STIRRUP STORIES and LAMBS’ TALES: Country Days - and Nights - with Animals

’Step right in and enjoy the journey.’ Brough Scott

The myth of pretty lambs gambolling around in spring sunshine is exploded as the would-be farmers struggle through the worst spring for decades with a mix of humour and ill temper, sorrow and, occasionally, joy. Life in the saddle, on the farm and with the pen is told in diverse tales of orphan lambs, runaway racehorses, pigs in the bath (dead), and lambs in the Rayburn (alive). Amusing anecdotes encountered by the first girls to ride under National Hunt Rules are also portrayed in a miscellany of country life, race-riding and farming in this appealing 1970s memoir.

The individual characters of the all-too-many orphaned lambs are at times uncannily human as they suffer trials, triumphs and tragedies in a reflection of life in general. The landscape around them is minutely observed and intertwined are the forays in point-to-points, and a mix of experiences as a local newspaper reporter.

The author’s story combines pathos with humour, a sense of adventure and above all an over-riding love of animals - and life.

About the Author

Anne Holland is the author of more than twenty-five books, including the best-sellers Steeplechasing, A Celebration of 250 Years; Grand National, The Official Celebration of 150 years; Arkle, The Legend of ’Himself, ’ and The Secret of Kit Cavenaugh - A Remarkable Irishwoman and Soldier.

Anne lives in a beautiful part of Wiltshire beneath the Marlborough Downs, with her elderly Golden Retriever, a young Beagle, her beloved pony cob, Sailor - and two new hips.

Author praise

’Wonderful tales.’ Ann Hussey, QC