The Dukeries Ride

Dukeries Ride

, a weekend of mixed weather and mixed fortunes!

Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire played host to the Dukeries ride on the weekend of 29 May. Having spent several days packing the car and the trailer for a few days away, we headed off bright an early on Friday for our trip 'up north!'. I took Ruby with me to compete on Sunday and was meeting Carol there to ride Pavot's Dreamboy on Saturday. Most of Friday was spent travelling and setting up - it is surprising how long it takes to sort out a pony, it's coral and stable, an encampment of tents and a vetgate area so it was early to bed for us ready for the 80km race ride on Saturday.

As seems the way of late, Saturday dawned grey and drizzly but perfect racing weather! Pav passed the pre ride vetting before suddenly realising just why he was there and perking up somewhat but he did just about manage to contain his enthusiasm and we started without a hiccup. During the first loop myself and one other competitor pulled clear of the rest of the field but remained together and even presented to the vet after 40km within a few seconds of each other. So after passing the vet it was massage pad, rugs and coats on for a 30 minute hold time before tacking up and getting back on course as the front runner. At this point I had a very short lead over the next rider but this was quickly lost when coming upon some missing course markers and hesitating about the way to go! So we rode the next 20km together and again presented to the vet almost at the same time. Pav was through, and trotting up with more enthusiasm than he has ever had before but it was not to be for the other rider. So after another short break we were back on course on our own for the last 20km knowing that we had a good lead over the rest of the field and a lead that was easily maintained to see us coming home 55 minutes clear and winning the class. Pav's first ER win after several good placings last year - not bad for a 14 year old boy!

Sunday

Sunday and it was Ruby's turn to have another stab at getting her 80km ride. She started super keen, perhaps too much so and completed the first 40km at about 15kph. After a successful vetting and a hold time spent stuffing as much food in to her face as she could possibly manage it was back on course for a 20km loop where I succeeded in slowing things down a little! She completed this still full of running and once again passed the vetting and had her hold time. Unfortunately as we started to tack up it was apparent she was just not quite right, so after a trip to the vets where our suspicions were confirmed she was retired. A bit of a disappointment after the previous day's success but she lives to fight another day and is back in work at home. If nothing else she has proven that she knows her job and most certainly has that all important 'catch the horse in front' attitude! Ruby will be back competing at Cirencester in a few weeks time.