OCTOBER has always been my favourite time of year. At one point this could have had something to do with the fact that this is my birthday month, but these days I find that birthdays are best not to think about in too much detail.

So today, the dogs and I have been to blow the cobwebs away with a bracing walk along the Avenue of Trees, resplendent in a gown of autumn glory. Crisp golden leaves and a small grey squirrel skipped across the path as we crunched our way along.

The dogs had their noses glued to the ground relishing, as always, the captivating scents that abound in this ancient woodland and I couldn’t resist gathering a few horse chestnuts. It is quite a while since I last enjoyed a game of conkers and I feel that it is only right to make sure that this important area of my granddaughters’ education is not over looked.

But, of course, the highlight of October in our family has to be the Horse of The Year Show (HOYS) and this year, I was lucky enough to be able to witness my daughter-in-law and eldest grandchild both compete and even better, both get placed in their respective classes.

As a child I remember being allowed to stay up late, even on school nights, to watch the showjumping which used to be televised for half an hour every evening and I would try to imagine what it must feel like to be there and to be taking part. Back in the day and living in the centre of a busy town, I was lucky if I could save enough pocket money, once a month, to catch the two buses that would take me to the nearest riding school, where I could ride for an hour, and dream. No riding hats or body protectors back then; but then again, perhaps this has something to do with the fact that these days I am definitely "not sound in trot" and I would never manage to "pass the vet"!

Glitz and glamour, rich and famous, HOYS has it all in abundance. Magnificent, international, showjumpers and celebrities from the showing world rub shoulders with children from the pony club games teams and all are living their own special dream.

Of course money plays a part in this sport as does, arguably, an element of luck, but don’t ever let that detract from the hour upon hour of sheer hard work, courage, dedication and gritty determination,the finger numbing cold, the driving rain, the mud, the dirt, feeding and turning horses out on cold dark winter mornings before work or college. Freezing fingers, toes and chilblains, mucking out and bedding down at the end of the day and not forgetting the gruelling exercise regime.

Keeping up levels of fitness for both horse and rider and of course, inevitably, the disappointments; the heart-breaking moments and the injuries sustained by both parties; all character building in their own right.

So last weekend, witnessing the result of so many years of blood, sweat and tears culminate in the spotlight at the most famous horse show in the world, little wonder that a lump had cause to rise in the throat, just for a second or two.

So a huge well done and thank you, to all the competitors at the NEC, but especially to our two girls. You both did us proud, you did it in style and this, I am sure, is only the beginning.