The Chase

Leaving the bestest gundog in all the world at home for the day (fast asleep, if truth be told, after his labours of the previous day), Rocco and I departed on Saturday to do one of the things he likes best: hunting with hounds! The Meet was at a farm in the village so not far to travel and plenty of time to scrape off the mud of weeks and plait and prim the pony for a day with the public. He did look smart! The wind blew but the sun shone and the assembled company of some 25 keen chasers were amply stirrup-cupped and fed prior to departing for the first cover.

At which we drew a blank. And on to the second cover: at which we drew a blank. And on to the third.. at which we drew a blank.. and on.... and on... and on.... Lots of hithering and thithering but no chasing for the Boy or his Boss. A few jumps en route but mostly it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and have a good hack round before turning for home in the early afternoon. At which point we were assured we were bound to miss the best part; the next cover never failed to provide a chance for a chase and a good gallop. "Perhaps another day" we said as we bade "Good Night".

For we had 'other things to do' later....

The previous day there was hithering and thithering and chasing of a totally different kind.

The time had come to wean Ginger's latest brood. The scene was set, hurdles fixed, plans laid, shared and confirmed. All would be a doddle.

Naturally.

Separating piglets from Mum?

Not a problem.

Persuading piglets out of pen?

Not a problem.

Leading piglets towards trailer?

No problem...........

for some of them... and then they realised they were only 4.... Ooops. That won't do. Mum said to stick together. So the 4 ran out of the trailer to find the 3, and the 3 went in search of..... well, we don't know actually but let's assume it was the 4 and they didn't see where they went so they looked up in the copse, and down the lane (where the big nasty Giant lives) and in the big field beyond even that Huge Boar.

"Hello" said one adventurous little chap "Are you my Daddy?" And that was a nasty moment 'cos boars are not necessarily very fond of little challengers.....

And still the little ones scampered excitedly - maybe mischievously - about the estate..... giving the attendant humans no small cause for concern.

But then the Mother muttered, gruntled, snorted and snuffled in her gentle, caring but nonetheless domineering way.

Instantly, order was resumed. Innocent little piglets appeared from all corners as if by magic.

Into the trailer? No problem.

Into that nice clean stall? Absolutely.....

Mission accomplished.

So following our morning of not-chasing, Rocco and I returned after an hour's ride home to move Lily away from Mangal.. and Ginger back to Mangal....and that really was simple...

Food to Mangal.. open gate, Lily straight out and along the path to new pen. Relieved to be alone. Open Ginger's gate, guide her along to Mangal's pen. Open gate; Ginger straight in.

And what scenes and sounds of delight. Like long lost lovers they greeted each other with boisterous head butts and gentle rubs.... clearly glad to be back together again. Though it didn't take long before Mangal got down to sorting out the business side of things. And Ginger's been putting him in his place ever since.... And considering the size of him, he is amazingly docile to her commands.......

Biding his time, no doubt!