MOST actors get nervous on stage – but these four-legged friends are professionals and know exactly what to do after 15 years of experience.
Two white Shetland ponies – Funky and Barren – are veterans in the business and they are stars of Grimsby Auditorium's Christmas pantomime, Cinderella.
Freelance horse groom Tracy Hutson, of North Thoresby, prepares the two loveable ponies for their entrance on stage pulling Cinderella's carriage.
She began her grooming career 15 years ago, after replying to an advert in the Grimsby Telegraph.
Tracy, 40, said: "Thanks to the Telegraph I got this job and I love meeting different people during shows – but travelling is hard work.
"I bring the ponies from Reading about two weeks before the show to get them used to the surroundings. They are part of Luckens Panto Ponies business.
"They are professionals – I follow them! They know exactly what to do and Funky turns her head to the audience when she goes on stage.
"I have done Dancing On Ice with them in Hull for three days and they walked around a carpet at the edge of the ice rink."
"Barren really knows what he is doing. He stands still for five minutes back stage before the pantomime, whereas Funky is a little more nervous and she needed a couple of rehearsals going up the ramp onto the stage. But as soon as she gets used to it, she's fine.
"They are not robots, they're living creatures and you have to give them a lot of care, kindness and patience."
The ponies stay in a stable at Tracy's home and she describes them as "priceless".
"They really are stars of the show. As soon as they go on stage the audience says 'aww'," she added.
"I keep them in a stable with a rug on so they keep their white coats clean, and it only takes about five minutes to make them up before a show.
"Everyone adores them backstage and treats them with mints and carrots – even people who have never been around horses love them."
Tracy has six horses of her own at home and she breaks them in to ride for a living.
She said: "Horses are the most important thing to me and they take priority.
"Six years ago when I groomed for Grimsby Auditorium's pantomime, which was also Cinderella, I lost a pony named Snowy on the last day of the show. He unexpectedly died of an brain tumour. It was really sad."
Cinderella runs until Wednesday, December 26.
To book call 0844 871 3016 or visit www.atgtickets.com/GrimsbyAuditorium
