Hindsight is a marvellous thing

The classic combination of children and animals tests the limits of Tessa Waugh’s enthusiasm, as an outing intended to introduce small people to the joys of hunter trials takes a predictable turn…

- Tessa Waugh

WHEN I set out on Saturday with two children and their ponies, I was under the impression that we were going to enjoy ourselves. What a crazy, deluded fool I am. I think a year of home internment has affected me mentally, made me forget how frustrating a day out with ponies and children can be.

Alec and Mary were in high spirits as we walked the little hunter trial course which the hunt had opened for a schooling day. We have been there so many times we could go round with our eyes closed, but as we walked the course I tried to give some pointers about lines of approach and so forth; however, neither child was very receptive.