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Post by darenc1 on Apr 26, 2013 17:53:50 GMT 1
Well, it did kick off with thunder, lightning and a lot of rain and hail, but luckily we missed the bad weather (just!). And guess what?? I had my first, proper, planned GALLOP! When the leader said we were going to do it, I had nightmare visions of the ride on Tuesday, but it was nothing like that - it was just nice and smooth, and I found myself grinning like a muppet at the end of it! So yeah, that was about it! We went for a few canters as well, and it good clean fun, thankfully!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2013 18:58:42 GMT 1
I can see that grin from here ;D
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Post by Claire on Apr 26, 2013 21:22:37 GMT 1
Well done Daren
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 27, 2013 23:10:44 GMT 1
I survived the wine-tasting last night, so the next event in the calendar is another hack out on Monday afternoon, and then the Currie ride-out next Saturday morning.
Followed by the ceilidh....!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2013 6:47:31 GMT 1
Wish I had your stamina daren Glad you are having such a great time!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 28, 2013 7:54:40 GMT 1
Stamina?? Not sure about that!
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Post by Claire on Apr 28, 2013 13:47:53 GMT 1
I agree with Rosie, all that would wear me out nowadays! But I would have loved it all when I was younger and less decreipt.
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 28, 2013 23:26:41 GMT 1
Trust me, there are days when I do really feel the strain! Especially yesterday! :/
However, needs must! Another hack tomorrow....!
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Post by darenc1 on Apr 29, 2013 20:09:27 GMT 1
Back from another hack - same place as before - only this time no major problems to report! Just a sore foot from my stirrup being a bit too short again.
Another lesson on Friday (hopefully with a gallop thrown in) before the Currie ride on Saturday...!
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Post by darenc1 on May 1, 2013 21:41:27 GMT 1
So, had an evening of programme-selling tonight, and another one tomorrow, followed by a committee meeting. Another riding lesson on Friday, and then out to Currie for our FIRST RIDE-OUT...!
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2013 7:18:40 GMT 1
I'm sure the ride out will be fabulous Daren, lucky thing
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Post by darenc1 on May 2, 2013 18:01:14 GMT 1
Well, fingers crossed the weather stays amenable for Saturday! I think we'll be out for a good few hours.
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Post by darenc1 on May 3, 2013 17:14:17 GMT 1
Well, I think this time I actually poo'd my pants!
I was put on a Dandy, a little grey pony of about 14.2hh. Now, I'm not adverse to ponies (such as Ringo), but I do have my reservations. I MUCH prefer riding big horses, and now I know why...
Ponies are so bloody QUICK!
Seriously! We had a gallop up the hill again, and while the two big horses left us a bit behind, this wee bugger had a hell of a turn of speed, and I really didn't feel like I was enjoying the gallop this time!
Imagine flying a small plane going really fast, really close to the ground. It's that same kind of "oooh bugger!" feeling that's both exhilarating and knicker-filling at the same time!
And then I lost my stirrups.
We went for a "steady canter", and this little bugger was trying to keep pace with the big boys. Well, of course, I lost one stirrup, and then the other, and God only knows how I managed to stay aboard! I did get one stirrup back, but the other one wasn't regained until we had come to a halt - almost up the backside of the horse in front!
I was pretty thankful to get back home this time around, if I'm honest!!
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2013 17:28:09 GMT 1
That's ponies for you! ;D
I'm vertically challenged and always end up riding small ponies. They can be fun and there isn't so far to fall but like you I do prefer riding something a bit bigger.
Well done for sticking on!
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Post by darkhorse on May 3, 2013 21:36:28 GMT 1
Well, I think this time I actually poo'd my pants! Lol Daren. I hope you didn't have your white jods on ;D At least you managed to stick on!
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Post by darenc1 on May 3, 2013 22:25:15 GMT 1
No, the black jods saved the day - but I will be wearing the white ones tomorrow!
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Post by darenc1 on May 4, 2013 17:37:47 GMT 1
Well, I survived the Currie ride-out, but by God am I sore!!
Monarch was a star for the most part, though, and I'm glad I had him to ride!
Will post pictures in a bit...!
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2013 20:43:52 GMT 1
Hot bath for you tonight then ;D So glad it went well.
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Post by Claire on May 4, 2013 22:00:40 GMT 1
Looking forward to seeing the pics! Wen I hear 'currie ride' I keep thinking of you lot trotting about with bowls of vindaloo balanced on your pommels!
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:35:52 GMT 1
Here are the few photos I managed to take yesterday! Almost ready to go: Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:48:43 GMT 1
Before the ceremonial stuff... Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:50:58 GMT 1
Some of the riders... Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:52:37 GMT 1
Monarch doing some hoovering... Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:57:01 GMT 1
Me on my noble steed! Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 22:59:33 GMT 1
The only photo I managed to take of the view from the top of the Pentlands! Somewhere down there is where we started out! Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 23:00:40 GMT 1
Lunch-time and a welcome pee break! Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 23:01:59 GMT 1
And some more from the pit stop. Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 23:07:04 GMT 1
Coming back into Currie. Yours truly is fourth from the right. Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 23:08:21 GMT 1
Safely back in - at the pub car park! And yes, I had a well-earned pint!! Attachments:
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Post by darenc1 on May 5, 2013 23:15:15 GMT 1
Anyway, apart from a minor problem with my stirrups (more leg/foot pains!!), it was a good ride out. We only had one faller (out of about sixty) and she was OK - much to my friend Craig's disappointment, as he was down as back-up rider!! He got to ride on the way back to the start point, though.
The hairiest part, though, was the final canter along the Water of Leith. For one thing, I nearly mowed down a cop who was helping to direct traffic and clear the path ahead (I think I missed him by about six inches!). Also, Monarch tanked off after his pal Pedlar, who is also his half-brother I think, and I'm bloody sure we were going flat-out along that path! I'm pretty sure Sally, the Penicuik Lass, actually crapped herself at that part!
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