16-year-old girl animal trainer, prepares new acts for Christmas. 16-year-old Olga Astley, one of Britain's youngest animal trainers, is busy at her Ongar (Essex) quarters teaching her Shetland ponies and performing dogs their new acts for the Christmas pantomimes and circus. Many of Olga's animals appear in acts throughout the country. Photo shows, Olga Astley teaches Paddy, the pony, and tests a new trick at Ongar. 14 November 1937