Just wanted to report that Raf suffered no more mysterious stiffness episodes and went ahead and ran in the Derby. We got 5th (an exciting battle for 5th place right at the end) which I was very happy with. Raf was so plucky and brave, but sensible too, slowing down for the road crossings and the difficult ground. I am beyond proud of my little Arab horse
Fantastic, you have every right to be very proud. I met you both at the NRC during your training and Raf is beautiful and so well behaved. A credit to the Arabian breed. Well done for flying the Arabian flag.
FireLight - it was lovely to meet you and so nice that you realised you knew who I was from this forum. You have amazing hair!
The report on Calendar was a surprise - I had no idea the cameraman was filming us, but we got more airtime than the winner! I put that down to the beauty of the Arab breed
It's near Market Weighton in East Yorkshire - the oldest flat race in Britain and anyone can enter. It's steeped in tradition. I'd heard of it before, but when I saw a little piece on it on a local TV program I decided to give it a go, not with any hope of winning - I knew we'd never beat the ex-racers and serious riders - but I thought it would be a personal challenge to get fit enough to be able to gallop (or at least canter) the four mile course and give a good account of ourselves. I really enjoyed doing it and have ended up with a fit little horse too
Congratulations I really enjoyed the clip and I was just wondering if you are entering next year? If so please let us know x
Will do Nichola. I have no plans to do it next year at the moment, but who knows. I take things one day at a time with Raf, both because he has Cushings and in any case he is one of those horses that tend to throw things at you to sabotage any plans you try to make.
Kiplingcotes Derby
Posted - 19 Mar 2017 : 08:18:31 AM
