A fine day for a riding

The weather was beautiful and we went up to Briwnant to take Dee and Red out for a ride. They were out in one of the far fields - an field full of tasty grass and one from which they were always reluctant to be moved.

You can't win a tug-of-war with a horse. There's half a ton of them and slightly less than that of you. They'll either come or they won't. Alfie suggested riding Dee back from the field, if she wouldn't be led she could be ridden.

Dee was reluctant - as we'd expected - but we got a bridle on her and Nor'dzin helped me up onto Dee's bare back. The ride lasted 10 seconds, perhaps 20. Dee reared and I came off!

We tried leading her by the reins, but she wasn't having any of it. I was a little concerned that when she reared she might not be too careful about where she planted her hooves.

So we just walked Dee round for a while and then let her go. We weren't going to beat her or try to force her to submit.

So that was our ride on a fine morning!

We then set off for Pugh's Garden Centre to buy a bottle of pruning paint, and inevitable a few other things besides.

From the car park there's a great view of Castell Coch.

So we didn't have the day of riding we'd intended, but it was a fine day nontheless!