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Post by darenc1 on Mar 31, 2013 19:59:15 GMT 1
Well, to start with the procession arrives at my house at about 9am (this is AFTER a ball the night before, that ends at about 1am!), so people on my street will be waking up to a herd of horses and riders in the road!
We have to ride down to pick up the Lass after having a bacon roll and champagne, before riding down to the town hall to do a wee bit of formal stuff. We then ride up to the big estate at the top of the town - the driveway for which is at least a mile long!
After a break there, we go riding through the hills for a wee bit (all four paces!) before coming back into town to join the parade proper at about 2pm.
At least I think that's what we do on the day! There's also the mid-week ride-out which is only a couple of hours long.
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Post by Claire on Mar 31, 2013 21:18:46 GMT 1
Well, to start with the procession arrives at my house at about 9am (this is AFTER a ball the night before, that ends at about 1am!) So not too much to drink at the party then! ;D
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Post by darenc1 on Mar 31, 2013 21:55:38 GMT 1
I have every intention of drinking at the ball - but also every intention of sobering up before the end of it!
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Post by rallycairn on Mar 31, 2013 22:35:40 GMT 1
Daren, this should give you stories to tell for the rest of your life! Lots of partying, ceremonies, and riding -- what could be better? (Well, maybe not ceremonies, but really, this all seems like quite something to play such a big part in!)
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Post by darenc1 on Mar 31, 2013 22:42:02 GMT 1
If nothing else, I should be a better and more confident rider by the end of this stint! I'm just going to require a new liver...!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2013 7:29:03 GMT 1
Sounds good to me
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 1, 2013 11:11:37 GMT 1
I dunno how many horses and riders will be turning up, mind!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 2, 2013 21:08:07 GMT 1
Well, had another lesson this evening, and it went pretty well. I rode my flag horse, Monarch, and he was great - felt totally safe and secure on him, even in canter, and we went out for a short hack up past the golf course for some walk/trot/canter. We should be going out again on Friday, but I'm also hoping to get another little go on Ringo in between now and then. Anyway, here's Monarch. He's actually only about 16.2hh!! Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2013 6:28:09 GMT 1
He looks smashing Daren, can't wait to see pics of you on board
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Post by Claire on Apr 3, 2013 11:40:36 GMT 1
He looks very intelligent!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 3, 2013 16:43:26 GMT 1
He was certainly easier/more fun than Arnold to ride - I didn't feel as though I even did much to get him to canter!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 5, 2013 21:57:41 GMT 1
Well, a wee update.... At the committee meeting last night, I was told there would be AT LEAST a dozen horses coming to pick me up at 7.30 on the Saturday morning!! They do have a problem, though. Normally, they would actually come right to the front door in order to pick me up, but because of the location of my house, they need to stop in the road and pick me up from there. Anyway, went for a nice hack out from the yard this afternoon on Prince, another 16.2hh grey Irish Draft who I've never ridden before, with Rihanna from the stables, and Sally who had pinched Monarch for the ride. Just so long as I get him back for the parade!! Unfortunately, my phone was in my fleece pocket, inside my jacket, so I didn't get any pics while we were out. Put it this way, Edinburgh has never looked so spectacular as it has from A) the hills on the outskirts of the city, and B) from the back of a horse!! We'll be doing a bit more W/T/C over the next few rides, and then we will be GALLOPING....!
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Post by Claire on Apr 6, 2013 1:50:07 GMT 1
I didn't realise you were so close to Edinburgh Daren. Its a lovely city - one of my favourites. Good luck with the galloping!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2013 6:57:46 GMT 1
It all sounds such fun Daren. I'd love to be picked up for a hack from my house by a large group of riders Enjoy the galloping!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 7, 2013 9:58:46 GMT 1
I didn't realise you were so close to Edinburgh Daren. Its a lovely city - one of my favourites. Good luck with the galloping! Yeah, only about 12 miles or so away (and I've WALKED that once!) I've galloped a few times, but never actually PLANNED to do it....!
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Post by Claire on Apr 7, 2013 11:10:21 GMT 1
I've galloped a few times, but never actually PLANNED to do it....! Haha haven't we all! ;D
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 8, 2013 7:40:10 GMT 1
Well, at least this time I SHOULD be in control!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 9, 2013 13:45:50 GMT 1
What did I do this morning? Well, I went out for a lovely hack up the hills again this morning! I rode Monarch this morning, and got in a good few canters along the side of the golf course, and up in the hills just beyond the farm. He's such an easy horse to canter with, and is quite comfy, too! And yes, I managed to get a couple of photos once we'd stopped hooning about!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 9, 2013 13:47:39 GMT 1
Edinburgh, as seen from the hillside.... Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 9, 2013 13:59:39 GMT 1
Monarch, as seen from the saddle... (Rhiannon and Gypsy in front). Attachments:
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Post by Claire on Apr 9, 2013 15:24:21 GMT 1
Ooh I'm jealous!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2013 18:46:43 GMT 1
Me too! Wish I was sat up there Lovely view too!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 9, 2013 23:44:00 GMT 1
I'll try to get some more pics the next time I'm out....
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Post by rallycairn on Apr 10, 2013 5:23:01 GMT 1
daren, would you mind reviewing again the highlights/big dates? Which Saturday for the main parade, etc? I'm enjoying your updates but not sure I'm up to speed!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 10, 2013 8:50:23 GMT 1
The main ride-out is Saturday the 25th of May, although the mid-week ride-out is the Tuesday before it. There are other things on during the week, but I can't recall exactly what they all are - apart from the ball on the Friday night, which will see me getting home at about 2am to get up at about 6...!
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Post by rallycairn on Apr 10, 2013 13:46:10 GMT 1
Ok, thanks! Well, at least you've got time to keep preparing for it! Practice your drinking -- er, build up your stamina! I mean to say, and all that.
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 11, 2013 8:15:27 GMT 1
I'll be sure to try and get plenty practice in!
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Post by Claire on Apr 11, 2013 13:53:43 GMT 1
I'll be sure to try and get plenty practice in! Riding or drinking....? ;D
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Post by rallycairn on Apr 11, 2013 14:25:31 GMT 1
Sounds like he'll need plenty of practice in both! And how cool is that ...?
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 11, 2013 19:36:35 GMT 1
I'll be getting a bit more riding practice tomorrow evening - and a bit more drinking practice on Saturday!
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