I have just discovered that one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Normandy countryside is on horseback. When two guests, who were staying here at Orchard Gites, decided to ride out Western style, I was really excited to be invited along. We booked a half day ride at Reinhill Ranch, which is just half an hour's drive from the gites and which is run by Alison Bucknell, Bob Reader and the french instructor Cecile Mahe.
We were able to borrow western boots and a hard hat and once we were all kitted out, we popped the horses into the horsebox and drove off to the starting point for our ride, which was a pretty village about 20 minutes from the ranch. It's been quite a while since I last rode (ummmm...as in...years!!) and I was starting to think that I might not even be able to get on my horse but with a bit of determination and a helpful shove I managed to get up there!
The great thing about Western riding is not only the big comfy saddle but also the fact that it is a very relaxed way to ride. Bob was leading the ride and he was a really interesting, knowledgeable guide who to told us a lot about the horses as well as things of interest about Normandy. Our horses were very sure footed and negotiated some fairly steep, uneven tracks. Even a fallen tree was no obstacle!
We rode along by the river and up the hillside, stopping for lunch at the breathtaking viewpoint of
La Roche d'Oetre. The ride continued through sleepy hamlets and along grassy tracks ......
...until eventually we arrived back at where the horsebox was parked. Bob got us to dismount and walk the horses for the last few minutes.........it felt quite strange to be walking after so long in the saddle!
It was gone 4pm when we got back to the ranch and I was beginning to think that we had mistakenly been taken out for the Full Day's ride but apparently that starts at 7.30 am...well, maybe I'll try that next time...
...meanwhile, THIS is how it's really done!!
