Plato goes to his first shows.

His time finally had come and it was time to take him out in public and see how he would behave. Plato had not been anywhere other than in field or at Philippa's yard.

Plato behaved very well considering and despite being a bit light won his class. Both Philippa and I were delighted with him.

As time went on we took him to other shows, mostly in hand but also under saddle.

When we took him to his first ridden class we were very nervous. At this time nobody other than Philippa had ridden him and we did not know what he would do.

Just before the class Philippa had the idea that I should get on him quickly to see what he would do. I was not mad about this but it had to be done. Anyway we did not seem to have any problems and off he went into the class.

I remember a 60 year old lady judge who rode him. We were very nervous of what Plato might do. When she cantered him round the arena twice we started to worried.

After the class she told us that he was the best horse she had ever ridden, "A real Rolls-Royce of Horses", and just had to have another round on him !!!

With one exception Plato had an amazing year winning every in-hand and ridden class he was entered for.