Due to other commitments/priorities ( ie. the kids ! ) we have not been doing as much travelling with the ponies this year which means that our showing , with a few exceptions , has mostly been confined to local events . Now any of you who have ever met Mr F will know that he loves to profess that showing , for him , is ( his favourite phrase ) ' about as interesting as watching paint dry .' And yet I am beginning to suspect that Mr F is rather missing the kudos of attending the more prestigious events .
We were at a show last weekend ,I was over on the other side of the showground doing something interesting with the cob and Mr F was stood in the Novelty Ring with Billy who was onboard the Highland . They were contesting the Pony With The Shiniest Coat class , having already done Nicest Trot and Best Mane And Tail .
Mr F is losing the will to live .
The judge appears before them , studies them closely and then narrows her eyes and says ' I've seen this pony somewhere before.'
Mr F perks up .'Was it in the HOYS class at ********* County ? She just missed out on the ticket . Gutted'
' No , it wasn't there.' says the judge thoughtfully .
' Maybe at Area X ' says Mr F ' She was Reserve Supreme.'
The judge shakes her head ' No , wasn't there either.'
'We was at ****** Farm last week ' says Billy . ' I was 3rd in Best Figure Of Eight .'
The judge snaps her fingers .'That's it .' she nods in agreement ' That's where I know you from.' She hands Billy a rosette .
'Oooh , a green one 'says Billy happily ' I haven't got one of those .'
' Well done' sighs Mr F .
'Ta ,' says Billy .' What's a HOYS then ?'