Young Ones
Equi-Ads England & Wales, August 2003

Young ones - that's what is all about at this time of year. I have pups, foals, kids and even a nest of house martens in the garage. When we go to a show two young animals come with us. Last weekend it was a border collie pup, Chicita, and an Andalucian colt called, Manos, who is in training to be a high school horse. They just tag along taking in the sights and sounds of a busy show ground.

They stay near the box all day and when things get quieter in the evening I take them around the show ground. It is very exciting for them. They love to see the new things just like children. Every outing is an adventure to them but it totally wears me out. I give two displays in the day, feed, groom, tack up, do my own commentary and drive to and from the event; which, in today's traffic, is the thing I hate most. While everyone else is in the beer tent or having a barbecue I am assisting the young ones explore 'big foot' trucks, Indian encampments and fun fairs.

Everyone knows the score by now and as far as the show staff are concerned they say my antics at these times are as entertaining as the display with the schoolmasters. Sometimes we do get into a bit of a twist but, as we all have to start somewhere mistakes have to be made, lessons learnt and trust built. Time spent now will put us in good stead for the future.

My advice would always be: take your time - look, listen and learn as you go along. You will get there in time, be it next month or next year. Now my young ones are sleeping, kids snoring in the lorry, Manos is flat out in his pen next to the box and Chicita is curled up on my lap and do you know what? I think I'll join them.

Good night!
Kuchina