Polesden Lacey Endurance 21k Foundation Novice 11th May 2025 

By Sara Grain

Before
Carla’s horse Arnie refused to load so that put paid to any team challenge. It also left Corinne arriving a little later than planned but all was well.
Farrier and vetting (heart rate 44) done for Tango and me, so we moved on to get ready to start.
During
Started at 9:46am. Routes were poorly marked (or blown away) to start so navigating unknown territory was really tricky – especially after I lost my map! There was a lot of very flinty/stoney downhill tracks plus low hanging branches, so we had to walk more than I would have liked but Tango was keen to trot at any opportunity – I really think he does love these rides. Mind you, there were many other people using these tracks and bridleways and Tango said the scariest were ALL THOSE CHILDREN with HUGE BACKPACKS. We had to ask them to stop and move away from the track, otherwise there’d be no way we would get round them!!
Luckily, we soon caught up with the rider ahead of us so we could share the navigation and enjoy a beautiful ride in the stunning countryside together. We were both happy to trundle along together (even though Vienna and Bernice were supposed to be doing the pleasure ride). When she tried to slow down Vienna was having none of it and made a beeline for Tango.
The gates had been left open on purpose by the National Trust but clever conscientious walkers had decided to close them!! Tango is ACE at gates luckily – so we helped Vienna through as much as we could.
Having said that – the route was pretty amazing – through trees and woods mostly and glimpses of gorgeous landscapes when we had the opportunity to take it in.
We had two amazing crew (Naomi and Trudy) who travelled to help us and drove to the second and final check point. This made us all very happy. Plenty of water to throw on the horses and nice to hear a bit about what else was going on – to hear Corinne had started well and on time was good to know. At this point we were only 30 minutes from home so kicked on as much as we dare and had a good run home. Both ponies still keen to canter as much as they could and happy to be back at the lorry in pretty good time considering the terrain.
Everyone was so friendly, walkers, cyclists, motor bikers – we met them all. Always an opportunity to ask if they’d seen any horses and to check we were on the right road.
Finished at 12:12pm

After
30 minutes to cool down and give Tango a lovely bath, drink and a home-made stud muffin! He was as cool as a cucumber, had a HUGE wee and we headed off to be vetted again. Heart rate to finish was 48 so very happy with that.
Corinne arrived soon after, in very good time and then went off for her final vetting.
Everyone agreed it was a super ride but less stones would have been preferable. We trundled off to replace our numbers and pick up our score sheets. An unexpected treat was a glass of Pimm’s for all riders! Happy Days!
Still waiting for the results but all-in-all a great day out. I think many of the Meon members would love this activity. There’s zero pressure to perform and the horses love it. I’m doing it to improve Tango’s stamina for cross country and it’s helping. As well as the camaraderie between team members, everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. Why don’t you sign up and join us?