Work is resuming apace on the stables’ eagerly-awaited hot and cold horse showers. Ladies at the Yard were at first taken aback by The Boss’s choice of a vibrant “swimming baths blue” for the back wall. Some were heard to remark uncharitably that the paint “must have been going cheap”.

The Boss, however, tells us no expense has been spared on the paint, which has a special, water-resilient finish.

The shower heads are in place on the new facility, which will have three washing stations, one with hot water.

Adelphi Warrior – like Mrs Horse – is unnerved by the subterranean dripping noises beneath the washing area slats.

The black mare, who has led a very comfortable life with us for almost eight years, was chased on with a sweeping brush. We are reluctant to do similar battle with the delicate chestnut thoroughbred, but have managed to coax him right to the edge.

On Thursday, an embarrassed Jack had to chase after Mrs Horse when she trotted back to her stable as he adjusted a fence in the show jumping field.

He thought the plump mare would be content to graze for a few seconds when he dismounted, but she ambled off, picking up speed as he pursued her down Muddy Lane.

On Sunday, she was on her best behaviour when Esme took part in her first competition since Coniston Hunter Trials in October. The pair jumped two clear rounds at Silsden Show before getting into the jump-off in the Novice class.

Mrs Horse braved the rain to beat 13 worthy opponents and win the first-place red rosette. Daniel began well in what was a challenging clear round course for Steve, who had not show-jumped since last year. Unfortunately, Daniel took a violent dislike to Fence 5 and refused to go anywhere near it.

After a short but heated argument, Steve persuaded him over it and they completed the rest of the course without problems.

“Eight out o’ nine jumps in’t bad. I ’ope I’ve earned a good tea,” said Daniel.

Steve Wright & Jenny Loweth