2 Oct 2006 - Beamsley Holiday 2006
Monday. We all arrived at Acrecliffe; there were 14 of us. We sat down for our lunch eagerly awaiting our first ride. We didn't have to wait long; the list was read out and I felt like cheering as I found out I'd got Crispin. We had been divided into three groups; I was in group one and our instructor was Anne.In the menage we all walked our horses round. Anne helped us alter our positions as we worked through walk and trot. It was great fun and we worked hard. But all too soon our first ride was over and we all made our way to Beamsley.
Beamsley is a great place. Our rooms had been allocated and I was sharing with Elaine. We all unpacked and got ready for tea. As usual, the food was great; and afterwards we met upstairs for the evening's entertainment, passing pictures round and introducing ourselves to the group.
Tuesday came, and we went to the donkey sanctuary, I love the donkeys with their big floppy ears. I wanted to bring one home but Andrew said no so we will try to adopt one instead. Next we went to Sicklinghall for a pony trek through the fields. Chloe, a grey, was great; her trot was easy to rise to. On the way back we saw Elaine waiting for us. It was great to see her. We have missed her and all hope she gets well soon. Next we had a talk from a lady who does reiki on horses. Crispin was used in the demonstration and you could tell he loved the attention.
Wednesday arrived and we rode twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I rode Crispin again. Between lessons we did tack cleaning and some stable management. I always like this part of the holiday because, we all sit together and we get the chance to get to know each other. However, I am always sad, too, because by then the holiday is almost over. On Wednesday night I helped some of the other riders learn their dressage tests for the competition on Friday morning. This is great because I get the chance to give back some of what riding has given me, and fun was had by all.
Thursday meant Kilnsey trekking centre. I got to ride a horse called Shona, a highland pony. She was very willing and wanted to please. As we rode on the hills I found my eyes wandering to the wonderful countryside and the rabbits and sheep, Soon, we began to trot and I forgot all about the rabbits but the beautiful countryside will always stay with me.
From the trekking centre we made our way to the horse health farm, I love it here. We watched a chestnut horse swimming; then it was race time. The four ponies were led out and we chose the pony we wanted to cheer for. I chose Jigsaw, and she tried really hard but only managed third place. Well tried, Jigsaw!
All too soon we had to leave and go back to the stables where Mick was waiting to give a talk on the logistics of transporting a horse to shows. Wow is there a lot to do! All I can say is thank you Mick for everything you do for us.
Friday came. Competition day. I was so proud of the people I?d helped to coach; they all worked hard and did well. Prize-giving came and we all received our rosettes. This was the time I both loved to see and hated at the same time because now the holiday was over and we would have to part company and go home. It always makes me sad. See you all next year. Thank you, Judy, for organising it. A big thank you to everyone at the various places we visited and to the helpers.
Tuesday came, and we went to the donkey sanctuary, I love the donkeys with their big floppy ears. I wanted to bring one home but Andrew said no so we will try to adopt one instead. Next we went to Sicklinghall for a pony trek through the fields. Chloe, a grey, was great; her trot was easy to rise to. On the way back we saw Elaine waiting for us. It was great to see her. We have missed her and all hope she gets well soon. Next we had a talk from a lady who does reiki on horses. Crispin was used in the demonstration and you could tell he loved the attention.
Wednesday arrived and we rode twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I rode Crispin again. Between lessons we did tack cleaning and some stable management. I always like this part of the holiday because, we all sit together and we get the chance to get to know each other. However, I am always sad, too, because by then the holiday is almost over. On Wednesday night I helped some of the other riders learn their dressage tests for the competition on Friday morning. This is great because I get the chance to give back some of what riding has given me, and fun was had by all.
Thursday meant Kilnsey trekking centre. I got to ride a horse called Shona, a highland pony. She was very willing and wanted to please. As we rode on the hills I found my eyes wandering to the wonderful countryside and the rabbits and sheep, Soon, we began to trot and I forgot all about the rabbits but the beautiful countryside will always stay with me.
From the trekking centre we made our way to the horse health farm, I love it here. We watched a chestnut horse swimming; then it was race time. The four ponies were led out and we chose the pony we wanted to cheer for. I chose Jigsaw, and she tried really hard but only managed third place. Well tried, Jigsaw!
All too soon we had to leave and go back to the stables where Mick was waiting to give a talk on the logistics of transporting a horse to shows. Wow is there a lot to do! All I can say is thank you Mick for everything you do for us.
Friday came. Competition day. I was so proud of the people I?d helped to coach; they all worked hard and did well. Prize-giving came and we all received our rosettes. This was the time I both loved to see and hated at the same time because now the holiday was over and we would have to part company and go home. It always makes me sad. See you all next year. Thank you, Judy, for organising it. A big thank you to everyone at the various places we visited and to the helpers.