My First Year with Offa's Dyke - by Sara Jones

I had always thought that Endurance Riding would be my 'Cup of Tea' as I have always enjoyed doing 'Fun Rides' where venues can be ridden, that have not been explored before.  I had a misconception that Endurance rides would be 50 miles plus!!

It all started with the 'Christmas Cracker' ride which, Katherine (Midgley) my neighbour, suggested we should go to.  I took 'Merlin', my recently acquired soured Connemara Jumping Pony whose previous owner was a Teenager whose interest had diverted to boys!  He absolutely loved it and we had a great time.  He pulled like a Turbo Powered Tank all the way round which was repeated at the 'Maryland Ride'.  I decided then to join as a Full Member to participate in a few Competitive Rides.

Our first Competitive Ride was the Forest of Dean 'March Hares' - Lorries and trailers were slip-sliding into the Parking area and we got temporarily stuck, so had to off-load the Ponies, and 'on' went the 'Diff-Lock' - no problem, that little hurdle overcome!  Merlin is quite excitable and was not quite sure what the 'Vetting' was all about and I just managed to hold him for a 'minute' for his Heart Rate to be taken.  He is head-strong and lacks manners sometimes.  He started on 48 and finished on 62, got a completion and was 'Over the Moon'!!

The next ride was 'Margam Park' (desperately wanted to ride on the Beach, but unfortunately the route was changed and didn't go near the beach - a 'Tad' disappointed!) but Hey Ho off we go into the mist and more mist and thicker mist at the top, what a shame as I’m sure there would have been some wonderful views.  Merlin started on 56 (which I think says something about him) and finished on 51 but this time we got graded - even more thrilled!

Our next trip was to the 'Golden Horseshoe Experience', which it was! Katherine was competing in the 2 day 40Km experience and Merlin and I did the Pleasure Ride on the Sunday which was outstanding and the views and weather couldn't be faulted.  We camped just up the road and I 'Crewed' for Katherine which proved more tricky than I expected as I got lost and couldn't find the first check point and went about 20 miles out of my way!!  Anyway just managed to catch up with her at the 2nd Checkpoint as she was disappearing in front of me, but with a bit of yelling, bought her to a halt - Phew!!!

Our next ride was going to be the 'Summer Solstice', but, unfortunately 2 days before; Merlin tripped on the road and cut his knees quite badly (He's OK now).  Katherine needed to go, so 'In' came 'Grek', my quirky 17 year old Russian Trotter, who is my 'Best Mate' and always surprises me and somehow manages to perform when least expected, in his strange fashion!!  I have had him since he was 4, when he was bought over by some 'Dealers' off the Russian Trotting tracks. He's got an odd gait (I was told when I first got him he would only last 18 months!!)  How wrong they were!!)  He has never been lame and secretly felt that he would be quite good at Endurance as he has terrific stamina and can trot for miles.  He is also a Chronic Headshaker and throws his tongue out of his mouth constantly.  I have tried every combination possible and now have a customised Visor which has ears fitted, 2 nose veils and a hackamore - it works!!  I didn't have time to register him so we did the Pleasure Ride which we thoroughly enjoyed and he was a pleasure to take and was immaculately behaved.

Grek and I then went on to complete the Season achieving a Pass at  Cranham, Grade 3 at Ludlow, Pleasure Ride in the Black Mountains, Grade 2 at Barbury Castle (my favorite ride), Grade 2 at Badminton and Grade 4 at Chedworth.  What a good boy. This is now our 'Thing' to do together.

I had a wonderful 1st Season ending with 2 flat tyres on the same side of the Trailer at Chedworth!!  I then discovered that the spanners I had did not fit the Trailer, so had to call out the AA.  They were brilliant and arrived within the hour - problem solved!!  I now have all the kit and 4 new tyres.  What's the betting it won't happen again!

I would like to thank everyone for the marvelous organisation involved with all the rides and for making my first year with EGB a very pleasurable and thrilling experience for Myself, Grek and Merlin.

My 'Pandora' Trophy takes pride of place and I am planning to have a 3D photo taken of it and put in Crystal for permanent memory.  My First Trophy at the age of 53!!