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In 2006 Chestnut Tree House the only chrildren's hospice in Sussex organised a sponsored ride.So inspired by the work that is done at the house for chrildren and young adults with life limiting illnesses ,Richard and I decided to organise a Western Style horse ride across the South Downs.

The ride will be on 28th August till 31st August 2009.

We will be starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Havant to Stanmer Park Brighton,Stopping off at B and B's along the way at Graffham,Findon and Ditchling.

In April we will be starting to get the horses fit after a long winters rest.          

The horse that Richard will be riding is called Mocha a 16.1hh Appaloosa gelding and I will be riding Tonto,a 16hh Appaloosa gelding that was a stallion until March.He has two foals due in July.

We are very excited about the ride and will keep you updated about the horses from now right up to the end.So watch this space.

16.3.09 - Booked  the B and B's today,they all sound very nice.Our first stop will be about  20 miles  from Queen Elizabeth Park.We will definitely have a break somewhere just before Cocking near Midhurst.

                                                               
Tonto is recovering from his male op,he is looking very well.Mocha also looks well.So April 5th they will be starting their fitness programme.

17.5.09.- Mocha ridden by Hannah  Parker  (who is 14) of the Crawley and Horsham South Pony Club came 2nd at a Hunter Trial (cross country with 28 jumps) at Arundel Castle at the weekend.They came a delighted 2nd in their class.After nearly 5 years of non competing Mocha sailed round as if he had never retired. .Actually it was me who retired,so to have Hannah willing to compete on Mocha is wonderful as he loved his cross country so much,proving this at the weekend.Congratulations to them both.

13.6.09. Mocha and Richard went to a Western Clinic (training) and competition day at Manor Farm near Arundel.It was a lovely fun day enjoyed by all.They came 4th in the barrel racing and tied 4th in the bending race.As they galloped to the finishing post instead of Mocha slamming his breaks on he turned sharp left,and guess where Richard went ?.He for some reason went right.Richard very fortunately landed on his feet to a round of appulase.The reason was soon to be known,his saddle had slipped,someone had forgotten to do the girth up tight. I disappeared very quickly.!!

3.7.09. Tonto is a dad.! La Luna had a bay filly with three socks a blaze and snow flakes on her bottom.Both mum and filly are very well.Haven't got a name for her yet. Any suggestions?

14.7.09. Tonto is a dad again ! Bay blanket spot appaloosa filly with a blaze.Mum Josepha and filly are very well.

Both mum's are ex polo ponies. It is so lovely to see these once hard working Argentinian ponies at rest and contented.Watching their characters develop when away from the sport is the best part for me,allowing them to be totally themselves.Love it.

 

19.7.09. Richard and Hanna took Tonto and Mocha to Manor Farm for the trail ride and competition.Tonto hasn't been out with a big group before so it was good experience for him.They both had a lovely ride.In the afternoon Hanna and Mocha joined the others for the fun competitions.They came first in the barrel racing and first in the bending. It was Hanna's first go at Western riding,her instructions were" hang on and go for it." Good fun was had by all.Tight girths this time!

21.7.09. Tonto wasn't himself today,seemed very flat and dull.His temperature was very high.The vet was called and he was treated for a infection after bloods were taken.He responded very well was back to his normal self after a week.

26.7.09. Mocha went on the 8 mile Knepp Castle Pleasure Ride by himself,Tonto was meant to go as well but was recovering.The weather was very kind and the sun was shining.The grounds of Knepp Castle are beautiful,with the Exmoor ponies, wild deer,wild boar and highland cattle coupled with the lake, polo pitches and of course The Castle.It was just stunning.Thoroughly enjoyed.

 

28th August.

All packed and ready to go.07.30hrs, or so we thought.Gem ,one of the three dogs that were joining us had very weepy eyes.We presumed as usual this time of year due to the harvest and running through the corn etc she had got conguntivitis.We called the vet who wanted to see the dog before any treatment was prescribed.

Take two !, 09.00hrs all packed and ready to go.Where's Jack,the other dog ( who wasn't our dog but was coming along for the week end.) After the search and then having to find a DS that Adam ( my 11 yr old son ) insisted on taking,we finally loaded the horses.

Take three!, 09.30hrs all packed and ready to go we left Findon. Three dogs two horses Richard Adam Myself and Mick,our driver for the weekend,and enough sleeping bags blow up matteresses duvets and pillows anybody thought we were going to the Artic it also left no room to look out of the windows !

We arrived at Queen Elizabeth Park safe and sound and all piled out to stretch our limbs after travelling like a tin of sardins for one and a half hours.

The horses were fine so after a short break we tacked up and began our rideThe first fifteen minutes of the ride was a very steep hill on to the South Downs Way track.It competly took our breath away.When reaching the top the heavens opened,drowned rats was an understatment,but after a while the sun shone the rest of the way

 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now! Greatful Thanks.Kerry and Richard.Mocha and Tonto.