Dispatches from the front 1

Texts received:
11.26
Only just got Rash loaded, little bastard! If u want u cud come and wave us off from Melton traffic lights bout 15 mins?
14.06
Halfway round M25 w8n 4 my turn 4 bog. All Ok
17.40
Now riding ridgeway At Last!
21.36
Survived first day. Dry but sore arses all round. X
23.52
We ache n da bloody pubs r shut!
23.53
Sent sum pics o today. Landscape is Smeathes Ridge. Goin Stony, lots o g8s, sore bums, tired. Pubs all closed 930! no rain. Luv U Tess

The epitome of elegance..

Our ride was nearly over before it started today. A different set of dresses had an outing. Despite the aesthetic disadvantages of the other ones, the skirts are at least wide enough to allow sufficient movement. These ones didn't! Shell's skirt got caught in an interesting way on the back of the saddle, trapping her leg (as you can see from the pic). We spent several minutes helpless with laughter before she rectified the situation and got underway.
We did a very brief pub hack to the Sorrel Horse (thanks to the proprietors there, who sponsored us). More hilarity ensued as we attempted to dismount. At least people noticed us!
Went back via the five mile gallop, both boys very good indeed. We had to pass a pig farm, where Paddy did his usual 'to hell with this I'm going the other way' routine. Shame I needed both hands for Rash, it would have made a great photo. The bridleway to the village remains impassable, so we took liberties with the footpath (no walkers in sight).
Onwards and upwards.... Make with the sponsorship out there!

Update on lorry situation etc

At some point we might get to give the horses some proper excercise, when we can stop running round like headless chickens trying to find a lorry. We tried a few more people today, lots of helpful suggestions, but still no lorry. Desperate measures being called for we contacted local radio (BBC Radio Suffolk) and asked them to broadcast an appeal. Watch this space....
As for the excercise, a quick spin around the river was all we managed at the end of the day. It's so overgrown that we didn't want to risk anything faster than a brisk trot... a pace which Ryscheyed in particular has difficulty getting his head around. I mean, why trot when you can ponce around in canter? Paddy has started to show signs of life again, particularly when he was snorted at through the hedge by a large cow!
We are planning to do another pub crawl this Saturday, probably to the Sorrel Horse and Ramsholt Arms again, and perhaps the Alderton Swan if we think we can make it. We will be shaking tins this time, so make sure you have change handy (notes will do too of course)!