Denis Lehane: On the horses back with Pippa and friends

This practice of strapping on your old boots to take shep for a walk to see your half dozen cattle has to end, writes Denis Lehane.

Saddle up

Pippa Hackett is on the ball - on the pig's back, I could say... or better again, the horse's.

Whatever way you look at it, she is a politician talking sense. And this fact alone sets her apart from the herd.