Great Britain: Reeves finds silver lining at Exmoor

Ashbournenewstelegraph.co.uk - Full Article

20/05/2009

ASHBOURNE'S linda Reeves joined riders from across the country at one of the best-known competitions.

The Endurance Riding World’s 009 Golden Horseshoe is held over the challenging terrain of Exmoor in North Devon.

Reeves, who works as a pharmacist, was in action in the Exmoor Stag ride, which covers a stamina sapping 120km over two days.

She completed the tough ride with a silver award, riding the 15.1hh Arab ex-racehorse Faleh, who is now 14.

The pair were on target for a top gold award right until the final vet inspection on day two, when the horse's slightly raised pulse rate cost one vital penalty point.

"Faleh's pulse ride was just two points over the allowed limit," said Reeves, who is a busy mum of three daughters.

"He raced successfully on the flat but was too highly strung, a problem that gradually got worse.

“I've had him for six years now and he can still get excitable at the start of a ride, but we do our best to contain it."

Strong winds, sunshine and moderate temperatures created almost perfect conditions for this year's ride and the high standards of horsemanship to be seen there led to a record number of awards.

"The course was really nice this time and we were lucky with the weather," Reeves added.

"The actual venue site was the windiest it was windy on the coastal paths too, but good conditions meant things weren't as testing as they can be over Exmoor.

“Endurance is such a friendly sport and we were all routing for each other."

Reeves's eldest daughter, 14-year-old Bethany, is following he mum's footsteps in the sport.

"Bethany has reached advanced level on her horse and we may to the national Red Dragon ride in North Wales together later in the year," Reeves added.

"My two other daughters do pony club activities with the Meynell branch."