles on the B3098 towards Barton and arrive at our fascinating destination.

The Westbury White Horse is an eighteenth century hill figure. It was created by removing top-soil to reveal the underlying chalk. This horse is the oldest of several in the area and the second to occupy the site. The original figure faced in the opposite direction and was considerably smaller than we see today. It was restored, or technically obliterated, in 1772 when the current figure took its place.

So, that sums up the horse – what about the transport? The XC90 is a likeable vehicle that is perfect for towing a horse box. Despite the four-wheel-drive it is most at home on tarmac and is essentially a road car with off-road ability - rather than a serious mud plunger. The handling is therefore perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this nature, but it is inclined to lean through the corners. The compensation is a supremely comfortable ride that is always smooth. Right, that is enough about cars. It is time to drag horsey back to the stable.