hacking

Today we went exploring but hired a local guide so we had half a chance of actually getting somewhere

So Han on Kai, me on harv and our guide M on a very nice 7yo TB called Charlie who belongs to Wes (the eventer) and is for sale.

Charlie looked quite sharp but M managed him well, Kai looked intrigued by it all again but was happy to give it a go, harv thought it was time to show everyone his ability to stop dead at every opportunity irrelevant at what pace we were going. We found quite a good technique to encourage him forward - han gave him a sharp tap with her schooling whip from behind so we could leap past whatever monster he thought was there

We had some fab canters across fields (must put gallopy tack on harv next time so we can actually go with some hope of stopping) Kai gallumped away next to us still with his slightly quizzical look and Charlie effortlessy floating along wondering what the hell was wrong with them Harv put in a few talented half pass steps in gallop which was very impressive.

I was so excited to find a road with a pedestrian and equine crossing - the buttons were high enough for horse riders (at 2 heights for big and small ones) and had a green and red horse rider man!!!! This may be normal to most people but just showed me how horsey the world is where we have moved to There was a man with a strimmer there and Charlie showed his greeness by leaping around and past the post but M was unphased and just dealt with it very calmly. We went through the back of Rugby St Cross hosp and out the back - through an estate and then onto a disused railway which is so clear and perfect for ponies. we had a good trot along there broken up nicely by harv showing his half pass in trot move everytime I relaxed. M then asked if we fancied a gallop around the set aside fields on the way back to the yard but as we had been out for over 2hrs by that point we decided was prob a bit much for my two (and me and han by this point!) She showed us them as we went past and you have to pop a log and then there is acres and acres of fields to go round. One of those fields you see and think I would love to gallop round that .... well we can!!! We then came back on to the road and I realised this was all about 1/4 mile from the yard (had lost all bearings by then) so it is entirely feasible to have a canter round them before work or in winter have a run up the railway.

Showed Han the new house and then went for lunch at the local pub.

I haven't ever had hacking like this and just can't wait to get us all fit enough to be able to enjoy it properly - I may even be brave enough soon to go out on Kaibo