We reached out to our members to find out how they got started in endurance riding and to share their stories to inspire others to give it a go.
Member, Gaynor got in touch with her story:
In 2005 following an unfortunate accident I was looking for another horse. A friend told me about an Arab for loan and I replied in an astounded way "I don't do stupid Arabs" ! How wrong was I proven to be.
His stable name is Sparkie and he is 14.2hh with plenty of bone and moves beautifully. However he WAS VERY spooky. Having contemplated sending him back I was put in touch with an amazing lady whose training of horses followed the classical route. She told me that she could help with my horse but I needed to go and do the Alexander Technique. Also after a few sessions she suggested that he needed some fun as he had been put in a straight jacket - imagine putting an Arab in draw reins!! Pleasure rides were suggested and not knowing any better the first one I went on was organised by the Thurlow Hunt.
What an eye opener. Having survived it any other ride was going to be a piece of cake ! Sparkie though was brilliant and loved it. He was 13 years old when I first had him and is now 27yrs and looking great. Also having spent time and patience retraining him and following the passive leadership route he is a completely different character and a joy to ride.
Whereby he had to be nannied he now nannies the youngsters. From a horse who had to be sedated to be clipped he now stands on the yard not even tied up and his terror of aerosol sprays has gone.
I love the freedom of the rides as we can go on routes not normally available to us in glorious countryside, take in the marvellous scenery and wildlife and spend a few hours being at one with your horse.
What a wonderful turn around for Sparkie!