Keeping tradition alive

[FRED]

So I have done my 1st event, taking part in the historic Lichfield Sherrifs ride:)
70 horses in total took part,I rode Sophiexx who was looking her best with lots of help from me,I can't remember how many hours I spent washing,washing tail, grooming and all that, she looked great and knew we were going to do something different.
She was a star, don't ever believe cobs are slow, unwilling or any of that nonsense stuff that gets put about;) .Its shure interesting with so many horses out, being ridden together, their behaviour was fantastic.The canters were very quick, trotting on Sophie is fabulous, some gallops too.In all we covered a twenty mile route around the city boundry through feilds and along roads,with good breaks for a rest..
I was nervous to start with, having never ridden in so much horse company,but I think I will be doing it again next year,a few photos for friends...

[FRED]

The ride is now 451 years old, never has a year been missed:)
one more photo before the horses set off for the final stage,a canter around a marked corse,

[Yann]

Fantastic!:) Bet you and the lovely Sophie both had a whale of a time, I can remember you telling me about the chaos on it a couple of years ago, I assume there wasn't so much this time:D

I agree, Cobs ain't slow, mine thinks she's a sawn off pumped up racehorse at times!

[laura jeanne]

You two look great and it looks like you had an absolutely gorgeous day! She is so pretty!

[FRED]

:cool: thats Sophiexx.
I have read, in years long gone by that over 180 horses took part.Now the numbers are a lot less,with a max of 120 allowed.
Only one horse gave us all a scare, he bucked and it was a miracle the lady ridding him stayed on.His 1st buck was at the start and his 2nd buck was like a rodeo buck, very scary it was, just watching, you feel so helpless to do anything,the rider withdrew at the half way stage, talk about courage or madness.
To be honest {jim}calmed down a lot when he met Tosh.
Tosh is a guide horse and I don't know how he managed to calm Jim down, but he did, talk about a quiet and firm nature.We all gave Jim a 20 yard gap while he followed Tosh,I guess this helped too.
At the dinner break Jim didn't want to leave Tosh the guide horse,you had to smile:D .I sensed his owner was dissapointed at this, but horses are horses.
A few riders had difficulty slowing down from the fast canters,at one point Im sure 30 horses overtook me, they were supposed to slow/stop because the field dropped dramaticaly,these riders seem to aim for a hedge to slow down, its odd to see this for the 1st time, but they did stop thankgoodness!!
About 5 years ago I watched the start, the marshalls orderd one rider to dissmount and walk back to their lorry,the horse thought it was the Grand National.Sometimes when you see horse behave like this,I do wonder what the owner has been feeding their 'usually';) quiet horse.
I enjoyed every moment, although its quiet a experience.
Sophie loved the change too,and the carrotts when back safely at the yard;) its a long day.
I forgot to mention,when we trotted back into the City,the noise from the horses was incredible.This made me think about what it must have been like, years long gone by,what a noise it was.

[ali cat]

lookin good fred---glad you and soph had such a good day:)

[kedwards]

You two look fabulous! It sounds like a great ride and a wonderful experience. I guess you are now a part of history.

[Miriam]

Glad you had a good and I bet you cant wait till next year

[kelsmells]

It sounds lovely Fred.Sophiexx looks gorgeous.It sounds like real fun,trotting down the road with all the horses hooves clopping:)
I would love to do something like that here in Surrey,but i don't think there are any parades of the like here.Even if their were i can't see Fluella keeping calm(she's a TB);) and has a mind of her own no matter how controlling you are!:D
Sounds like you had real fun.

[floppy]

very nice photos fred! glad you enjoyed yourself!!

[FRED]

Thanks everyone, Im looking forward to next years because I should have less of the nerves,more so at the start,I will stick with the cobs;) Sophie with luck.I have known her now for 4 years.
I forgot to mention,I made a big effert to loose weight too, for the Sherrif's ride {over a stone}by cycling 50 miles a week and its staying off.
Thanks Flossie, my friends never beleived I would dress right let alone do it.
Another photo,welcome back to the City, good luck to those who attend these events.