Horseback Riding

I've taken on a new sport... horseback riding, English style!  I rode when I was (much) younger but I road Western.  Marco wanted to know the difference between the two.  The only way I could describe it so he could understand was that western was like driving in a SUV and English is like driving a sports car.  The setup is very different as well as the driving style.

 

After my first lesson, I was SO sore that I could hardly walk or sit!  I enjoyed it enough though that I went back!  I must have enjoyed it because it takes me an hour and three underground trains to get there!!  I leave on the first train right here in Wapping (very convenient).  It is called the Overground but most of it is primarily underground.  It goes to 9 different stops before I switch to the Victoria Line and I go to the next stop.  There, I pick up the Piccadilly Line and go to Oakwood which is the next to last stop on that line.  When I get to Oakwood, it is a short walk to Trent Park Equestrian Centre.

 

 

Here I am with Huey.  My lesson was at his lunch time so he was rather cheeky during the lesson.  He also was not happy that when we were in the outdoor ring, it started to snow and hail.  We moved indoors and he was much happier.  Huey is also used as a therapy horse.

The facility is quite nice.  Here is a little garden area where people can gather before or after lessons.

The stables are mostly brick and well maintained.  Trent Park boards up to 150 horses.  Each building has it's own tack room.  There is also a tack room for humans... boots and helmets, etc.  (I have my own boots but borrow their helmet.)

The large building to the right is a double arena.  This side is a covered jumping arena and the far side is for riding.  That is where Huey and I went to finish my lesson.  The small building to the left is a training ring.  There are also 3 large outdoor riding rings.  Hacking (trail riding) is also available around the park.

Here is another shot of the stables...

And here is Huey finally getting his lunch!!  He has what is called a blanket or winter cut.  His hair is long on his back and hind quarters and he is cut underneath and down his legs.  This is suppose to help him to stay warm in the winter but also keeps him from getting too hot when he is working.  He does wear a blanket and a rain blanket on top when needed. 

It's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to some warmer weather and more lessons!!

 

Hope ya'll enjoyed!!