S P I D E R R I D E S
By Jo Monck Photos taken by Keith Pollard & Kev Cant
pider Rides have long been a part of the Isle of WIght equine life. It’s unclear where they originated on the Island but if they exist anywhere else I’d love to know because the idea is a fabulous one. A whole community of riders meeting up for a cuppa and something to eat accompanied by their equine partners in crime after a great hack, little bit of clear round jumping maybe and everyone goes home well fed with a rosette, how perfect is that?
S
I’d always heard about Spider Rides since I came over to the Island and I was really pleased when a friend asked if I wanted to go on one which was about six miles away at a venue in Godshill. I have to admit that I was curious. Durante was duly bathed and spruced up; anyone who has a grey knows that this is a must if you are to be seen out in public. We set off on the most amazing hack across some of the Island’s most beautiful and historic scenery. A few interesting incidents spiced things up such as some Llamas being walked behind a hedge but apart from the jollity that this caused, the ride went without a hitch. I hadn’t done this particular hack before and it was a real incentive to get off my known beaten tracks. We rode through Godshill Park and up to the impressive 18th century Freemantle Gate of Appuldurcombe Manor, home of the notorious Lady Seymour Worsley, herself an experienced horse woman who used to race astride and was the subject of one of the most famous divorce cases in English history. Whether she ever partook in an Island Spider Ride will never be known but her Parkland was extremely wonderful to ride over. Like so many parts of this beautiful Island the scenery of the extensive network of bridleways here continues to amaze me.
On arrival at Froghill we dismounted and had sandwiches and a glass of something cool and refreshing, luckily I didn’t have time to explore Mandy Steens wonderful Aladdins cave of a
tack shop where it is totally impossible to come out with nothing, it’s a go in for a girth come out with a saddle and bridle sort of place. This time I didn’t do the clear round jumping as Durante was looking like he wanted to get a taxi home; endurance horse he isn’t! My friend Beverley Snudden and I got our rosettes and I had our picture taken and then enjoyed a fab hack home after meeting lots of like-minded equestrians.
My next Spider Ride was at Kingates Equestrian Centre and livery yard which regularly hosts an assortment of great events in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They have themed Spider Rides like Halloween where costume is optional and huge fun. This time my hack was around the block as Kingates is literally next door, so after a sausage sandwich and a cup of tea Durante and I had no excuse not to do the Clear Round Jumping and this time we came home with two rosettes, Durante at this point was like Mutley getting a medal with all this frilly finery given to him purely for a hack and quick leap over some obstacles. A Spider Ride starts from home or wherever you want really as long as you end up at a designated place within a set time frame. Lots of riders start off hacking from as far away as they want to, forming the legs of a spider and arrive at a venue which for arguments sake forms the body of the Spider. A central meeting point, so you basically get to have a lovely hack from wherever you choose to start off from and then either box or ride home. It’s a great way to have a social with lots of other horse riders, meeting lots of new people and then hacking home on your chosen route or if you are Durante, waiting for a taxi or large bus.
44 THE WINTER SPECIAL 2019 For the latest news
visitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk
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