Brockhurst 23rd December 2007

Truly, a deep mid-winter's day with the temperature hovering just above freezing and the fog drifting. The Fleming family welcomed us back to Brockhurst school again, three generations mounted and enjoying the day's sport. Port was an essential warmer with the added touch of a cereal bar. Several horses and ponies were shivering at the meet, cold more than in anticipation. But Christmas is coming and several were festively decorated, including the Christmas jester! Mind you, he has to be the joker with both whips grounded, one with a ripped tendon and the other with the flu! (Prizes for those who spotted us at the meet!)
Lines were the same as at the opening meet, although Robin got confused (having successfully passed the danger point where hounds repeatedly break to start the line around the park) and tried to start a non-existent line! Mistake quickly realised and the bemused pack recalled - the fog was disorientating! The first line involved crossing the river three times and two of the field tried the Berks and Bucks version of the Christmas Day Serpentine swim - only two days too early! Eight year old Arabella Hobby got knocked of by a branch and a visitor, in playing the good Samaritan to a fellow visitor, became completely submerged, coming up covered with weed! Arabella made a quick foray into the Fleming's farmhouse to change into dry, somewhat larger clothes but the good Samaritan continued, soaked, to the end of the day. He must have been completely frozen and, maybe not surprisingly, declined to come in for tea!
Lines 2 and 3 were less eventful, most of the field jumping well and all exhilarated by galloping in the eerie fog and dappled sunlight. Robin finally could not resist jumping a sunken road crossing on the last line and led the field back and forth across more water to do so! Several children were jumping more than they expected to as well, with strict instructions to "tuck in behind me and kick! And if you are frightened, just shut your eyes and kick harder!" They did and the ponies jumped!
Equines washed down (hot water definitely is the order of the day now), many repaired to the school for tea of warming tomato soup and home-grown ham followed by mince pies. Delicious!

A Happy Christmas to you all

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