March 27th

Woke up quite late and had a nice breakfast in the conservatory. 

 


I was planning on a visit to Tula this morning but felt fit enough for another ride so hotfooted it off to the stables. My trusty Palomo was saddled up and waiting for me.

 
 
 Uschi told the boys that I was just out for an hour and to try one slow collected canter. So two nice young men, three stallions and me set off into the Mexican countryside.

The first canter went without a hitch – no pain and totally in control, so the boys looked a lot happier and we probably had three or four more long canters and then they asked me if I wanted to go back to the ranch or carry on. Needless to say we carried on, more fast canters and three cervezas at the local hostelry, then back for lunch.

More guests at lunch – from an embassy in Mexico City, an English guy and his Swiss wife. He was a bit opinionated and liked to hold court. Thought he knew almost all about everything but managed to trip him up a couple of times! They are off home now but back again tomorrow. Air France have arrived again.

Going out this afternoon, when it cools off a bit, with the German couple who seem to be really good riders, hope I can keep up!

The good news is that I have captured my teeny humming birds on my camera - they are so fast but oh so cute.

 


 




Went out as planned with my German friends this afternoon, later so we missed the heat of the day. Had some fast long canters/gallops and stayed in the plate so really enjoyed myself. I have ridden for 5 hours today and will probably be sore tomorrow but it has been good. They are now in the hot tub with beers whilst I cool off and watch the humming birds with my beer here in the conservatory.

I don't think there has been a cloud in the sky since I arrived, the moon is there nearly all the time – bit odd really. We were taken up a large hill today and stopped on the top – the 360 view was amazing – as far as Tula and no fences or boundaries for miles. This is the best riding country you could wish for, it is so unrestricted and probably has looked the same for years except for the odd bit of tarmac. The last 15 minutes to the ranch by car is like being on a roller coaster – very potholed and bumpy. I should think car springs last about 6 months with luck and careful driving! There is a really cute little baby donkey just down the road, he looks just like a child’s toy.

Dee Dee – you would love this if I could tranquilise you for the driving part.

Uschi appears to be in the middle of buying a plot of land and having a house built on a new golf course 30 mins from here so that she can offer golf to the riders and riding to the golfers. She is desperate to entice more people here – for financial reasons – once here, they will want to stay, I’m sure.

Well that’s it for today apart from another gourmet 4 course meal and wine, then bed.

PS – Imodium is still intact and unused, surprisingly!