Her horse, a purebred Arab mare named Bo from the Biddesden stud, was keen and eager on the bright Sunday morning - yes it did start bright and sunny although a little chilly.
Hold area
The trot up lanes
Heart rate check, pre trot up. Coralling area off to the left of the picture
Trot up, ably assisted by Chris
With veterinary check passed it was time to tack and warm up.
Bo knows her job and was raring to go.
The start came round all too quickly -
First loop was 40km, the longest of the three; out past the cross country fences - they really do have excellent facilities at The College Equestrian centre, I've never seen so many maneges in one place!
Crew point two, sorry I missed Rachel on the photo's, was too busy, crewing!
Coming in
And going out again
The route was riding really well, long grassy stretches, varied terrain, not too much roadwork, a very enjoyable and easy route. But by this time the wind had started to pick up, a chilly, blustery wind, that with cold water sloshes was soon chilling horses if they weren't off and out on course pretty quickly. Sharp showers of cold rain kept falling too. Ugh!
Loop two was 23Km and easier, bowling along they came into vetgate two. Unfortunately for Rachel she and Bo were spun here, lameness in the right fore, so that was us out. It was such a shame as they were going so well, under tough weather conditions.
Well done to all those that passed and commiserations to those that didn't. Huge congratulations must go to Annie Joppe and her horse Fantom for winning the biggest ride of the day the 120Km FEI **, well done to you both after your bad luck in Holland.
It's a ride I shall definitely be putting on my 'to do' list - the 'to do' list that is getting ever longer!
If you'd like to send me your ride report on the College ride for inclusion in the blog, I'd be happy to include it, please email me at akblackburn@live.co.uk.
Looks like a beautiful place!
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