Post by dalesnfellfan on Feb 1, 2016 16:50:36 GMT -1
Yesterday we did our first PR of 2016 in Thetford forest, it was supposed to be either 8 or 15 miles and when I entered I put down to do 15 miles, but as we hadn't done much recently due to having 2 weeks off whilst waiting to get her saddle checked and all the muddy bridle paths meaning we had done a lot more road work and not much fast work, I thought it may be better to brake us both back in gently and just do 8.
Well when we arrived I was told the route had changed but nothing was mentioned about change to the distance, it had rained most of the way there but by the time we arrived it had stopped and looked a little brighter, I had my new Driz-a-bone long coat with me and a shorter jacket which was only shower proof, I chose the jacket and of course after about 2 miles it started raining again and persisted down all the way, I was drenched, but it was a lovely ride.
There were 78 riders out so it was busy and a lot of the horses were really on their toes, including Connie, we set off with 2 coloured cobs, one of whom we'd ridden with before and usually very steady, Connie immediately set up a rivalry with the other one and we raced along as both tried to stay in the lead, we seemed to always have horses up ahead which made Connie very strong and excited. I eventually went on ahead and caught up with 3 horses, 2 of which were 26 and 27 and were going like trains, we joined them and she settled into a better rhythm, they were doing the longer route so I decided as she was going so well with them we would too, it actually took her 10 -12 miles to properly settle and I could ride her on a light contact.
When we got back and I got my card signed I found out the longer route was actually 18 miles plus we did a detour of about 2 miles when we went the wrong way and did a loop twice, so much for a gentle first ride, we did a rather fast 20 miles, Connie was still full of going and could have done more, I on the other hand am full of aching muscles today, I hope her muscles aren't as sore as mine.
It was a lovely ride and wonderful to get out of all the mud on the sandy soil in the forest. Now looking forward to our next one in 2 weeks at Euston Park, the venue of the 2011 Endurance World championship, always a nice ride.
Well when we arrived I was told the route had changed but nothing was mentioned about change to the distance, it had rained most of the way there but by the time we arrived it had stopped and looked a little brighter, I had my new Driz-a-bone long coat with me and a shorter jacket which was only shower proof, I chose the jacket and of course after about 2 miles it started raining again and persisted down all the way, I was drenched, but it was a lovely ride.
There were 78 riders out so it was busy and a lot of the horses were really on their toes, including Connie, we set off with 2 coloured cobs, one of whom we'd ridden with before and usually very steady, Connie immediately set up a rivalry with the other one and we raced along as both tried to stay in the lead, we seemed to always have horses up ahead which made Connie very strong and excited. I eventually went on ahead and caught up with 3 horses, 2 of which were 26 and 27 and were going like trains, we joined them and she settled into a better rhythm, they were doing the longer route so I decided as she was going so well with them we would too, it actually took her 10 -12 miles to properly settle and I could ride her on a light contact.
When we got back and I got my card signed I found out the longer route was actually 18 miles plus we did a detour of about 2 miles when we went the wrong way and did a loop twice, so much for a gentle first ride, we did a rather fast 20 miles, Connie was still full of going and could have done more, I on the other hand am full of aching muscles today, I hope her muscles aren't as sore as mine.
It was a lovely ride and wonderful to get out of all the mud on the sandy soil in the forest. Now looking forward to our next one in 2 weeks at Euston Park, the venue of the 2011 Endurance World championship, always a nice ride.
Doing an extra loop in error sounds very familiar! I'm encouraged to hear of the 2 older horses doing so well - gives me hope for Harvey. Our first ride is in 2 weeks time and will be a hilly one. 
