The Derbyshire group social rides never fail to deliver! Dimmingsdale was beautiful, the autumnal colours, the rivers, waterfalls and ponds, the route itself was interesting and varied. I had a wonderful time. This was Estrid’s first EGB event and I couldn’t be more proud.
She was SO nervous at the venue, sweaty, shaking, eyes on stalks, whinnying her head off even though Tissy was stood right next to her. She’s a super social horse, she loves making friends and whickering away at everyone at the yard so it was no surprise when she wanted to latch onto every horse that came near her as a new best friend. Definitely something to be wary of for her novice season. But despite her nerves she didn’t put a foot wrong, I could still tack up, still stand her next to a step (thank you to the lady that let me borrow her tall step) and she listened to everything that was asked of her.
She was forward out on course, never asked to slow down and never questioned me. She listened to my seat and was careful over the technical sections, balanced on the downhills and eager on the way up. She was most certainly tired, her brain was overloaded and it was further than she’s been before on steeper terrain than she’s used to. Despite this she never gave up and was an absolute joy to ride.
I fell like this is the start of being able to dream about getting back to race rides. I’m trying to keep my expectations low, we’re taking it slow and we’re going to have fun along the way rather than push towards goals, but at the back of my brain I really really hope she is the one that I can get that last loop of a race feeling with again.
Beth Endurance 