Wednesday 28 March 2012

Saddle bags

Saddle bags ordered! I've got front saddle bags and back saddle bags in brown- can't wait to receive them and to try them out!
I ordered my panniers from the gals at Long Rider's Gear, it is an American site and they have been very helpful and friendly http://www.longridersgear.com/
Katrina Littlechild

Change of Plans

I have recently had a massive change of plans as I am no longer taking two horses and riding and leading, but now only taking Cognac, my 22 year old thoroughbred. Harry's owners have recently had a change of situation that mean they need to sell him ( anyone interested can get in contact and I can pass on contact details). This mean that I no longer have a back up horse and also will have to carry less equipment. I feel it would be unfair of me to expect Cognac to carry a tent so this makes finding accommodation more difficult.

On the accommodation front I have booked a whole weeks accommodation now, which I will update on my dates page. I am now looking at my route down the Great Glen Way.

Now that I am doing longer rides with Cognac I took a trip to my feed merchants, H.M Scarterfields to have a chat with them about suitable horse feed for my ride. I am planning on bagging the feed up before hand and then posting it to my accommodation stops, as it would be impossible for me to carry six weeks worth of horse feed with me.

I have also been looking at saddlebags and hope to purchase some tonight, which I with have a play with and decide if I need more carrying space before maybe buying another set for in front of the saddle.

Longest ride this year...


...and such a nice sunny day for it, 22 miles in total. Cognac coped really well, although he did sweat quite a bit as it was a very hot day and he still has his winter coat. Another long ride planned tomorrow with Sue and Rosie.

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Devon trip- day one

We had a look at the map last night and decided to cycle down to the horse bridge on the Cornwall/ Devon border, which is the start of the kernow horse trail. The horsebridge is about 4 miles from where we are staying, but it was rather hilly! Cycling down, we had dartmoor looming behind us and the sea sparkling in front. The horse bridge was on a mic quiet road and a plaque on it said that it was built in 1487! Obviously made of strong stuff- just like the strong stone walls that surround the local fields. I had a photo taken with my dog in the bridge before turning back and cycling backwards along my planned route to check out the roads, main road and river crossings, how busy any villages we had to pass through were and whether there were any more suitable routes to take.

Katrina Littlechild

Sunday 4 March 2012

First two nights accommodation booked!

I have now booked my first two nights accommodation and am currently looking for my third night.
Night one will be at Bencorragh B&B, Upper Gills, Canisbay, three miles west of  John O'Groats. The B&B is a working croft farm owned by Ron and Sandy Barton, My two horses will be dropped off there by Eric Gillie horse transport on thursday eve and they will go out in a field to chill out relax after their long journey. On friday morning, after breakfast provided by Ron and Sandy, we will set out for John O' Groats and photos before heading back west to Thurso where I will be staying with Ron and Sandy's friends Raymond and Carol Taylor at Pennyland House B&B.


Cognac on the common

Welcome to my world...

South harting

Harry on a sunny morning on the sdw