DASHER, Dancer, maybe Prancer?
Ask Pershore singleton Imogen Smith the name of her favourite reindeer, and you get a less than festive answer.
“Kevin, Howard or Doris” is the reply from the 25 year-old, who handles the herd of reindeer on behalf of Santa at Smarttrees, based out of Fields Farm House on Hill Furze Road.
“Rudolph’s alright too. He’s a super special reindeer. All our reindeer are bred in the UK; the majority were born on the local farm here in Pershore.”
Reindeer herding is a seasonal job for Imogen who has landscaping and grounds maintenance experience and spends a lot of her time tending to her four horses whilst helping out on local farms – but it is something that has set her up nicely for when Santa comes to town.
However there is only thing on the top of her Christmas wish list this year; and that’s all the feel good factor of love; someone to share all the comfort and joy of Christmas with – and beyond. She has joined country life dating experts Muddy Matches in the hope they can play Cupid and help her unwrap a like-minded animal lover or someone who shares her passion for an outdoor lifestyle.
As the largest dating service for outdoor-loving singles, and the original home of farmer dating in the UK., Muddy Matches has welcomed over half a million singletons from all walks of country life, helping to inspire rural romance for over 13 years.
“Ideally, I’m looking for someone who compliments the lifestyle and understands everything I do; I’m not around much at Christmas of course and I am permanently tired! I’d ideally like to match with someone with a farming background. That would be amazing; I love being out with the farm animals.”
And, as for her ideal Christmas date? “Just a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe. I’m definitely on the good list so as a perfect ‘muddy’ date, maybe sharing a hip flask of homemade raspberry vodka on a cold morning out in the countryside somewhere?”
Imogen’s countryside credentials extend beyond her handling of Rudolph, Blitzen, Comet and co to delight the Worcestershire children.
“I spend much of the year with my horses. I really want to get my homebred horse out to her first ridden shows. Then I would love to try and qualify for Olympia Horse Show to add even more Christmas magic!”
“Because I am so used to dealing with large animals, I took over the care and training of the farm’s herd of reindeer. In general, it’s day to day feeding and husbandry. On the run up to Christmas I start walking them again the farm to get them used to being out on a halter and getting them accustomed to different noises and sights.”
“I have to admit it always bringing the Christmas magic back even though I’m grown up. Seeing the smile on kids faces meeting Santa’s real reindeer makes it worthwhile.”
A spokesperson for Muddy Matches said: “All of the singletons who join us looking for love have their own, personal connection and chemistry with the countryside. Horse lovers, dog walkers, genuine farmers, vets, smallholders, clay pigeon shooters and even weekend walkers flock to us regularly to meet like-minded folk.
“People from all walks of country life are finding comfort and joy in matching based upon shared passions and outlooks on life during these uncertain times. The nation’s appreciation of fresh air, green space and the nature on their doorstep has been rekindled during lockdown.
“We have to admit, though, that having a genuine reindeer herder join up in the hope we can get her love life to fly is a first for us. It’s definitely added an extra sprinkling of Christmas spirit to online dating with us.”
Visit www.muddymatches.co.uk for more.
