The ground was wet but the farmers were kind and we still had our meet. 11 out of 10 for the new Kerrits breeches that Mary Lou sent me. Warm, mud-proof (it just fell off!) and very comfortable. Radar was a blast, strong but not too strong, storming all the hedges and the timber too.
We had some fun - on leg four we were asked to help lay the scent. That meant we did the leg before the hounds, before the Huntsman, before the Field Master and before the field. I thought that when Radar was in front he would pull less. I thought wrong!!!
He was stronger than ever! I was so shocked. We were galloping along, just two of us side by side, and Radar kept seeing big open field in front of him and trying to take off like rocket. It was interesting being in front, because it takes a fair bit more guts to jump hedges when you haven't seen anyone else do it first. I was sure I'd fall off and make a fool of myself, but we were fine.
ps Ace is sound on the lunge and I may ride him tomorrow.
I've had my bath and now I'm off for a quiet read in bed.
C
So glad the breeches were what we hoped for! What a day, galloping in big open fields with no one in front. Now that's living :-) I bet both you and Radar are sleeping now - nothing quite like hours of rigorous equine activity to tire you out, in a happy, satisfying way.
ReplyDeleteI rode hard today too, despite still being stuck in the indoor, then out for an hour walk through the snow covered fields. Wish I could take a nap but we are having a party tonight so I need to prepare. All my discretionary time was spent with Tetley.
You rode today?????? Blimey you are obviously getting better weather than we are............the gales are so strong we could hardly stand up and my car nearly got blown off the road!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear the good news about a great day out hunting. And the extra bonus of riding out to lay the scent must have been even more fun!
ReplyDeleteRadar must be sleeping well tonight--with a big grin on his face. *G*
I hope the party went well ML.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pretty benign day Madeigh, clearly your weather was totally different from ours!
Laying the scent was quite nerve-wracking Jean, but fun.
Radar is fit and well today. I am still trying to work up enough energy to ride Ace. It's 3pm and it may not happen, I feel like a nice snooze instead.....
Gosh, that sounds such fun. The weather here - Midlands - has been lovely, almost too warm. I had a nice hack this morning and enjoyed the winter scenery.
ReplyDeleteThe party was great. They were all good friends we have had for decades. 12 people fit just right for a party in this house.
ReplyDeleteSo, laying the scent... how do you do that? And what is it?
You really don't want to know!
ReplyDeleteYes you do?
OK, they find a place near a fox's earth where it pees, they dig it up and mix it with water and they slosh it all over the horse's front feet. Apparently it stinks to high heaven. Our scent carrier Mark has been seen to hold the bottle in one hand and eat his sandwich with the other :-)
C
Warm agan today Judith, I am hoping we might get away with a mild winter now. Too much to hope for maybe.
ReplyDeleteC
I did want to know. People do the strangest things but there you go; I have learned something. I wonder what the horses think.
ReplyDeleteI'm coming t live with you.....we are on gales and sleet again :-(
ReplyDelete