For country lovers, wrapping up warm for a stroll in the sunshine to watch the animals and birds is one of the great joys as the land comes back to life after hibernating for winter.

Bulbs bursting in top flower, buds on the trees and lambing tell us all is well with the world and despite the stresses and strains of man-made worries like work and money, nature is above all this and carries on regardless.

A country walk in the spring clears the head and mind. Not for nothing is spring known as the time of romance.

For many, the New Year does not start on January 1, but with the birth of the first lambs.

To townies, lambing is a certain time of year, but they don’t realise sheep really do follow the rest of the flock when it comes to breeding.

Most farm animals don’t have a regulated breeding season, just like us. Sheep are different – they all get pregnant and give birth at more or less the same time when the weather warms and a good supply of grass is available for the lambs.

Here are some tips of what to watch out for when you and your partner are crossing the fields:

* Sheep ready for lambing are held in a field close to the farm or in sheds on the farm so the farmer can keep a close eye on them

* If you see a ewe leave the flock looking for a quiet place under a bush or near a wall, she’s probably ready to give birth in the next hour or so

* Most sheep easily give birth without the farmer’s help.

* If you see an ewe licking a lamb’s face, she’s probably cleaning him or her just after the birth

* After the first lamb, the second quickly follows – most breeds give birth to two lambs

If you see a ewe pawing the ground, it’s not a sign of anger or upset. She’s probably in labour and a little confused. The pawing is a signal she is looking for her lamb.

If you are a country lover, someone who loves walking or looking for equestrian romance with other like-minded people, big dating sites and the fees they charge can be a waste of time and money.

You are better off looking at smaller sites with members looking for people like you.

Understanding a country or equestrian lifestyle can be a stretch for a lot of city folk.

Their days are often 9 to 5 and revolve around work, and shopping, including hours sitting in traffic.

Country people have a different day, especially if they have animals to look after.

Out in the country, the day starts earlier walking dogs, seeing to horses and ponies and if you are a farmer … well the list just goes on.

The day generally finishes earlier as well, especially in the winter, because riding or walking in the dark in remote rural areas can be dangerous.

Then there are the weekends. Country people still have to look after their animals whatever the day of the week or the weather, so no lie ins there!

A lot of country socialising is based around equestrian events and country shows.

The lifestyle is alien to people who don’t live isolated in the countryside or in a small village.

That’s why dating and introduction sites like this are so important – because although the list of members may be smaller than the big matchmaking sites that advertise on TV, at least you are more likely to find someone who understands your lifestyle.

This means you are less likely to waste time and money on pursuing unsuitable partners who don’t understand your needs and restrictions caring for animals can put on your life.

Love Horse is a free registration site offering the chance to link up with horsey people, country lovers, walkers and farmers looking for romance or companionship.

Special features include a profile coach to help you show yourself at your best, email and chat. You can also search other profiles to see if some other country lover catches your eye.