On Wednesday, Adelphi Warrior became ours. Steve drove to South Lakeland to confirm the swap for Baby Horse.

He had tears in his eyes as he headed away from the estuary – looking back for as long as possible at Baby’s ginger back as he grazed contentedly in the meadow he now calls home.

Steve has been looking up Adelphi Warrior’s family tree. His grandad, Gunner B, won 15 races on the flat. His mother, Gun Shot, won three races over hurdles, and his dad, Alflora, was sixth in the 1992 Epsom Derby.

On Saturday, the Cross Keys at East Marton hosted Esme’s 21st birthday party. Mrs Horse made a guest appearance, with roses and ribbons in her hair.

The cake featured a marzipan Mrs Horse galloping on a pink beach under a blue sky, leaping a piece of flake driftwood. Thank you to the Dalesman Café in Gargrave for such a beautiful centrepiece.

Best entertainment of the evening was provided by Steve and Jack’s dad John, dancing to Paradise City.

Unfortunately, Jenny suffered a painful hip injury, jumping about to Summer of ’69, and was left hobbling for the rest of the night.

The next day saw Steve and Jenny up at 7am to go show jumping at the Hanlith Hall Horse Show.

We parked up on the beautiful showground at the Hurst family home just as the bells began ringing at Kirby Malham Church.

Daniel made up for a naughty performance at Silsden the previous Sunday by coming third in both the Beginner’s and Novice Classes. He also brought home three clear round rosettes.

These were Steve’s first class showjumping rosettes and he was particularly proud of his corner-cutting as Daniel went quicker than three others in the beginners’ jump-off.

It was also nice for him to have the support of our good friends, Keith and Nicola, who turned up at the show after partying with Esme the night before.

“Kick it,” shouted Nicola as Daniel loped lazily around the jump off. She scolded Steve for his “girlie” smacks to Daniel’s ample rump.

Steve’s weekend was perfectly rounded-off when Keith came over to ride Adelphi Warrior, who we call Alexander at home.

Keith cantered the tall chestnut chap up the cross-country field and jumped some small crossbars in the showjump field.

“He’s well good,” said Keith.

We know Baby is settled and happy in his caring new home. His new owners, Mark and Alison, will keep us updated on his progress.

Steve Wright and Jenny Loweth