At last, the Great Thaw has begun. Thick ice still coats part of the lane and the school is under water, but fields covered in snow days earlier are now green.

On Sunday, the more intrepid ventured up Muddy Lane to the cross-country field. Skirting frozen puddles to reach sodden, sloping ground on horses not ridden on grass in weeks was not for the faint-hearted.

Esme was the first to brave the trip, her “steady canter” on the leaping Mrs Horse almost pulling her arms out.

After a week of hourly sessions on the horse walker, Baby Horse bounced round the yard in his sheepskin noseband and Newmarket exercise blanket. Jenny beat a hasty retreat from the cross-country field when he cavorted in excitement.

Daniel gave Steve a more measured ride, puffing his way up and down hill.

“I wor informed we were goin’ for a walk round the edge,” he complained.

The Land Rover is ready to come home after an extensive rebuild and, after mixed fortunes last year, we are looking forward to the new season. Setbacks in 2009 included Baby Horse’s illness, Steve’s groin strain, Esme’s spinal surgery and an ailing Land Rover.

As the Diary enters its second year, here’s a recap of the characters for new readers.

In Denial (Daniel) Breed: Cob type; Colour: Black with white face; Age: Rising eight; Height: Approx 15.2hh; Attitude: Greedy and lazy but rises to the occasion; 2009 highlights: 1st showjumping West Craven Riding Club; Reserve Champion working hunter, Hanlith Hall; 3rd novice jumping Malham Show; 3rd starter class Broomhill Hunter Trials; Pairs class clear round Coniston Hunter Trials.

Dark Autumn (Mrs Horse) Breed: Irish Hunter; Colour: Black; Age: Rising 12; Height: 15.3hh; Attitude: Gentle but lively. Loves cross country.

2009 highlights: 5th Novice class Craven Country Ride-hosted hunter trials; 2nd Open jumping Malham Show; 6th Open class Coniston Hunter Trials.

Tyger Tyger (Baby Horse) Breed: Daniel’s brother but considerably bigger; Colour: Bright bay with amber eyes; Age: Rising seven; Height: Approx 16hh; Attitude: Spoilt, shirty and stroppy but very loveable; 2009 highlights: Almost completed Clear Round at Gargrave Show.

And their riders… Steve Wright: Daniel’s owner; Thinks he’s A P McCoy. Jenny Loweth: Baby Horse’s owner; Not very adventurous but good at persuading reluctant horses to jump small fences. Esme Loweth: Mrs Horse’s owner and Jenny’s daughter; Very proficient. Jack Addy: Esme’s boyfriend; Brave and competent, actually enjoys riding Baby Horse. Sophie Wright: Steve’s daughter; Complains she is always portrayed in the Diary as falling off or hanging on grimly. Doing very well.

Steve Wright and Jenny Loweth