Baby goes on holiday

There was a big turnout in bright sunshine for the hunter trials at Craven Country Ride on Saturday. Many familiar faces were there to watch 40 competitors in the Novice class and more than 20 in the Open.

Hopes were high among friends and family as Daniel approached the starting flags. But as he reluctantly wavered towards the first log, we began to realise it wasn’t to be Steve’s day.

After stuttering over the first three obstacles, Daniel ground to a decisive halt at a wall he has been jumping for years and was eliminated.

As Daniel backed away from the wall, a thunder of competitive hooves was heard behind him.

“I’ll stop ’ere. Mustn’t be an ’indrance,” said Daniel as a powerful ex-racehorse flew the jump and disappeared over the course.

Fortunately, Mrs Horse and Jack spared the family’s blushes. The partnership jumped a fast and fluent clear round.

Jack – who has hardly ridden recently owing to the pressures of university exam work – was thrilled to collect his fourth-place rosette.

We were also delighted for yard manager Holly Hayes, who piloted her enthusiastic Hanoverian horse Chester to second place, and our friend Keith Rosier who won the Open on his veteran eventer Sam.

Meanwhile, Baby has gone to the Lake District. Realising our plans for “Baby horse – Extreme Eventer” were perhaps a little ambitious, we have decided to give him a long summer vacation with a lovely couple who just want him to potter down country lanes.

“So it’s ‘bye bye Baby’,” said The Boss’ fiancee Sheila as The Boss and another powerful man heaved a stubborn Baby into a trailer on Sunday.

“I should think it will be au revoir. They’ll send him back in no time – if they can get him in the trailer,” replied Jenny.

We can report Baby arrived safely and was last heard of munching happily in a lush paddock with spring lambs and a pony.

We were visiting him on Wednesday and will report back next week.

Steve Wright & Jenny Loweth