The second of our
"special" children's' meets, previously called "tiny tots", but probably now
better named as quite a few first-timers came out and loved the easy
introduction. The weather couldn't have been kinder, pouring rain east of the
meet but really welcome sunshine over the Lambourn downs. The Brunskill's, as
ever, generously
hosted the meet and followed proceedings with evident
enjoyment. We are so grateful to our many supportive landowners.Today was the day for chestnuts with white on them - huntsman and whip on long socked, white faced chestnuts; a mother and
small daughter on perfectly matched,
little and large, chestnut skewbald's and another, equally well marked look
alike (could have been one of the family, which also had non-riding Granny and
even smaller daughter in attendance). I was fairly horrified when one of the
larger versions came winging towards us at the end of the second line, minus
rider. But it was the look-alike, not Mum,
who had been deposited and the family
pair duly arrived immaculately as they were all day, linked by leading rein.
Leading reins were fairly numerous but surely the best was the leader on foot
who jumped all the fences upsides the pony!
The lines were the same as the last "tiny tots" meet here (25th October) and as
before Jeff, who was hunting hounds, invited all the small children to join the
hounds for the hack back from the end of the third line. This is a special treat
for all, participants and observers alike. Tea, consisting of hot and cold
drinks and doughnuts taken in the farmyard in the sun and warm evening light,
concluded a successful day.
