Dear Svaarl / Colin – thank you for your email. You’ll have to forgive the informality, but your address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. was a little confusing – and Mr Destroyer didn’t seem quite right. Anyway, I understand that you are looking for a property in our area. Ideally this would be a ruined castle, complete with battlements, drawbridge, moat and dungeons. As far as I’m aware, there’s an almost total absence of trolls, orks, goblins and wizards in the vicinity, but not being an expert on the subject, would defer to others.

Years ago we had problems with one of our horse's feet. He had 'side bone' - a cartilage in his hoof had ossified, and this caused it to lose some of its shock absorbing abilities. The vet recommended Jacqueline Stensrod - a barefoot trimmer (not a shoeless farrier!). Jackie is a fantastic lady who's also extremely well qualified and experienced – and she performed a minor miracle on Chico's feet, slowly returning them to his natural shape. And within just three short months he was showing no sign of lameness.

Dear Mrs Buckshott – thank you for your lengthy and informative email. I was sorry to read of your husband’s demise - but, as you say, a 50 inch waistline and a passion for microlight flying rarely make good bedfellows. That all 3 of your husbands have met with unfortunate accidents is tremendously bad luck – I suppose it’s some slight compensation that each left you well provided for. And, of course, good luck with number 4!