Quercy Equestre

I am always on the lookout for anything which would benefit our equestrian clients, and so recently joined a local group “Quercy Equestre”. After having had a good look at their website and meeting some of the members at our recent ‘Spook Busting Clinic’ I thought it sounded like fun, with motivated members who organised lots of events.

Our first was to be a Body Balance ‘clinic’, so off I went with a friend who was a new member like me. We were greeted by the hostess and made to feel extremely welcome - and once everyone arrived it felt like we had been involved for years. A great time was had by all, and the morning was topped off with a fantastic soup, bread and cake lunch – there is something about cake that completes a get-together! Next for Ras (my young Arab) and I is a horsey gymnastic session to be held near Bonaguil. I am slightly unsure what’s involved, but have been reassured we will be able to do it - and it absolutely doesn’t involve hand stands!

And in an age when you seem to have to pay for everything, it’s fantastic to find well thought out events where the group give their time freely and help each other. Members are encouraged to organise rides or get togethers, and with such a great group comes a lot of knowledge. Here is the place to ask questions and build up contacts; who uses which blacksmith or barefoot trimmer, which feed is the best (one member sells UK horse food), are you ready for a 20 Km endurance ride - and is your horse fit enough. Someone will know the answer, and if not, they’ll know someone who does.

Events are organised throughout the year, and an absolutely not to be missed TREC session will be taking place soon, this time with me in charge. I’m not sure if having competed in a handful of competitions gives me the right to the ‘guru’ hat - but if there’s cake is involved, I’m more than happy to try!