I’ve ridden around Carsington water a few times and it’s been lovely so with Kirk Ireton just around the corner I thought it would be a good outing for Tissy. I obviously had not correctly remembered the hills! Luckily Tissy is the hill queen, she can go up and down with ease at an astonishing speed even at 24.
This would be an excellent training ground for The Golden Horsehoe or in preparation for Red Dragon. We were accompanied with Izzy and Fluffy, another livery at our yard, and we had a nice steady ride out at 8kph over 23km. Elevation was 160m from lowest to the highest point, and we totaled 7 climbs. The course was very heavy on the road work, putting my hoof boots to the test, and they definitely passed, I think I need to get her some back ones as her hind feet were a bit sore the next day. But the lovely stretches of field, the views and variation in inclines/declines still made for an enjoyable and interesting ride.
I’d really like to become better acquainted with the Peak district bridleways. I don’t live far away and it would be great to incorporate some decent hills into our training. It would be a dream to move that way, as close to Welsh hills as I’ll get in the Midlands that’s for sure.
Beth Endurance 