It has been an eventful week, with Alexander winning his first rosettes, Mrs Horse getting very cross and The Boss using his ingenuity when Steve’s car exhaust fell off.

It was a proud day for the ex-racer’s new family when he earned a prize in the 1ft Clear Round Competition at our stables on Sunday.

Esme rode the tall chestnut thoroughbred around a course of seven fences to earn the light blue ribbon.

If the former point-to-pointer – used to leaping 4ft 6in fences – was bemused by the tiny course, he was too polite to show it.

Steve then took the reins to win a pink rosette on Alexander in the 2ft class.

The six-year-old thoroughbred quietly waited his turn with the other horses in the showjumping field, nodding in the sunshine between rounds.

He exhibited none of the excitement shown when we took him to Skipton Horse Trials last month for a saddle-fitting. The sound of the commentary and the rows of horse wagons at the trials must have fired him up.

The Clear Round Competition, run by yard manager, Holly, was great fun for all. Daniel jumped clear rounds in all three height sections with Sophie and Mrs Horse earned four rosettes, with Jenny and Esme.

Other Ladies at the yard were delighted with their ribbons as horses of all shapes and colours successfully jumped round.

On Saturday, our three horses toned up for the event with an invigorating hack out. On the way back, Alexander led a gallop up the cross-country field. Mrs Horse, used to leading the way, pounded along furiously in second place.

The black mare got to the top seconds behind, tongue hanging out and head tossing in indignation.

Remarkably, Daniel was only yards behind. “I can purra spurt on when dinner’s waitin’,” he puffed.

On Wednesday, Steve’s car clattered into the yard with the exhaust trailing.

Luckily, The Boss was on hand to rig up an inventive device with ratchet straps and baler band.

He wound down the back windows and encircled the exhaust, allowing the car to be driven safely to Kwik Fit in Skipton.

“You might get a bit chilly, but it should do the trick,” he said.

Steve Wright & Jenny Loweth