Wednesday 11 March 2009

Horse Event at Beau Regard

Sunday 1st March saw the 2nd horse event day at Beau Regard ( our neighbours!)
Back in the autumn Jackie and her boys created a 17-jump fun course for horses and their riders , covering a distance of approx 3km. The first attempt at having an open day-- at the end of November, was not successful due to a 'tempete' the night before the event. Helpers rolled up to man the jumps and stalls--- but sadly, only 1 horse and rider turned up! It was decided to abandon all until spring.
Consequently, it was with great relief to find the sun shining and the ground drying out during the last week of February.
I was in charge of 'Mrs. T's teas'-- mainly because Mrs T had only just come out of hospital after having a hip operation. The caravan was parked in the middle of the paddock, just above the start of the course. My end of the caravan served drinks and biscuits, while Jackie and Sonia sorted out registration forms for prospective riders from the window at the other end. The fish & chip van was parked next door to us!
The day was cool and grey-- the going was 'good'.
Horse boxes started arriving at 9.00 am. French and English locals arrived to see what was going on.
The tea-shop and the chippy did a roaring trade-- and the feed-back from the riders was brilliant.
'Any complaints, or ideas for course-improvements?' Jackie asked an enthusiastic rider---- 'No--it's super, but how about a water-jump?' was the reply.
As I write this I can see Aaron wizzing back & forth on his quad. The water-jump is being prepared for the next event day --which is Sunday 5th April!
(Photos to follow when 'blogger' wants to co-operate!)