bitter north wind

The wind was biting and we all felt very cold.Misty kept leaping and turning round as if a ghost or spooky something was behind her and butch was not in the mood for anything except the odd nervous jump at nothing.We did the bridle paths in the woods meeting a few other horse riders out in this cold wind.The loggers were cutting the trees but were not in our way for once,when will they go away?The treasure trail was are route back and some surprised bikers who were putting up illegal jumps thought we were going to tell them off except of course we were illegally on the path too! getting back to the stables we were frozen,my feet like blocks of ice and my hands numb with cold.Misty was very unhappy and refused my carrots,annoyed about going out in the cold no doubt.

muddy ride.

The weather was looking bleak and full of rain clouds and we thought this was going to be a wet ride.Arriving early due to a muddle with days off we found our steads waiting for us.The weather was grey but no hint of rain.

We set of down the lane towards the river so far so good no hint of floods but coming to the ford the river was deeper than usual and crossing we had to urge them on.Over the other side it was muddy but passable and we met another horse rider whose horse refused to cross the river,we sympathized and carried on only to find the path flooded and the roar of the river shut out all conversations.Butch and Misty refused to cross either crossings so we too had turn back and go up the far steep path losing half an hour of ride.We headed to the old mans path but turned as time now was short.We had a few muddy canters the mud flying up and hitting us.On the way back we just missed the wardens van speeding up the lane.Back at stables we untacked quickly as we had to get back by 1.

the snow has gone

Today we arrived in fog but we did not mind after a month of snow this was heaven.I could not have Misty because she had lost a shoe and since the snow the farrier had not arrived so Fiona was my steed for the day.I was a bit dubious since last time she tried to buck me

0ff.We did meet a few riders,walkers and cyclists but they bothered us not or rather the horses ignored them thankfully,we had a few good canters but we could not go on top because of the fog.On the return we cantered through the treasure trail,me getting a face full of mud from butch but it was fun and good to be riding.How ever we met the logging lorry full on and we thought trouble was a head.The lorry stopped and pulled over and we passed with out abit of trouble.

Back at the stables we rugged them up and fed them carrots.

Snow bound

The last month has been a disaster for going for a hack.The snow conditions were dangerous and we could not get to ride.We did go for a hack when it was not to bad but we had to walk Butch and trigger all the way round except for two short canters.They were very good and did not play up and were very sure footed.We were well wrapped up with at least 5 layers on top.We only encountered a sullen cyclist who must of been mad to cycle on ice. When we got back it was a fight to get the rugs on inside out and back to front .I hope it does not go on for much longer as it is nearly a month now.

Jennifer Marchant Horse Riding Diary

warnings of gales and rain did not put us off riding to day .misty weather greet us at the yard and we wonder if it is wise.M fidgets as I get on her and I turn in tight circles as try to fix my stirrups.P finds B has moved as she tried to get on and her leg is suspended in the air as T brings him back.The other two are in fits of laughter but their time will come.

Wind blowing and mist rain in our face we set off and track down to the valley where the wind drops and the rain disappears.Passing cottages and ruins and a fast flowing stream. We canter up towards the woods which have been cut,the loggers have now moved away to another spot leaving heave dirt tracks on some of the bridle paths.The wind picks up and we are showered with rain ,soaking us to the bottom.

we decide to go up the old man s trail ,this is not so bad now its recovering from the loggers and rain.M is finding it hard to keep up with the others as her short legs can not cover the ground they are doing with their long legs.

We had a lovely wet ride and retuning to base a good cup of tea was needed.

Jennifer Marchant Riding Diary

The warning of gales and rain did not put us off our determination to hack out what ever.We set off in misty conditions, tracking down to the stream which was flowing fast.The cottages along here are lovely with paddocks and gardens to dream of.They have old ruins in some of them what they are I am not sure.

We canter up the slip path to the main bridle path ,here you can tell it is near the top as it is getting windier .We pass a couple of horse riders mad as us out in this storm. We head up old mans trail which we have not been on for ages as the path was dug up and messed by the loggers about a year ago.The game keeper is not about so were o.k. .The path is boggy and after a short canter we travel back towards the treasure trail.I get left behind sometimes because M is only short and the others are far head.We catch up and canter towards the treasure trail.


This is back in use as this was really torn up by the loggers.P had a fall here when she or rather B trip over a root exposed by the trailers.The wind picked up as we approached the stables and as we dismounted with soggy bottoms we were relived to see a patch of blue

Sheep fields

The sheep fields are where we headed for today,through the woods to reach the gate we are to go through to get to that canter.we will only have a little time to before winter will stop us getting to the fields.

The gate has a new handle to help us open this difficult gate(the wall is to near the opening).We canter across avoiding the sheep who refuse to move.The canter across three fields is wonderful and on return walk there are views over to red hill,weston and Bristol.We see no one today ,so closing gates is our duty.

On return hack back we to the dips,this rather hairy in terms of turning your stomach especially when cantering at speed and doing a turn to the left,leaves you breathless but happy.We turn down the dusty track towards home and perhaps a coffee at the cafe .