Monday’s first sharp frost of the winter came as a relief to horse owners, who have spent months fighting sweet itch. Daniel’s black coat looks sleeker by the day and his hated mesh “hats” have been packed away until the spring.

His sore tail healed weeks ago, but Mrs Horse is now suffering from a similar painful infection.

Sunday began badly for the poor mare, with the Boss expertly worming each of our horses in quick succession. She was then made to stand on the washroom slats, snorting in alarm into the dripping depths, while her tail was treated with veterinary shampoo.

These unseemly disruptions to her cosseted and well-ordered life left her hiding at the back of her stable, peeping out from her purple and blue quilted hood. She even refused Esme’s treat of an apple, sniffing suspiciously before turning away, fearing a dastardly trick.

Soon afterwards, the sun broke through after days of near relentless rain. All three horses set off for a leg stretch up the lane – the first time in weeks they had been out as a family group.

On the way back, the Boys went for a paddle in the cross-country field and a gallop up the hill. Jenny then headed home, feeling Baby had done enough, following a ride to Gargrave the previous day.

“Where’s all me mates gone?” Daniel asked as Baby’s ginger back end disappeared along Muddy Lane. He tried to spin and run back up the field, but Steve persuaded him to take another turn in the sunshine.

This week saw the end of daily turnout at the yard for the winter months. A rota system has been drawn up to protect the sodden and muddy fields from trampling hooves.

It is now more important than ever that our horses are regularly exercised. With darkness falling at 4pm, we always arrive at the stables well after dark on weekdays. All we have time for is mucking out, feeding and tucking in for the night.

With this in mind, we are considering offering Daniel and Baby for part loan to someone caring and capable who can be around in daylight hours.

Although Baby spends much of his time glaring at yard manager Holly out of his mad amber eyes, his behaviour has become steadily more normal. Apart from trying to crush unsuspecting people against his rug racks, he is easy to handle and quiet to ride out.

Many loan arrangements work well at our yard. The lane ensures quiet riding and the Dales scenery offers a peaceful escape from daily cares.

It seems sad that our horses are often left in their stables all day when others could be enjoying their company – and they could be out in the fresh air.