The weather, yes I'm on about it again :-) Blowy and cold yesterday and I never did make it outside to ride as I meant to.
But today - yesssss! Stir crazy from not jumping and galloping, the pair of us, Radar and I and SH headed off to Somerford park farm ride. If you want to see what we have been doing, the ride is now on their website here:
http://www.somerfordpark.co.uk/the-farm-ride/
We have jumped every fence that you can see in the photos, with the exception of the huge chaser fence at 6, which was roped off, though we normally do that one too. We've had a whale of a time and both come back very relaxed with smiles on our faces. We left it far too long since we went there last. If there is no hunting next week then I'll make a point of getting a gallop somewhere.
I still might right the other two later, but for now I think I'll just sit here and reflect on this morning.
C
Oh wow!! That place looks stunning! Very reasonable price for such a nice facility and if I still had Russell and were eventing, we'd absolutely love it!!
ReplyDeleteFrom the description, "man made" footing at each fence, it's close to perfect. No wonder you had such a great time. I know it wasn't the hunt, but what a wonderful alternative for a good morning romp. I bet Radar is smiling too as he kicks back on the pasture couch for a leisurely afternoon.
You are so lucky to have such a place to go. I'm not sure what's around here any more, but most of the farms that used to have cross country courses for schooling have closed down.
There is the Assunpink Wildlife Management area, though--about 30 minutes from here--where the Monmouth County Hunt rides. There are tons of jumps out there and miles and miles of trails--enough so you can get lost. The footing is all natural, so weather and ground conditions do matter, and the majority of the obstacles are not as big as you tend to jump, but it can be a ton of fun to just go out there to play.
The NJ Horse Park is on the property with a proper CCI cross country course, but I don't think they allow people to ride there when it's not a supervised event of some sort. The rest of the Management area, though, is free access and when I boarded across the street, I rode there all the time.
Seeing those pictures makes me a little nostalgic for the days when I would just get on and go jumping for the fun of it.
It's a 40 minute drive away Jean, so not too bad. It is very good fun.
ReplyDeleteI've ridden both the other boys now too, so I need a lie down :-)
C
Ah, a very happy horse and rider. I looked at the site and, despite that fact that I don't jump, it all looked so very inviting! I think you sent me a picture of Tetley at Somerford, right?
ReplyDeleteYes, you have a picture of him jumping a huge pheasant feeder on the practice course. They have a practise course, a full BE course and a farm ride too. You can see the practice fences in the photo - the field with all the "dots" in - they are fences and banks and ditches.
Delete