Winter is coming. With Coniston Hunter Trials behind us and only a few weeks before Craven Country Ride closes until the spring, our outdoor season is all but over.

Already, haynets are being stuffed and horses tucked into quilted stable rugs. After Mrs Horse felt the chill one misty autumn morning last week, Esme was persuaded to unpack her new, hooded purple turnout rug.

The sudden cold snap saw ladies at the yard rushing to bring their horses under cover. By Friday, Daniel was one of the few still out overnight, in the company of a couple of hardy veterans. His high altitude pasture is proving to be the best cure for his sweet itch.

When the clouds lifted on Sunday, we grabbed possibly our last chance to visit Craven Country Ride with Daniel and Baby Horse. Not wanting to risk the Land Rover, Steve and Jenny rode over in the strong, breezy, sunshine.

“Trampin’ fo’ miles is poor thanks for mi efforts at Coniston,” Daniel complained.

Baby was none too popular after knocking yard manager Holly for six and running right over her a couple of days earlier. He redeemed himself after a lack-lustre performance on Sunday by shooting Steve from the saddle at a brush fence. Baby’s pitiful first attempt at the obstacle saw him nosedive through it, scattering fronds of conifer.

Steve, increasingly annoyed by Baby’s lack of effort, made him do it again. Baby bounded in and took a giant leap, unseating Steve. We found his whip yards away after it was propelled skywards like a bonfire night rocket.

Baby happily grazed as Steve got to his feet, unlike his brother Daniel who hotfoots it back to the clubhouse every time he dumps his rider.

It was the first proper fall anyone has had off the numb and placid Baby. Last year, Steve had a ridiculous accident when Baby shook himself vigorously and he slid headfirst between his ears, taking the bridle with him.

A few months later, Jenny slipped off between his front legs, taking the saddle with her, after forgetting to tighten the girth. Each time, Baby settled to graze, oblivious of the mishap. Fortunately, Steve escaped with a couple of bruises and a bitten tongue.

Meanwhile, Daniel gazed wistfully at the larger logs and hedges that Jenny steered him past. “I can see why the mare gets fed up wi’ you on board, mum,” he said. “I thought I were ’ere for leapin’.”

Sadly, Daniel’s clear round at Coniston was not recorded for the family album. When we eagerly looked through official photos of the event, there was someone missing from the pictures of the Pairs class. Joseph and Lisa were captured jumping in fine style – but no partner was in sight.

“I must ’ave been too quick fo’ the camra,” Daniel said.

Jenny Loweth & Steve Wright