The problem we've had is the rain - we're on clay and it's just a quagmire - so much so that a Fire Brigade Mercedes Unimog all terrain emergency rescue vehicle got stuck in our field - granted it had lost its four wheel drive.

The horses have churned up the ground, so much so that large areas will have to be reseeded in the Spring.

All in all I'd much prefer a really cold and icy winter rather than this wet and warm one - not to mention the extra wasps, mozzies, rats and other pests we'll have next year if there isn't a really cold snap soon.