My name is Souter Annie, though folk call me all kinds of pet names. The truth is I don't really mind what they call me, so long as they like me.

I'm feeling a bit nervous today because the Standard Bearer is coming to the stables. It's so nerve-wracking. What's going to happen? Who will he pick? It will probably be the poshest, biggest or most well-groomed horse.

The Standard Bearer is arriving now.

Here he is wearing his rosette colours. This year they are light blue, navy blue and white. He is looking at all the different horses on show, all shapes and sizes.

He is coming over to my stable. Oh, I'm so nervous. The other horses have started to notice that I'm a bit anxious.

He is whispering to the stables owner and pointing. He's chosen me! I'm to be the Standard Bearer's horse at this year's Selkirk Common Riding. I never thought it would be me. What an honour.

There are now only a few months until the Common Riding so I'll have to do a lot of fitness work and practice in the arena. It has jumps, cones, flag poles, mirrors and lettering from corner to corner. It all looks very big. I feel like I'm preparing for a show. It's really exciting.

Each week the Standard Bearer arrives at the stables dressed in his riding clothes. He wears a smart riding helmet, cream jodhpurs, shiny polished riding boots and a waterproof coat.

I'm entering the arena now. He gives me an encouraging kick with his heels and wants me to trot on. All the other horses are all out in the field. They look on with interest as I settle into my paces.

We do circles, change the rein and practice halts. I try my best and get a pat on the neck when I have done a good job.

It's the big day at last. I am taken out of the horsebox, my rug is lifted off, my hooves oiled and my tail bandage undone. My dark bay coat has been beautifully groomed by my stable lass. My black mane and tail are smartly plaited up and my tack is gleaming.

I can hear the band playing "Hail Smiling Morn" and the crowds are starting to gather. There is a buzz of excitement across the Royal and Ancient Burgh as old friends meet up and young people join their pals to celebrate the most important day in Selkirk's calendar.

The atmosphere is great. There are singing grannies, happy children and excited riders warming up their horses for the Riding of the Marches.

This is really important and makes sure that the boundaries of Selkirk are checked and maintained as they have been over the centuries. My stable lass explained it all to me while she was grooming me, so I understand exactly how special my job is. I will carry the Standard Bearer to the farthest points of the Burgh and help him preserve the ancient traditions and customs of the Common Riding.

By the Victoria Halls the loud chatter has just turned to a complete silence.