Manu and I are enjoying some hot chocolate in a cafe in Sheffield and I am immensely tired with my deepest wish being not to be in any sort of vertical position.
We have been here for about three days now and this morning I kicked off with a two hour trail ride. The Highlands Trails are located only ten minutes away from Robin's house and I went out with the lady from the stables.
They have 150 Arab cross horses there out of which only 6 are trail riding horses. The others are trained for endurance racing and bred to be sold overseas. I rode a 13 year old mare called Clandy who also does some endurance racing.
I must say I enjoyed this experience much more than the trail ride in Perth hills. Part of our trail led through their private land and so it felt like watching wild horses when you saw them grazing hidden behind trees, miles away from the actual stables! The track was very hilly and so our horses had to do lots of up and down climbing. When the thick array of forest trees parted I could see out on the hills but in those ares the rain also hit us heavier. Funnily I really didn't mind the rain while I was sitting on the horse, but as soon as I returned to the house all I wanted was tee and a blanket.
Contrary to my Perth hills ride we were by ourselves and without inexperienced riders so we got to do some trotting and cantering. Naturally my legs are extremely sore now, but I absolutely loved it! It felt so natural to gallop through the rain although I really had to concentrate on slowing Clandy down so I wouldn't overtake the woman (yes, I know it's sad I don't know her name). When I mentioned that I was very surprised to receive praise from her. She said for most riders it is very hard to control their horse, because they get insecure and wobble up and down in the saddle. She said "it is very rare to find a rider as balanced in their saddle. Especially on trails!" You cannot imagine how proud I was upon hearing that! It's great to know that through all the years of barely mounting a horse I did not lose my skills that I gathered up for seven years.
I wish trail rides wouldn't be so expensive, though this one was way cheaper and better than the one in Perth.
Tasmanian countryside is beautiful and secluded. Manu and I took a drive along the mountains yesterday and we have seen eagles and had sunshine, very contrary to today's situation ;) It's great to be back with Robin who is easy going and funny and I also enjoy getting to know Tracy better, although she had to go down to work these past two days. It's also great having a normal shower again, different to the hostel's where adjusting temperature was an everyday ordeal.
I am so done and reaaaally need a nap :D
Kisses
Skipper
Hey!
AntwortenLöschenNice to read you enjoyed riding so much and we are glad you did it.