Pub Ride

Cognac and I rode to Upwaltham Barns for the NGS open garden days that they had at the weekend. On the way over we stopped at a few pubs, The Keepers Arms in Trotton, The Hamilton Arms in Stedham and The Half Moon in Midhurst. We had a good chat with the landlady at the Keepers Arms, who thought Cognac was beautiful and is planning to put up tie rings outside the pub for horses. We also got a good contact from Rachel Helmore, who recommended I get hold of Robin and Louella Hanbury Tension, who own three holiday cottages near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall (www.cabilla.co.uk) and are two of the founders of the long riders guild and who have under-taken many long- distance expeditions and also written books about their travels. At the Hamilton Arms we met a very friendly cat, who scared me by walking straight underneath Cognac's legs and rubbing his head on the back of one of his front legs! Luckily cognac stood stock still while we ushered the cat out from between his legs! We will be back over to the Hamilton Arms on the 16th June, when Cognac and I are leading a 10 mile social ride around Stedham and Iping Commons ( email katlittle@aol.com to book a place). Finally we headed over to the Half Moon in Midhurst, when we had a very warm welcome from the staff and all the customers, with Cognac receiving carrots, a bucket of water and lots of attention! We were offered lots of helpful advice from the locals, regarding promoting the ride and local companies to contact for sponsorship and we also received donations for the ride. Thank- you to everyone!!