Having not ridden at the Wyre Forest for the past recent years I decided to take Barik to this ride on the 24km route, this would then lead into him being fit enough for his first competitive ride of the season at the Forest of Dean.
The sun shone all day which gave me and Barik the chance to not to have to compete in the wet. The tracks were still soft from all the rain over the past few days previously, which provided us with good going to be able to canter much of the route. Usually this ride is extremely wet and thick with mud which is why I have avoided it, but with the small alterations so that the route did not follow the stream this left much of the worse tracks out. Barik was a little star the entire way round doing as I asked; passing over the noisy wooden bridge and past the scooter which was being pulled by huskeys (not something anyone sees everyday). Although on the two way section Baz did get a little confused when horses were going past him in the opposite direction. Both Baz and I thoroughly enjoyed this ride as it gave us a greater opportunity to go at a faster pace with the weather and the ground conditions being so good. Our next ride will be at the beginning of March where we shall compete in our first competitive ride of the season. Hopefully the
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Barik's 2nd ride of 2011. This was a short 26km ride based at Trellech, Maryland. THis ride goes on forestry tracks, byways and bridleways, this is a good training ride off the roads for the start of the season and is one I always enjoy going to every year. Barik started the ride in his usually bouncy self with a fast walk to catch up with those who were in front plus a friend who we had ridden with previously. This ride entailed riding three different loops. The final loop is the fastest as there is a long stretch along the riverside which is a great place to really let the horses have a stretch. Needless to say Baz didn't not need asking twice along this part and off in canter we flew. There is nothing better then having a good canter on safe ground with a horse you cherish!!!! The rain held off and there was only a slight drizzle at the very start which made the ride more enjoyable. Baz behaved himself impecably even with people flying past him on their horses without warning and picked is way over the rocks in place very well. He is showing such potential to be a true endurance horse with every ride we do! Next I hope to ride him at the Forest of Dean in March to do our first competitive ride together.
So the start of 2011 leaves me with a new season to plan out for each of my horses with new goals to try and conquer. Seeing as it is the start of the new year I felt that a webpage was a good way to start.
Currently I am in my final year at Aberystwyth University where I am studying for a BSc in Equine Studies. I will finish my exams in May and be ready for a new adventure in the equine industry. I currently have a few prospects in which I will hopefully find my right career choice so watch this space. Whilst I am not at university I work at Ruxton Stud producers of sport horses in Dressage and Jumping. Melanie Phillips, Prix St George dressage rider, runs this yard so I enjoy working for her and learning the arts of another discipline. I started at Ruxton in 2009 on work experience as part of my degree and was lucky enough to receive a job at the end of my 6 weeks. Whilst being at this stud I have been able to work with all age ranges of stock and get the much needed hands on experience which is needed for me to be able to breed my own future prospects. Now the snow has gone away I am able to start training my horses ready for the coming season. Barik and I have already been out to our first Social Ride of the season on a very cold frosty day. Baz was very much happy to be out in new surroundings and jogged a majority of the way. We rode round with Karen Jones and her new mare so very much enjoyed the company and chat. We all got back to the venue feeling rather cold but the Mulled wine and mince pies were waiting which went down a treat and warmed up the cold toes. Tomorrow is Baz and I's second ride of the season at Maryland. At the moment we are just hoping for good weather to come out. Please please please let there be some s |
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August 2014
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