I’ve never understood when people talk about horse riding as a sport before - until this week. It turns out you don’t just sit there while the horse does all the work! I’ve spent this last week on the Isle of Wight, learning about horses (husbandry as well as riding).
Jack and Mushroom
I got to meet a blacksmith and watch him working with the horses for a day. He explained some of the common problems that he has to deal with, and what he does when he encounters them. I was surprised how vast his knowledge had to be, of everything relating to horses, in order to treat problems with their hooves.
Having had almost no experience with horses I was surprised at how quickly my confidence grew in the week. By the last day I could tack up a horse and ride confidently (even bareback), although my legs paid the price, by understanding all too well that horse riding really is a sport.
Me and Fairy
In between this, I spent most of my time in Cowes as it was Cowes Week – a major event in the sailing calendar – and the last two night of the week I camped with my family on a campsite near the beach to see the air displays and fireworks signalling the end of the week.
