West Ilsley 4th Feb 2007

More Pictures

It was a glorious day and the blazing sun brought the frost swiftly out of the ground. Thirty three riders assembled at the meet in the centre of West Ilsey, hosted by the Carlisle family in their lovely farm yard and lots of people were there to watch. Angela Ryan and Ross Duckworth handed drinks round to all those gathered. There was a long hack between lines, therefore a long potential trek for our runner, Tim, but he is old enough and wise enough to sort this problem using bicycle and car! He still got caught at the end!

There were several children out, including 3 small woolly white ponies, who managed to keep up all day. The first line started over some lovely new jumps next to Mick Shannon's gallops before swinging into the dairy and sheep fields of the Carlisle's. The second line went for miles over the top of the downs with lots to jump and on perfect ground - spectacular views as well. The third line started through some woods, before going on a 2.5 mile gallop all around Richard Gore's farm. A lovely day was had by all and finished with many repairing to the nearby pub. Robin, meantime was caught on camera in a moment of contemplative, total trust with his horse, Bones.