A Canter on the Beach



Me riding Monty



Haven't been blogging much for a variety of reasons.  Few things going on at home which included once again the breakdown of my computer and I managed very little horse riding this year disappointingly.  Have been feeling a bit down recently and so the weekend before last, I decided that it was time I went riding again as it always lifts my spirits and I feel much better physically and emotionally.  I decided to try a different trekking centre that I have been meaning to try for the last year.  Various reasons why I haven't, not least a feeling of loyalty to Trevelog where I love riding and have made lots of friends.  However, I decided time for a change and decided to try out the trekking at Ogmore on Sea in South Wales. It is very different scenary from the mountains where I normally ride but it was fantastic for a change.  I was a little bit nervous trying somewhere new, where they didn't know me or my riding abilities but I had a lovely time.



The view from the top of the dunes.

They offer two hour treks to the beach or one hour treks in the countryside so I opted for the trek along the beach.  It was a beautiful route with no road work at all.  We set off across the river and then followed the river down to the beach, where there is a large open sandy bay - cue time for a canter across the bay.  I couldnt believe how different it felt riding on sand but it was a lovely experience.  As instructed, I had been given a nice slow horse coloured gelding by the name of Monty.  Unlike my previous experiences of cantering on a trek where everyone stayed strictly in line one behind the other, the horses lined up in a row across the beach next to the sea and then we just took off across the bay.  I did get a good canter along with some fast trotting which suited me fine.  I managed to nearly lose my reins but recovered myself just in time to avoid any major problems.  It was very exhiliarating and I thoroughly enjoyed.  On the way home, we went up onto the sand dunes along a path, with the opportunity for another canter.  When I asked for a slow horse though, they definitely took me at my word.  No amounting of kicking or tapping him with the crop could get him out of a fast trot and into a canter.  As the rider in front increased the gap and went out of sight around a corner, I was convinced this would be his cue to canter as I have so often found on a trek before but still no joy.  That said,  I was not too disappointed as this was the first canter I had had since I fell off in November and was still a little nervous.

 At the end of the ride, I was a little achy but amazed to find myself still aching after four days.  Trekking at Trevelog starts back next weekend but I have unfortunately got no childcare so won't be joining them til the following weekend where I am planning to do two full day treks.  I guess I better plan on an easy week the following week as I will be walking like John Wayne if last time was anything to go by.