Castleridge station trek

Attending the Castleridge camp  amongst 20 other WRC stalwarts, and on a rather  green young horse, could have made for an anxious time - but the tremendous camaraderie, help, support and general madness  ensured that my first ever trekking weekend was most enjoyable for  both Arco and I. 

Not really having much of a clue,  there were plenty of role models to watch and learn from and over the three days our experience grew and grew from the first ride where Gwen ensured all the horses were safe to the end where Arco was leading for spells. 

Castleridge offered us all a brilliant base. The facilities were basic but very adequate and the choice of routes amongst the rolling Clent and Mt Somers hills allowed us all the chance to choose exactly whichever level of difficulty we felt happy with. In true ‘Gwen fashion’ the rides were arranged with military precision.  

There were inevitably one or two thrills and spills but generally all the horses were perfectly behaved - and especially well mannered in their pens. As for the behaviour of their jockeys, well suffice to say that everyone had great fun.

The standout memories  were many - Kelly’s sheer professionalism, Christine’s cooking and menu, Elly’s coolness, Gwen’s patience, the great open countryside with a warm wind in our faces, Arco standing in the river eating the buttercups for lunch and of course the ‘water-babes’.  I will definitely be there again and thank you everyone for your friendship.

Johnny