Mulcahy Conway Associates

My Animals And Other Family

The adults in Clare Balding's life are usually too busy or too unpracticed to notice a child's needs, and she evokes a childhood where her most important relationships are consequently with horses and dogs. But the girl is not a complainer; she gets love and adventure - and plenty of heartwarming funny stories - from the animals around her.

Her father is a talented racehorse trainer who looks after horses for the Queen and has bred some exceptional champions, and her mother is from one of Britain's most aristocratic families. Their unusual home world with its particular priorities and codes is captured wonderfully. While often funny, Clare doesn't flinch from conveying harsher truths. This is a very English book by an author who exemplifies the very best of the English. Clare Balding is honest and unpretentious, brave and understated, strong yet modest.