Author: Sandy Gorman
When the numbers aren’t huge, planning does tend to be a little lax. I couldn’t arrive until the Saturday morning, and had left the details of the ride to Brian. When everyone BUT Brian had arrived Saturday morning, including a guest brought along by Mick, it was time to make some quick decisions. We had Michelle, Lou and I ready to go, Martin had arrived to do some gardening and catch us for lunch, and Mick was there with Lee. Rather than float out and do Brian’s ride, we opted instead to head to Flowerdale and try out the local café, Boots and Bobs. Brian could catch us up when he arrived, so we all saddled up and headed off. It was a leisurely pace, allowing for Brian to make up time behind. Lee had a small issue with uneven stirrups, but was happy with the attempted fix. The weather was great and we were very happy to cruise along Upper King Parrot Road. Martin had said he’d meet us for lunch and bring the float as Michelle was riding Pepper and he wasn’t fit enough to do both ways at 15k each. We did think we saw a float heading along the Strath Creek road, but were still some way off. Lee did a great job, but was only used to shorter rides and by the time we made the café was beginning to think her legs may fall off! Brian had been later than expected arriving at TRV and whilst we were taking our time, he’d decided to float to Flowerdale and ride back with us, so he and Martin had been waiting close to an hour by the time we all cruised in. The café was great and although some of us had already packed a lunch, we were able to grab drinks and something sweet to enjoy. Michelle swapped out of the ride, so with Brian joining us, we again had five riders for the return. We were a little faster paced on the return as we knew we weren’t waiting for anyone. Idaho had been a little bit of his old shirty self on the way out, but he upped the ante on the return and tried out some of his old tricks kicking out and being a pain. A couple of years back this would have had me all in a tizz, but we dug into the toolbox of learning and actually had him back in hand by halfway home to enjoy the rest of the ride. I didn’t know I’d learned as much – and the fact that he’s been quite good for a while and not requiring the tools; well, I was pretty chuffed with our own turn-around. Thank you Brian (again!). We were hot and sweaty and in need of a drink by the time we returned to the clubhouse. Mick and Lee were a little behind us, so wine was almost waiting for her at the dismount! Perhaps a shorter introduction ride may have been preferred – but fun was had and all riders were happy with the day.
Michelle prepared dinner for us all – indulging our palettes with Beef Wellingtons and Apple Pie after our meeting. You can cook for us every month if you like!!
Sunday’s weather was not a great, quite grey and a bit drizzly. We had another guest riding after being introduced to the Club at May’s earlier Welcome to Trail. Michelle, Lou, Anne, Brian and I all loaded our horses and headed to the Three Sisters to map out the trail ride that Brian was to host for Oaklands the following fortnight. Wet weather gear was in order as we headed out to explore. The Three Sisters is a beautiful property with plenty of big hills and trails. We enjoyed the views, the eagles and our loop had us back near the floats in just on an hour and a half. With three of the five opting to make an early day of it, it was just Brian and I left to see how we could lengthen the ride. We saw the track we wanted to reach and once the girls had headed off, we continued on our way. I would like to say what a wonderful ride it was, we mapped out a perfect ride for the Hunt Club and all was well… but the weather wasn’t that kind and things didn’t quite go to plan. When you’re up in the hills, the clouds actually come on down and say hi. They manage to close your visibility down to just metres and the world becomes white. Not so great for mapping where you want to go. And quite damp. I’m actually pretty happy with our ride besides that – I did hills, gullies and rode better than I thought I could – my pony was awesome in going where he needed (and as it turned out, going where he didn’t need to go once we got there!). We had a ball, but in the end, the Hunt Club ride will have to be extended with an extra loop at the beginning as opposed to what we tried at the end.
Back at the car I managed to get changed into dry clothes as even my socks were soaked and were taking on the colour of my boots (I do love a bit of green, but not so much on my white socks!).
All in all, another successful weekend away with TRV, and I left on a high again. My husband must hate it when I get home and go on and on about the fun I had….
