I wanted a good ride to test Estrid following her accident, before I went ahead and made any decisions with regards to the rest of the season. I have always wanted to try the Long Mynd ride and it was the perfect timing for a run out for us.
It was spectacular! It got me in the feels right from the start. I’m originally from Mid Wales and the landscape reminded me of home, spending hours in the mountains with Tissy, without a care in the world or a time I had to be back for.
This ride had hills, technical ground, bouncy grassy canter stretches, steep climbs, incredible views, wild ponies and plenty of familiar endurance family faces. It also had some stony tracks, a bit of road work and a fair amount of gates but it is 100% worth it and definitely doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
I don’t think I’ll ever not be relieved to pass the initial vetting heart rate with Estrid, she was wired! Which is actually pretty nice that she knew where she was and was excited to get out. She was tanking over the first 20km, which does make me question what she’ll be like in a mass start, as soon as she has eyes on a horse ahead she’s like a homing missile and it takes some considerable convincing to not speed off at full pelt.
The second 20km she settled into a good rhythm and I got to really enjoy the experience and take in the views. We rode mostly alone but also did some stretches with others and it was so nice that she actually managed to go side by side and overtake without planting her feet.
I was really happy with how she felt, our speed and her general behaviour. Her boot rubbed her leg really badly and I felt so guilty but hopefully it won’t cause her any problems going forward and I’ll certainly not be using those boots again. Although she absolutely aced the hilly terrain and there’s no question about her fitness and strength there’s still something I’m not 100% sure about as to what to do next. So we’ll see what the next week brings and hopefully make a decision once she’s seen the Physio.
Beth Endurance 