Two Ps at a P2P

Tracy P and Sam P went to the point-to-point at Parham last weekend, and we asked Tracy to tell us all about it...

"This was the first point-to-point I've attended so I didn't really know what to expect. For me, the highlight of the day was to watch the kids races - they were so professional. No tears or tantrums, just full of smiles and laughter - even after one poor child was tanked off by her pony in to the car park. We all waited with baited breath to see what would be the outcome of this incident, but no more than two minutes later a corrected naughty pony and very happy child came tottering back. It absolutely amazed me to watch these little jockeys who didn't seem to know what fear meant.

"After the kids races, the huntstaff and their hounds came into the main arena. Once again (sorry to say) I have never come this close to the hounds or the huntsmen (not having hunted myself). I have to admit it was very emotional to see these beautiful dogs and very well turned out men on their beautiful steeds. The hounds were so happy and well groomed. This, I have to say, was the real crowd pleaser - everyone flocked to stroke the dogs and say hello. The hounds just lapped up all the attention, loving every second of it... except one. There is always one who likes to escape, and this cheeky chappy had everyone on their toes chasing after him. And he didn't run off just once, it was more like four times!

"Naturally everyone came to see the adults race too, which was just as exciting as the rest of the day. Overall the day was brilliant (apart from the freezing cold wind and rain) and definitely a fun family day out.

"Special thanks to the two lovely gentlemen who provided Sam and me with wine and sausage rolls!"

Image courtesy of Jo Hawes, www.abatjourphotography.co.uk

Licence to drive

I went to Hills in Plumpton for an initial trailer assessment and then booked five sessions and my test. During my assessment I was asked to reverse into a cone box - it was clear my reversing skills left a lot to be desired!

In my trailer sessions I was on the road for approx 3.5 hours each day and then 30mins reversing practise. I managed to avoid removing wing mirrors from other vehicles, or taking out any cyclists! It felt weird being a ‘learner’ again after 10 years of driving.

I tended to go a bit wide around vehicles etc at first, but after five intensive days training I was more of a pro. I was given some great tips to help me with my reversing skills and I was soon managing to make a good effort without hitting any cones. However, the day before my test I managed to make so many errors and had to be reminded of my speed on several occasions! My reversing went completely to pot.

Then my test day was upon me. The test was booked for 1pm in sunny Worthing. The weather was perfect with a light breeze and blue skies. I had a big bowl of porridge in the morning to give me strength for the un-hitching and hitching of the trailer (as I can never get the handbrake off). I managed to reverse well, do my emergency stop, and knew where everything was on the engine that regularly needs checking. On the drive I managed to keep to the speed limit, and didn't hit any kerbs or pedestrians – so it was all looking quite positive.

Somehow I managed to pass with only 10 minors (you're allowed 16). So now you’ll see me out and about driving Horsemart’s Ford Ranger with the trailer in tow. Give me a wave if you pass me!

Driving Miss Parren

Sam P has been diligently attending her trailer training course since last Wednesday, and today's test day! She's out there as we speak, reversing round corners and weaving through cones, but we have to wait till tomorrow morning to find out if she passed.

We have every faith that she will, she looks very confident in all the photos, which must mean something. And she looks so cool in her sunglasses - although we're not sure if they really help her tow better, or if in fact they're just there to hide the black eye she got during cross-country last week...

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