Rupert the horse...

Two exciting things have happened this week. The first was that I took last sunday off to go on a funride on my horse Rupert, with Isabelle riding Seamus. The last time I did something as foolish as riding 10 miles across country at speed was about 8 years ago, so I was was feeling just a tad nervous. Quite rightly so given that my nice, safe, sensible horse turned into a slightly deranged, bucky, rearing type at the first sight of all the other entrants – not a good start to the ride, but off we set with gritted teeth (mine not his!) After about 3 miles things were calming down and by mile five he was so tired we were back to normal with Isabelle whizzing past at full gallop shouting "come on mum – go faster!!" By mile nine Rupert was practically on his knees and I was buzzing! We even tackled a couple of very small jumps. Only snag is that for the last five days or so I feel like I've been walking like John Wayne!!!

At the Marina we have had a really exciting day hosting a wildlife recordathon event which is part of the Cheshire Count Me In programme. We've had a day of wildlife walks with botanists and ecologists and loads of bugs and beasties to look at in the marquee by the facilities building. Isabelle and Anna were particularly taken with the stuffed animals........although finally conceded that a cow might just be a bit too big for the taxidermist to cope with...