By Chris Brooke The Mail Online
Last updated at 12:54 AM on 01st May 2009



For the average pet rabbit, the daily routine involves nothing more strenuous than chomping on a carrot.

But life is very different for the Haslam household's six showjumping bunnies.

Under the guidance of twins Mathew and Thomas, they have learned to leap over miniature fences in the back garden.

Hop to it: Lilac shows off her talent as she clears another fence

The 15-year-olds, who live in Doncaster, have owned rabbits for nine years, but decided to teach them to 'showjump' after being inspired by a video on the YouTube website.

They set up obstacles in their garden and encouraged the pets to bounce over them by leading them on a leash.

Now Bubbles, Lilac, Cuddles, Apple, Muffin and Beefy will be among the competitors at the Ultimate Pet Show at the NEC Arena in Birmingham tomorrow.

Taking a leap: Lilac goes up...

...and back down again!

The boys' mother Brenda, 46, said: 'I think the whole thing is brilliant.

'The boys love rabbits so we have always kept them and they have been brought up with them.'

Both boys have Asperger's Syndrome, a type of autism, and working with the rabbits - often for seven hours a day - has helped with their condition.

Mathew said: 'We are really excited about the finals. We just hope our rabbits don't get stage fright on the day.'

Reach for the stars: Little Bubbles takes his first leaps... hops.. bounds