The Cotswold Ride by Jan Kenyon

Good rides stay in my mind for a long time (hopefully forever) and it was a Cotswold ride I kept in my mind for the painstaking months I was not allowed to ride following a hip operation. Now back in the saddle and with that feeling 'I must just do that ride again' I rang my friend Sue Hillier who didn't need any persuading 'great' we were away all safely loaded - that is Abe my skewbald gelding and Basil, Sue's chestnut cob.

Abe and I have done many miles together and have had some amazing rides over the last 14yrs. Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Shropshire. Today we were heading for one of my favorites. I had read a book once about a couple back in the 40s who worked the River Windrush and ever since reading the book I have tried to retrace their steps either walking or riding. It really is a beautiful river, so with Sue nursing a bad back which she said she did in bed!! me with yet another problem, a painful Syatica nerve, we dosed ourselves with painkillers and enjoyed over 4hrs of stunning rolling Cotswold scenery.

Everywhere is lush in May, wheatfields, a deep sea of green barley just on the turn giving a lighter shade, patch worked by the odd field of buttercup yellow oilseed rape. Yes we did have a few problem gates which were made even more difficult because both Sue & I struggle to get back unless there is a good bank or fence to climb on. In Turkdene one of the idylic villages we rode through we were lucky enough to find a bench to clamber on and up into the saddle, this was after one of our short walks to stretch our aching muscles. Oh to be young and fit again!! I remember the days I could vault onto a 16hh racehorse without a problem

Leaving the Windrush with its gentle meanders and steep woodside views we headed for Cold Aston a quiet sleepy village in fact we wondered where all the people were, so few cars as well. Back on the

by-way we stopped off for lunch, sandwiches do get a bit squashed stuffed into pockets but boy do they taste good . The horses always enjoy a well earned bite of grass as well. Abe looks forward to a stop or two or either a pause to admire the views and I spoil him and let him graze. Its all part of us both enjoying the day.

Our track led us from village to village which makes the route easier to follow, only one patch had not been reinstated which is unusual in the Cotswolds. We were spoilt for choice which bridlepath to choose, we could have gone on for miles and miles with very little roadwork but trying to be sensible we carried on our circut back to Notgrove where we met our only 2nd rider of the day.

It makes me wonder why we hardly see anyone riding, there are plenty of horses turned out in the fields but not many riders out and with all that beautiful countryside I do wonder why.

Each ride brings back memories of previous rides as well as making new ones to remember, I showed Sue a barn I had sheltered in one day being caught in a heavy thunder storm. As we were riding and chatting away it is always good to take in the wildlife and birds I see. To-days treat was a Wheatear, these pretty little birds which winter in Africa choose to nest in the stone walls which are in various states of decay on the hills. As we headed back towards our parking place crossing the Windrush again we let the horses have a a drink and I got off for another leg stretch. Sue went on ahead and as she turned the bend she shouted back over her shoulder 'your lorry's still there'. I breathed a sigh of releif because you never know!

Horses loaded and heading for home we both agreed our day out was certainly another ride to remember, Sue's such a good laugh as well!