26 SEPTEMBER 1987, Page 38

Naming Horses

Good Apple, a name for a horse?

(The stress comes first, As you'd say Godalming, Doncaster) Good Apple — and people smile.

They'd like Red Prince, Firebird, Gold Touch.

`Good Apple is coming to us this week.'

He dances at the gate. The mare calls.

Once there was a foal with his dam. `He'll shape,' the farmer said.

Young horses in a field: `The best apple in that barrel.'

He laughed, hearing what he'd said.

Now six colts on a hill, Manes and tails stream out . . .

`Good Apple sired that lot, the beauties! Yes, all sound, all good, each one a peach!'

Doris Lessing