Lindum Spirit 5 day camp

[harveydales]

We are just recovering from our stint at the Lindum Spirit endurance event at Market Rasen Racecourse. I had a fabulous time and lovely to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. There were quite a few Dales Ponies there, the only sad thing was that Sheila and Jaycee couldn't make it because her husband had been taken ill. Will let Sheila explain if she wants.

I paired with Sue and Eric the Fell for the rides and both ponies were real stars. I am thrilled with how Harvey behaved. On our first ride, right at the start line a lady who was rather nervous and had a traffic shy horse asked to tag along with us. Harvey and Eric gave her horse such confidence that by the end of the ride, her horse was fine even with lorries! We had a lovely ride and managed a good time.

Yesterday we did a short ride of 9km accompanying Karen's husband Charlie on the lovely grey dales Eloise. This was Charlie's first competition ride and the longest one he's ever done. Charlie hasn't been riding long and suffers with ankylosing spondylitis so it was crucial all ponies behaved and kept steady. Harvey and Eric were perfect escorts and I am really proud of my boy. He didn't put a foot wrong the whole ride. Only a couple of years ago I would never have trusted Harvey to behave so well and stand calmly while overtaken by faster riders. The whole ride was an absolute pleasure - not so much for Karen though, who was worried sick but we all came home safely.

Also at the camp was Mike with his Dales Bertie. It was lovely to see what a fantastic bond they have developed in just a couple of months. The pair were truly made for eachother. Mike did a couple of longer, faster rides plus a dressage test and handy pony. I couldn't stay for the final prize giving but I suspect he came away with a few rosettes and even a red one? Do let us know, Mike.

A few pics:

Mike and Bertie:


Eric:


Harvey:


Eloise, Harvey and Eric ready to set off:

[cadeby]

Looks like you are all having a fantastic time and Harvey is being a star as always xx

Love the photos, and it's nice to see Mike and Bertie

Are you there for the full 5 days?

Sorry to hear about Sheila's hubby xx

[colmworthdales]

Looks a fantastic weekend - and well done to all the Dales' who kept up their end so magnificently. Especially proud of Mike with my baby - Bertie. Can't wait to hear their own story!

[dalesnfellfan]

Sounds like you had a fantastic time,I've always fancied doing Lindum maybe next year if it doesn't clash with BHS camp.

Fabulous photos,hope Sheila's husband is OK.

[shadow jethro]

I am very jealous-rode Corky at Lindum the last three years, but he is lame at the moment so not able to be there. Jethro may be up to it next year and would love to take him. There is so much to do and everyone is so helpful. Hope the weather is kind and hope to join you next July.

[mikea]

We arrived back from the Endurance GB Lindum weekend @ 9 last night (Sunday) having left @ 2 on the Friday before. The journey there was meant to take just 2 hours, but due to a diversion on the A46 it took more like 3 1/2 hours - poor Bertie was perfect until we hit the stop/start traffic, and to be fair lasted a full 1/2 hour before he became a bit bored with it all and complained a bit. On arriving at the site, Claire set up 2 corrals for Rosie and Bertie. I was really pleased and relieved to find that he quickly settled, and was busily eating the grass in his new home, along with 50 other horses.



I woke up on Saturday morning really anxious to see if I still had a pony in the corral - but of course I did - he was still really chilled enjoying all the to-ing and fro-ing with all the other ponios. We the did a trot up with the vet and tacked up ready for our 15 mile ride (24km). Initially Bertie was a bit excited (as was Rosie) and was a little fizzy everytime someone passed us (lots of other faster rider were passing us as they were using some of the same tracks). Eventually he settled to the task in hand and we completed the ride in just short of 3 hours (we had actually done and extra loop of the forest bit and has done approx 18 miles instead of 15 bit still came 8th out of 12 with an average speed of 8.4 kph)
Day 2 on the Sunday Bertie and I did our 1st dressage test in the middle of the racecourse still with lots of ponies starting/finishing rides and lots going on. We did a prelim 18 test and got 148 (62%) which I was really pleased with for our 1st ever test/venture out. We then completed a 10 mile ride (15km) which we completed in 1 1/2 hours and achieved our target time of 10 kph (with 8 mins to spare) and still lots in the tank. He was really settled this time and concentrated all the way around, with many miles @ a steady trot interspersed with lots of long gentle canters. On completion the ride we did a small trek course - weaving through poles, popped a little jump, over a wooden bridge (scary this one), under some low hung branches, through a gate, navigated a tight course, carried a bucket of water from A to B , and then a rein back and race to the finish.
I'm so pleased with how he coped with everything this weekend, lots of 1st time ticks for the awesome little fella, and it just goes to prove what a Great Allrouder the Dales are.

[tinkerdorisalison]

That sounds like a great few days = well done to everyone who competed

[nedales]

well done---love these sorts of competitions and sounds like you all did very well!!