And we hit the beach...

I finally got around to taking Tally out to the beach for a romp. I did plan to hack home but due to his shoeless feet, I decided it wasn't fair. The other main problem came in the form os a howling nor-wester (Dina, it was a bit less than the one when we were there, but not much!). Tally was dragged in and marched up and down the drive and road for his feet, he was quite content as he'd picked up a willow stick on the way and continually whacked me in the arse while we walked. I assume this means the same in equine as it does in English...

When we got to the beach it was absolutely atrocious, you pretty much couldn't see the beach and there was foam flying in all directions. Being insane, I decided we'd go anyway and hope for the best. Tally didn't actually nap much for the first bit until we came across a little stream. It all went tits up and involved half an hour of a mixture of growling and coaxing. He eventually splashed through the stream and didn't nap at all for the rest of the ride, which was nice.

I had a wonderful, wonderful gallop for absolutely ages, which was lovely. Tally was really striding out and enjoying himself, although he did do the occasional horrified jump sideways when hunks of foam blew at his legs. He was really moving, and I'd forgotten to put my stirrups up so after a few km I managed to pull into trot, so we continued on for a while, doing a very elegant weave in amongst various trees which had washed up and thankfully managed to avoid standing on any bluebottles.

Now comes the most exciting bit...

We were heading homeward when a kid on a motorbike came up behind us. He was very polite and slowed right down and went quite a distance around us (which was difficult because there wasn't much beach to work with!) but neither Tally or I heard him until the last minute and jumped so badly. He went past us very slowly before heading off again. Tally then took off after it Shocked. He didn't bolt, he just seemed rather determined to race this kid. I'm certain this was the fastest I've ever been on him and it was rather fun although slightly terrifying. I did eventually manage to pull up, using a very inelegant technique which involved bracing against my stirrups, anchoring one hand into his neck and pulling with the other.

I then took his saddle and bridle off and dragging him into the sea to bathe his feet. He was having a whale of a time splashing around and we went for a bit of a job with the water up to his belly. He was arching his neck and trotting like a Spanish stallion.

All in all? It was great fun!