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Drumtochty 2008 Report

SERC Grampian Branch enjoyed a fantastic day at Drumtochty on the 8^th June, courtesy of the Forestry Commission for Scotland and Mr & Mrs Charles Anderson of Drumtochty Castle for the use of their field for the parking venue.

Twenty three riders enjoyed a choice of two distances at a really great fittening ride.  It was challenging but great fun, with amazing views and a super variety of terrain.  The weather was so hot that the Ride Organiser, Lynda Keeler had set out water and sloshes for the horses at the farthermost point in the forest which was appreciated by all.  It was definitely a true test of fitness and endurance, due to the hills, the heat and stoney going in some bits - but other bits were truly fabulous, with lovely soft canter tracks and a long heathery track through the forest.

Special congratulations to Katharina and Freya van Midden from Bridge of Muchalls who achieved their Bronze Thistle Qualifiers, and to Lisa Maitland from Westhill and Jillian Grant from Fowlis, by Dundee who won Best Condition awards in the 30K and Pleasure classes respectively.

Thanks to Lynda and all the helpers who made it a very relaxed and enjoyable day.

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Drumtochty Comments

Thanks to Lynda for all her hard work and a much improved route.

Graham

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Sameh and I had a fab ride at Drumtochty. The sloshes and water were a really welcome gesture and much appreciated.

A really great fittening ride and very challenging. Terrific marking and didn't really need the map, thanks to Linda and

her helpers.

Donna

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Thanks to everyone who made it such a good day.  It was challenging but great fun, amazing views and a super variety of terrain. So proud of Charley Girl, who at 25 years young took Alison round her first Competitive ride successfully in the baking sun! And Jack spooking and dancing the whole way round
Lynda did an amazing job, well done.
Katie, Jack and Charley xx

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Thanks from me too! lovely ride but im a bit burnt today  Azzy flew round no probs and got his first best condition
thanks to all helpers
lisa

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I would like to add my thanks to all the helpers at Drumtochty today - and agree with Marjorie wholeheartedly,

the sloshes and drinks for horses on course well definitely appreciated.
The ride was tough and very, very hot. What a shame the Granite City rally decided to decimate the tracks.

Lynda Keeler did a good job, the marking was tremendous and the views were spectacular.
Well done to everyone who got round with a sound horse at the end - a real test of Endurance.
Lynda & Caffrey [who thought it was a stroll in the park]

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Just a wee note to say a big, big thankyou to all the ladies and gents of Grampian who ran the Drumtochty ride today in sweltering heat!! It was definitely a true test of fitness and endurance, due to the hills, the heat and stoney going in some bits - but other bits were truly fab, with lovely soft canter tracks and a long heathery track through the forest - but jeez it got hot there and we had to slow down.
To top it all, we came in with SC2 Gold in conditions that were really against my wee girl, so big thankyou to the parents who crewed where they could and the kind ladies who left sloshes out on course - we really needed them!! Erisk is now bouncing about the field, in the sun looking like she's been for a hack round the block!!
Thanks again guys
Marjorie

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Just to let you know that after the Drumtochty ride on Sunday I had such a great ride and am really keen to do a bit more (everyone said I'd get hooked!).   So I am looking at the Smallburn and Grampian castles rides in July, and of course Fetteresso.   So I will be keeping an eye on the web site in order to send in my entry in time, guess I'll need to become a member quite soon!  

Thank you

Debbie Milne

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Great ride yesterday at Drumtochty.  Beautiful route, and its a great field for parking.  Leah actually went out with a heart rate of 40!  Lower than its ever been before - must be something to do with the relaxing atmosphere and the nice people at the 'trot up'.

Looking forward to Blackhall.

Cheers. Viv

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I really want to say what a fantastic time we had today!  It was amazing, totally exhilarating!  We really didn't know what to expect but everyone was so helpful and my biggest fear of getting lost was groundless as the way was so well marked.  And what a fab friendly bunch of people - I even got a hug from one lady at the end! 

I am so proud of our ponies, who gave it their all and really enjoyed themselves, and of course Lewis, who is thrilled to bits having done some "real riding"

We will definitely be doing this again, so will be in touch in the very near future!

Thanks again

Debbie