The day started with Jenny, their incredible vet, scanning a couple of mares, talking through the process and telling us what she looks for. We then moved on to the Flintham family talking us through the whole process of a collection, including witnessing one and the laboratory work afterwards.

Many of the attendees had been at the Youth Council’s last visit to Upton two years ago and it was fantastic to see how their background knowledge had developed since then, with several now studying A-level biology. There were a few high level discussions about genetics, phenotypes versus genotypes and recessive versus dominant colourings.

Grateful thanks are recorded to Sarah, Megan and Lucy Flintham for their hospitality, the cake especially was delicious!

Photo; Jason Holder