Author: Sandra Gorman
So it’s not often you get a blog on the rides TRV host over a weekend with our guests – but then, it’s not often I volunteer to help! Not that there’s any issues with the guests (or that I’m unhelpful) – I’m more worried about my pony being more of a hindrance than a help. But since he was an absolute superstar, well, here goes!
Our guests began to arrive from late afternoon on Friday. They chose a place to park their floats, a paddock to house their horse (and yes, even I will refer to all the mounts as horses as there wasn’t anything under 15 hands!) and a bed on which to lay their head. In total, we had 8 riding guests, one husband for Friday night, four hosting members (13) plus just to join in for dinner our Secretary and another member who is a neighbour. While the horses all got to suss each other out in either shared or adjoining paddocks, the riders relaxed firstly over drinks and nibbles, followed by a delicious dinner. Some members retired to bed early; others chose to head out and enjoy the ambience outdoors.
Saturday was expected to reach a top of 32 degrees (using the nicest weather app – those that say 35 aren’t worth looking at!) so getting started in the cooler part of the day was a great idea. We all enjoyed a breakfast of bacon and eggs before taking the horses just in halters over the obstacle course. It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a hosted ride so it was very interesting for me to watch the riders introduce their horses to some of the obstacles. Whilst some had seen similar things before, there were certainly many for which this was a totally new experience! We had perhaps and hour and a half to two hours moving our way through the obstacles – some were mastered easily, others not so. What’s that old adage “horses for courses?” This is the horse course that wasn’t for all horses! Not first up, at any rate. Advised not to get “stuck” on an obstacle, riders tried some obstacles a few times before moving on to the next, only to return with more success the second or third attempt after a break. It was a relief to break for morning tea, a cool drink and a chat.
Saddling up after the break, we all mounted up and headed back to the obstacle course to take it on from a “higher perspective”. Riders were again challenged, and after a fair try at everything solo, we split into a few groups to “follow the leader” around the course, allowing the horses to follow on and see if it made things easier. It was great to see the smiles of success as the horses mastered something at which they’d previously balked. Not wanting to do anyone’s “head” in, we stopped for lunch and a cool down. Kaye again provided a great meal, with a smorgasboard of meats and salads to load up on loaves of fresh bread.
It was time to head out on the trails after lunch, with an approximate two hour trail ride. Crossing the creek and then heading over the road, we introduced the riders to the neighbouring cows, open paddocks, a few hills and a decent hot wind. This was also a new experience for some and wide open spaces can be daunting. The horses behaved quite well in the group. The hills challenged, but all in all, the ride was a great success. (I did say my pony was a superstar didn’t I? So calm and happy to bring up the rear keeping an eye on everyone. Who swapped my pony out for this chilled boy???)
Some riders were just relieved to have mastered the day, others quite chuffed with all they had achieved. Showers, drinks, nibbles and air conditioning were high on the list at our return! Plenty of stories shared over dinner as everyone enjoyed each other’s company. A group of strangers yesterday were all having a wow of a time Saturday night like old-time friends. Build your own hamburgers for dinner, with a delicious dessert of home made cheesecake. Yum.
Another night talking into the dark – but as the hottest February night on record, the evening had that feel that it wasn’t really late. Except for me. Early to bed, early to rise….
Sunday was again warm, but thankfully overcast to start off the day, keeping the temperature bearable. Kaye made the MOST DELICIOUS breakfast of pancakes, berries, yoghurt/marscapone/honey mix with fresh bananas and maple syrup. Another build-your-own affair – but pretty much all of us went pancakes with the LOT! We did impress our guests with the food I think – although some didn’t quite give us five stars as we didn’t do room service…all in jest!
Saddling straight up on Sunday to reinforce the obstacle course and yesterdays learnings. Wow, what a difference a day can make and riders noticed how much more comfortable both their horses and themselves were. The stress levels (stress?) had dropped as everyone felt relaxed and capable as they put their horses over obstacles that had been daunting only 24 hours ago.
A break for morning tea and make-your-own lunch to be brought to us for our lunch stop. Very spoilt! No squished saddle bag surprises.
We headed out a slightly smaller group than yesterday as some horses and riders felt they had tested their limits with all they had learnt. But didn’t mean missing out on lunch and the few that didn’t ride chose to join us at the Village Green.
The ride to the Village Green is about 11 k’s return and again, it was amazing to see just how much more confident riders were to be out and about. It was still hot, it was still gusty, but all riders seemed to be happy and relaxed. We did split into two groups to give the more confident riders a chance to trot or canter in a slow, controlled group. Very happy riders stopped for lunch in the shade, tied their horses to the surrounding trees just as Kaye arrived with food, drinks, fruit and snacks.
Time to head on back as the wind gusted again and a few grey clouds gathered – but not threatened. We headed over the hill and the beautiful valleys and hills impressed – imagine how lovely it is when it’s green! We only got caught out by one locked gate on our return so did a short double back. The steep slopes were cause for concern, but again, another challenge mastered and all riders returned tired and happy to pack up and take their ponies (oops, I did mean to say horses!) home.
I’m sure there will be sore muscles. I’m sure there will be tired bones. I’m definitely sure there will be excited stories for the family when our riders made it home at the end of a successful and happy weekend. But I’m fairly certain that many of our guests would do it all again in a heartbeat – and we really enjoyed Welcoming you all to Trail at Hillcrest Homestead.