Written By Liz Hockey
Anthony and I have always found it a leisurely and chilled affair driving out with members from the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the BDS whatever the weather or circumstance and I am pleased to say today was no different. On arrival the weather was warm and muggy, threatening showers, we had tea and coffee whilst sorting ourselves out and getting ready for the off.
Bobs first time being in front he set off a bit sharp (which can be normal for him) but the unfamiliar sound of clip clop all behind him and nothing in front, poor Bob had a bit of a panic moment not sure if we were on a leisurely drive or a full blown trotting race down the High Street. Rounding the corner we had to pull over and Dawn Moore with Empress and Lottie took over and Bob slotted in behind followed by Alice Lockett driving Robbie and then Jane Stretton with Echo and normality was restored.
We headed out of the village and towards Eyebrook Reservoir the roads were quiet for a Sunday so we had plenty of time to enjoy the views. We rounded the bottom end of the Reservoir and headed towards the car park where we stopped for a drink and biscuit, the rain started to spot so a good opportunity to put on wet weather gear. Setting off again back the way we came but this time at the end of the road turning right away from the reservoir along a single track road again being very lucky meeting only a couple of cars to the busier B road, a nice trot for about a mile along this road before turning back towards Great Easton, the spots of rain that arrived earlier had now gone and as we had climbed higher we had some really good views which took in the reservoir as a whole. Heading back towards the village Dawn very kindly let us try Bob in front again as he was tired and settled he behaved very well. Great Easton is a very pretty village and has plenty of homes and gardens that would not look out of place on a chocolate box.
The rain had gone and the sun had come out. With the Horses and Ponies now safely back and washed down and everything put away it was time to eat the feast that everyone had contributed towards. Overall it was a very relaxed and enjoyable day.
I must say thank you to Nigel for hosting us, and thank you to everyone for coming. I am sorry we didn’t get to do the drive we wanted to do, but the one we did get to do is one of our favourites. We are already thinking about where we can go next time.
A big thank you to Jane and Linda for all the help and support you have given us over the last 12 months from the early days where we had never even been out in company to giving us the confidence to organise this event.
Anthony and I have always found it a leisurely and chilled affair driving out with members from the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the BDS whatever the weather or circumstance and I am pleased to say today was no different. On arrival the weather was warm and muggy, threatening showers, we had tea and coffee whilst sorting ourselves out and getting ready for the off.
Bobs first time being in front he set off a bit sharp (which can be normal for him) but the unfamiliar sound of clip clop all behind him and nothing in front, poor Bob had a bit of a panic moment not sure if we were on a leisurely drive or a full blown trotting race down the High Street. Rounding the corner we had to pull over and Dawn Moore with Empress and Lottie took over and Bob slotted in behind followed by Alice Lockett driving Robbie and then Jane Stretton with Echo and normality was restored.
We headed out of the village and towards Eyebrook Reservoir the roads were quiet for a Sunday so we had plenty of time to enjoy the views. We rounded the bottom end of the Reservoir and headed towards the car park where we stopped for a drink and biscuit, the rain started to spot so a good opportunity to put on wet weather gear. Setting off again back the way we came but this time at the end of the road turning right away from the reservoir along a single track road again being very lucky meeting only a couple of cars to the busier B road, a nice trot for about a mile along this road before turning back towards Great Easton, the spots of rain that arrived earlier had now gone and as we had climbed higher we had some really good views which took in the reservoir as a whole. Heading back towards the village Dawn very kindly let us try Bob in front again as he was tired and settled he behaved very well. Great Easton is a very pretty village and has plenty of homes and gardens that would not look out of place on a chocolate box.
The rain had gone and the sun had come out. With the Horses and Ponies now safely back and washed down and everything put away it was time to eat the feast that everyone had contributed towards. Overall it was a very relaxed and enjoyable day.
I must say thank you to Nigel for hosting us, and thank you to everyone for coming. I am sorry we didn’t get to do the drive we wanted to do, but the one we did get to do is one of our favourites. We are already thinking about where we can go next time.
A big thank you to Jane and Linda for all the help and support you have given us over the last 12 months from the early days where we had never even been out in company to giving us the confidence to organise this event.