Let's say that you have found a match and the two of you have been communicating for a while. With your mutual love of horses, there is always something there to break the ice during awkward moments when you have both run out of things to say. When it comes time to make the first date, who should initiate it? This is a different age we live in, so you can't just assume it will always be the man. With the safety of relative anonymity on your side, either of you can choose to put the idea out there.

Should you go horseback riding for your first date? That would only make sense, considering that both of you enjoy it so much. However, being that it is your first time meeting this person, you need to be extra careful. If you own your own horse or a family member or friend has a private stable, that may not be the best place to go on your first date. It should be somewhere more public, where there are plenty of other people around and at least one person knows where you are. Naturally, if all goes well the first time around, there will be plenty more opportunity to ride together on private property.

It is important to keep in mind that you and your new love interest should share other hobbies besides both of you being equestrians. Although it is important to find someone who at least understands your passion for horses, it can't be the only thing that holds you together. Eventually, you will want to do and discuss other things, and if loving horses is all you have in common, it may not make for a lasting romantic relationship, but it may create a splendid friendship.

Lara is in her early thirties and lives in West Sussex.

What's she like?

Lara has travelled widely and has tried living in London but can't shake off her love of horses. She events, hunts, and occasionally shows. She adores her horses but finds time to do other things as well. She also likes to catch up with her friends & family, going for long walks, the cinema, eating out, riding her bike, or just relaxing on the sofa in from of the television.

What is she looking for?

Lara is an independant lady with plenty of self-reliance, but she would like to meet a man with whom to share her life - someone who enjoys the country life as much as she does.

Where can I find her?

If you would like to know more about Lara then register here or login to Love Horse^® here.

Lara is waiting for a man with whom he can share her love of country events and of course, horses.

It’s easy to go out and buy something; it usually doesn’t take a lot of thought and falls in to straight categories –

* For women – perfume, chocolates, jewellery and toiletries top the list

* For men – aftershave, socks or ties, a bottle of wine or a gift token

Of course, it’s nice to have a gift-wrapped pressie from the one you love, but personally, I’d rather go for a brisk walk with them on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve with a little touch of frost and clouds of steamy breath.

Then I’m lucky enough to live a few hundred yards from the beach.

Take a walk or ride ending up in a pub with a blazing fire

If you live inland, perhaps a walk with dogs or a ride along a favourite route or to a viewpoint where you can sit and talk for a while would be fun.

Ending up in an olde worlde pub with a blazing log fire would add to the romance.

For many people, someone else taking the time and effort to make a space in their schedule for them says more than expensive presents – it’s a cool way of saying ‘I love you’ by showing that at an important time for everyone, you would rather be with your partner than anyone else.

That is truly gracious giving.

Seeing in the New Year with a bang

If you live in the country, what better way to enjoy the festive season than sharing your favourite places with your favourite person?

New Year’s Eve is often spectacular where we live because we can see all the North Wales towns across the bay and watch the firework displays along a 20-mile stretch of coast.

For this you need to make sure your pets or horses are tucked up safely, but fireworks and sharing a bottle of bubbly at midnight to see in the New Year while the sky is lit up with the colours from the rockets reflected back by the sea is delightful.