Ponies
Ann on Dushka - Southdean Drive My older sisters were a mere 16 months apart and they did everything together. Once the family returned to Middleton after the war, the girls were frequent visitors to the nearby stables run by the patient and steady Miss Seagrim with her cheerful second-in-command called Bunty – a name that is never heard these days. The riding school was on the Yapton Road and comprised an attractive set of whitewashed flint stables by a field with riding ring. Although keeping horses is an expensive business, children from all sorts of backgrounds can gain access to riding stables. My sisters started by volunteering at these stables where, exchange for mucking out, grooming, leading beginners around a ring and doing general chores, they were given a ride with the group. It was hard but purposeful work and the reward much appreciated. The ponies had been trained to relieve themselves on a certain patch by the edge of the riding ring