Coniston Hunter Trials are usually blessed with fine weather and Sunday was no exception. But our preparations for the important event were more unsettled. On Friday, Mrs Horse played hard to get when the Boss tried to catch her for Esme’s final practice.

“She wouldn’t even come for my carrot,” he grumbled, after the black mare ambled naughtily away. “She’s never done that before,” said an astonished Esme, marching off with her purple headcollar.

Saturday’s gales turned the lake at Coniston into a choppy sea as we walked the course. Twigs rained down and the marquee rattled in the gusts.

“I’ll be blown off mi’ feet,” Daniel complained as Steve braved the windswept cross-country field back home for a last training session.

On Wednesday, “Auntie Wendy” arrived to smarten up Daniel for his big day. “Mi ’air couldn’t be any shorter,” he said, skulking at the back of his box to avoid the clippers.

The only one of our horses needing a full clip was the one not going anywhere. “I’m ready for Sunday now,” said Baby proudly after layers of orange fluff were peeled away to reveal a gleaming, nut-brown coat.

Esme was competing in the Open class at Coniston for the first time. Since finishing third in the Novice, two years ago, she had 12 months off to recover from spinal surgery.

Despite invaluable advice from eventer David Elms, who walked the course with her, and David Horton, who was commentating, she did not have the smoothest of rides.

After clattering the sixth fence, a log spread, Mrs Horse dived into the ditch at the shark’s teeth.

Then the pair made a split-second change of direction after Mrs Horse headed to the right of the formidable wall. She must have thought she was repeating her path to victory in the Pre-Novice, after winning last year with Keith Rosier. Spectators scattered and a flagpole snapped as she took a flying leap to stay on course.

Seconds later, the pair crossed the finish line to earn sixth place.

In the Pairs, Steve feared he and Daniel would be totally outpaced after Joseph steamed round the first Pre-Novice class to finish second. “Don’t go crackers. Yer don’t get ribbons for goin’ fast in this ’un,” Daniel told Joseph.

With prizes for pairs jumping perfectly together, Joseph slowed right down so Daniel could keep up.

“After you, Joe,” urged Daniel as they approached the ski jump.

“I’m right behind yer,” he shouted as they headed for the steeplechase fence.

Daniel finally drew level for the last jump, an inviting log. Steve and Lisa were delighted to jump clear rounds but failed to impress the judges.

We had a very enjoyable day and would like to thank the organisers for their hard work.

Jenny Loweth & Steve Wright