'The most common question I’m asked is if the reindeers fly. My answer is always the same'

They all have their own unique names and identities, says Philippa Auret tells Sarah Horgan on a trip to Cork with her reindeer

Philippa Auret (right) of NI Reindeer looking after Dancer and Prancer at Cork's Marina Market on Saturday. Picture: Larry Cummins

At work they go by stage names like Prancer and Vixen, but Philippa Auret’s reindeer are just like any other pets on their days off, enjoying treats and the odd bit of mischief.

The former riding school owner who runs NI Reindeer has been travelling the length and breadth of Ireland with her beloved pets in the last couple of weeks, delighting young and old alike.

They most recently made a pitstop in Cork for an event at the Marina Market on Centre Park Road. Their appearance saw them pull a sleigh carrying Santa through the venue as part of Santa’s Magical Market Big Freeze event. 

When Philippa’s herd are not helping Santa they are attending events across the country and featuring in television shows. They are also set to appear in one of chef Gordon Ramsay’s cooking shows which recently completed filming in Wicklow.

Philippa, who runs a livery yard in Saintfield, Co Down, first started NI Reindeer several years ago after closing down her riding school.

“Everyone loves the reindeers,” she told the Irish Examiner. “They have worked with a lot of people but Gordon Ramsay was probably the most lovely celebrity to work with. He spent a lot of time just patting them. 

Chef Gordon Ramsay 'spent a lot of time just patting' the reindeers while filming one of his cooking shows recently. File photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

"They love the attention, especially if you have a bit of food at the end of your hand. Gordon Ramsay is a lovely man. A lot of people will tell you that he is very easy to work with.” 

The former competitive rider said her reindeers have their own personalities away from Santa and the crowds.

“They all have their own unique names and identities. For example Dixie would be a gent if he was a person but Pixie is more of a thug. He’s quite bolshie in his ways and will put his nose into your pocket to get extra treats. 

"They all love the attention but are very tired come Christmas Day and enjoy the rest.” 

Does she have a favourite?

“I love them all but Dixie is our main boy. It’s really rewarding to be able to look after them. Reindeers live in captivity for 15 years, whereas they don’t tend to get very long in the wild. 

Niall Auret (left) and Philippa Auret (right) of NI Reindeer looking after Dancer and Prancer after Santa arrived on his sleigh to meet the boys and girls on Saturday at Cork's Marina Market. Picture: Larry Cummins

"A lot of them die by drowning while attempting to get across large areas of water. They also have to be really strong to survive in the wild because only the strong ones survive.” 

Philippa does everything she can to ensure their time on the road is as pleasant as possible.

“We don’t do it all in one go because that would be too hard on the reindeer. Normally, what we’ll do is stop over for the night which breaks up the journey for them. 

"We are not always travelling as far as Cork but when we are we know people along the route who let us stay overnight.” 

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Philippa enjoys the barrage of questions from children.

“The most common question I’m asked is if the reindeers fly. My answer is always the same. 

"I tell them that the reindeers can only fly with special magic dust provided by Santa. Santa only has so much of this dust so he needs to save it all for Christmas Eve.”