Pushing through Puncheston

This morning we woke with limbs and bones 
 creaking, most of us felt 0600 hrs far too early after the long and testing day before.  But duty is duty and on we go!  The day was bleak and cloudy and soon the drizzle began, more of  low cloud than rain per se, such a contrast  to the day before.  

The  day began slowly as we had to spend time shuttling the horses to the start.We continued our ride  at the Drovers Arms in Puncheston.  At 9 in the morning they opened up for us!!  Soon we were in the open country and onto the hills and as we climbed we could see how beautiful this part of Pembrokeshire is.  

We were surrounded by some lovely hills and things are looking up as we approach Carne Ingli, an impressive Celtic Heritage site in South Wales, the sun came out and so did the flies!!  The area being so wet and humid and horse sweat so attractive we are clearly going to be plagued by the damned things.  We dropped into a  village which had a pub, the Dyffryn Arms which has probably not changed much in 100 years. Bessie Davies the proprietor is allegedly the oldest landlord in Pembrokeshire. We passed two schools during the day , one at Llanychllwydog  and the other at Newport.: children took great interest in the horses and Richard gave an impromptu history lesson from the back of his horse. 

At the Newport School , at Ysgol Bro Ingli the children were much amused by Jo, Jim Arkell's horse staling all over the school yard: I am not sure the Head Teacher was though!  This was followed by a good gallop along the beach.  There we also met the Mayor, Barry Onions who welcomed us to Newport.  The only drama of 

 day was a lost shoe and at one stage being besieged by a herd of wild ponies.  It was another good day which was made by some  lovely people who guided us and helped with the moves.  Thank you to you all, Sue, Liz and Zandra.  George Hancock has been our team manager here in Pembrokeshire and he too deserves our thanks and admiration.
Our second day has passed and noone has fallen off....... most disappointing as long as it isnt me! 

It seems  the horses are fit and well......... so far.  As Nick Hamilton was away for the day his horse "Doughnut" was led for most of the day.  And we are now at Rhosygilwen Mansion where Richard once more spoke to a very supportive audience about Henry Tudor Richard III and Bosworth field.  The horses are consuming vast quantities of water but loving the pasture they rest in.   The Trusty Thatch being bullied by Jo has been released into a larger field, whilst Mr Stitch has own en suite bathroom.

To morrow we drive to Carno and then take the ride up to Tynybryn.  Lets hope the weather improves.

Evelyn