Blaenavon Pleasure Ride 2008 - by Chris Wray
15th June was a big day for me – my baby’s first solo trip away from
home to ride. It is a big learning year for Takwenya (Chatanz x Zawadi),
who turned 5 in April, and this was to be another big step in her
learning.
What a nice start to the morning these Social Rides are!! I didn’t have
to get up at 5am, and it’s only an easy 45 minute drive. I don’t even
have to pack the car, now that I have the van - which is the permanent
tack home! All I had to do was pack some sandwiches, make up some
squash, and hitch up the trailer. Takwenya was straight in the box to
get her breakfast, and after it was eaten, off we went.
One of the first people to arrive, it was great to catch up with the Man
v. Horse results from the day before (well done Karen, Sue, Hilary,
Tracey & Sue – all Offa’s Dyke members in the first 10 horses) – and
groom and tack up. Takwenya was excited, but not excessively so – keen
to go off at a fast canter, but mostly kept to the requested trot! I
was riding with Fiona – this was also a first for Takwenya, her previous
rides (apart from the first at Margam when Hally accompanied her) have
all been solo.
Fiona and I picked up chatting from where we’d left off the previous
Sunday – where I’d given Hally 2 fast circuits round the top on the
Llwynon Saddlery ride as her preparation for Cirencester 65km. After a
while we were joined by Tracey, who’d also been with us the previous
Sunday, and most of the first section down to the cycleway we trotted
and walked. Once on the cycleway, there was a lovely soft edge and we
were able to do a slow canter between passing walkers and cyclists. Takwenya
didn’t think much of the echo-y short tunnel and had a quick panic, but
otherwise was angelic. Back up onto the mountain there were miles and
miles of lovely cantering, and Takwenya really enjoyed it all. The
views were stunning, and the weather perfect – cool with a breeze for
temperature, and clear for the views! A little before the turn for home
when having a breather, Liz caught us up and we had a short chat before
she accelerated away. We just about managed to walk down the mountain
to the venue (Takwenya still keen!), past the photographer (thanks
Rob!), and back to chat with more friends, eat lunch, and relax before
getting home at a nice early hour!
The ride was wonderful – venue, route, marking, weather – well done and
thank you so much Belinda! Definitely one to do again!