First Ride Eve

Tis' the day before lift off! Finally got ride information through, am i alone in thinking that 3 days before the ride is leaving it a little late? This afternoon will be used for fuelling up the lorry, packing water etc into the box, grooming Merlin to within an inch of his life, sorting tack and cleaning it, working out what i am going to wear (God knows....) and getting a weather forecast so that i can pack rugs etc if i need to. My friend Mairi-Claire is coming in the box with me and together we are meeting PH at the venue, they are to be my 'crew.' Exciting stuff!!

GB is having a lovely day with Granny tomorrow, he has been most laid back about my return to work this week, at home with daddy and getting to know his new nanny and her little boy; they are going to get into so much mischief together! GB is in great hands tomorrow so no need to worry (though i still will, of course).

Did a dry run with the box last weekend, loaded Merl up and took him out for a spin to get him used to it, and more importantly perhaps, me used to driving the box with precious cargo in it! We did ok....i think my max speed was 18mph, so may take a long time to get to the venue tomorrow.....i have allowed 2 hours for a 50 minute trip! Watch this space.........

Nerves....and dodgy weather

Our first event is next weekend in the New Forset and i think that we are about as ready as we can be, bearing in the mind that the weather has stopped play a little over the last week. Merlin lives on a windy hillside in Wiltshire and the temperature is always a couple of degrees colder there with added windchill factor, plus seems to hang onto snow and ice a little longer! We got out for a fun, if bracing hack on Saturday and did lots of working trot uphill which Merlin coped with wonderfuly. Lats nights schooling session was dreamlike - since having his back and withers worked on he seems so much more comfortable, his tail is loose and swinging and he is searching down for the bit again, am so pleased!

A little worried with Endurance Mid-South's admin, still no ride information sent out despite it being next week, have no idea where to go or when i start and doubt i am the only one in this position. Hopefully something will arrive in the post today, it has put me off wanting to compete in the series this year, need to know where we stand. In contrast, i have entered us in the Wessex Jubilee Trail ride in Dorset for next month and was immediately given ride confirmation! Hmmmmm.....