Rain, snow, yet more rain, followed by yet more snow. This sort of weather has put a real stop, start to my training program. You really can not be a fair weather rider and an endurance rider otherwise you'd never get any training done in this country.
Currently I am working away from home so only train at the weekend (I fear I'm getting podgy round the middle) but at least my Gran has been able to do some riding during the week so they are at least getting exercised. At the weekends I will go home and train them for longer periods/distances to build their fitness and stamina up. Whatever the weather it is nice to get home and go out for a few hours on either Shandy and Barik.
The start of the year saw us do our first ride of the season, The Christmas Cracker Ride. A short pleasure ride around Staunton with Gran riding Shandy and me on Barik. Both enjoyed their short little outing, although there was some route changes due to the river flooding over part of the route, so we didn't get our usual canter along the riverside. We made it back and just as we loaded both horses the rain started! We were very lucky to miss that downpour but unfortunately this time around we missed our mince pies and mulled wine!
I have also decided to sponsor a new trophy to my endurance group (Offas Dyke). The Chador Trophy, named after Shandy as she took me through my Young Rider career, which will be awarded to the Highpoint Young Rider at the end of the year. I now just have to find a trophy or get one made before the end of the year. Although I'm terribly picky so this may take a while to find.....
Now into February and the first rides of the season are entered. So Forest of Dean in early March with Barik it is, lets hope it doesn't rain (although that might be too much to ask for).
So roll on the start of March!
Currently I am working away from home so only train at the weekend (I fear I'm getting podgy round the middle) but at least my Gran has been able to do some riding during the week so they are at least getting exercised. At the weekends I will go home and train them for longer periods/distances to build their fitness and stamina up. Whatever the weather it is nice to get home and go out for a few hours on either Shandy and Barik.
The start of the year saw us do our first ride of the season, The Christmas Cracker Ride. A short pleasure ride around Staunton with Gran riding Shandy and me on Barik. Both enjoyed their short little outing, although there was some route changes due to the river flooding over part of the route, so we didn't get our usual canter along the riverside. We made it back and just as we loaded both horses the rain started! We were very lucky to miss that downpour but unfortunately this time around we missed our mince pies and mulled wine!
I have also decided to sponsor a new trophy to my endurance group (Offas Dyke). The Chador Trophy, named after Shandy as she took me through my Young Rider career, which will be awarded to the Highpoint Young Rider at the end of the year. I now just have to find a trophy or get one made before the end of the year. Although I'm terribly picky so this may take a while to find.....
Now into February and the first rides of the season are entered. So Forest of Dean in early March with Barik it is, lets hope it doesn't rain (although that might be too much to ask for).
So roll on the start of March!