There’s great excitement as we all busily pack for our expedition to horse camp. While Esme and Steve are seasoned guests at Somerford Park in Cheshire, it will all be new for Sophie. And heaven only knows what Baby Horse will make of it . . . or it will make of him.

It is surprising how much stuff five people and three horses need for a two-night stay.

“Never mind tha’ ruddy ’at, mek sure you’ve room for me sacks o’ grub,” said Daniel, anxiously watching the back of the Land Rover filling up.

Mrs Horse and Daniel left for Somerford on Tuesday having exceeded our expectations at Malham Show on Saturday.

After jumping a clear round in the main ring with Esme, Daniel again got into the Novice Horse jump-off. Just a week before, he and Esme retired through sheer exhaustion in the novice second round at Gargrave Show. Would they get round this time? With six clears and six places, Jenny could hardly bear to look.

Daniel trit-trotted into the ring. Whether the course is 1ft 6in or 3ft 3in, he always hops round exactly the same. Cheered on by a group of rambling hikers, who probably thought a child on a pony was fighting for a place, Daniel popped round clear.

Eventually, he faced the final fence, a solid set of planks. Hop, and he was over. We were so proud when he lined up in the ring for his yellow rosette and cantered round to the “Horse of the Year Show” music.

Mrs Horse jumped two main ring clear rounds with Jack before facing the challenging Open class with Esme.

Four years ago our beloved black mare had one of her finest hours when she jumped a double clear to win the Open. This time, she tipped a pole to come a worthy second.

After being stranded for weeks with a broken-down Land Rover, Jenny was delighted with a pile of 11 rosettes from our two local shows.

Daniel’s third place brought him his first prize money – £4. “’ow much grub will i’ ge’?” he asked.

After Malham, we were so tired and wet that Daniel wangled three teas.

“You’ve done really well,” said Esme, filling his rubber supper dish with oats and mix.

“I dun really well,” Daniel said as Jenny fed him again.

“’ant I done well?” he added as Jack once more replenished the supper dish.

“You’ve had more than me!” squeaked Baby indignantly.

“Listen Bruv, when yer a great showjumpa like me yull get loadsa grub,” said Daniel, still munching.

Jenny Loweth & Steve Wright