As a child, the closest I got to horse-riding was either as a 5-year-old bawling my eyes out whilst sitting on top of a huge police horse, or being led around a country park on a short pony ride. As something I've seen in films and read about in books, I jumped at the chance to try out horse-riding at a discounted price.
This was a Groupon offer for a 3-hour horse-riding experience, reduced from £100 to £39. Having learnt from previous experiences that it's fun to share Something New, I took Will along with me. We headed up to Trent Park Equestrian Centre (http://www.trentpark.com/) almost right at the top of the Piccadilly line. Although this was quite a long way from central London, it was nice to see a bit of greenery and open space. The park allows more experienced riders to take part in hacks and pub rides.
I had a prejudiced image of the "typical" horse-rider: stuck-up, with a rich daddy, demanding and wanting everything just so. While the first person we encountered reinforced this opinion, everyone else helped to dispel it! The staff were friendly and courteous, and our instructor, David, easily found the right balance between teaching a lesson and encouraging a bunch of complete beginners to relax and be more confident in the saddle.
At first, I felt a little disappointed by the centre. We turned up 15 minutes before the appointed start time, as detailed in the instructions, and were swiftly kitted out in hats and boots...then left standing in the yard for a good 25 minutes while some late arrivals were attended to. While you can't expect them to abandon latecomers, I did feel one of the many staff hanging around should have encouraged us to look around, or see some of the horses.
However, once the lesson was started, the whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable! My horse, Blue, was patient and not jumpy at all; Will was riding Maximus, a beautiful dun horse who constantly farted his way all around the arena in a carefree manner...! After learning how to start, walk and stop, we moved onto sitting trot, standing trot and a rising trot. I would compare horse-riding to archery, in that it's a very unnatural position to put your body in, but when it goes right, it feels good and the results reflect this. Getting the rhythm of the rising trot just right gave a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. And significantly increased the comfort factor.
After about 80 minutes of riding, we had a cup of tea and some very tasty cake in the sunshine, were shown around the tackroom , the feeding room and introduced to some of the 130 horses the centre has, from little children's ponies right up to the majestic 17-hand livery horses.
In the end, I'd say that horse-riding is a lot more challenging than it first appears; it's definitely not just sitting on top of the horse while it does all the work! I've always wanted to try it and now I have, I think I'd like to keep on trying it in the future!
This is for you if...
If, like me, you'd prefer to join the Rohirrim than the Knights of Gondor, get on a horse and try it out. And at £32 for a beginners' group lesson at Trent Park, it is nowhere near as pricey as having your own horse.
Recommendations
Make sure to wear something warm on the top half, and trousers with a flexible crotch - horses are a lot wider when you're sitting on them than they look from below!
Friday, 20 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Hopefully not a tail of whooooa!
What: Horse-riding
Where: Trent Park, London
Who: Trent Park Equestrian Centre
When: Saturday, 14 April 2012
Why: Every medieval assassin should know how to ride a horse, and so should I.
Where: Trent Park, London
Who: Trent Park Equestrian Centre
When: Saturday, 14 April 2012
Why: Every medieval assassin should know how to ride a horse, and so should I.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Snowmobiles and Husky Sleds
Finally managing the holiday we'd yearned for, Will and I took a trip to the snowy city of Tromso in Norway. Anticipating mountains like meringue, cold arctic winds and the necessity to wear a minimum of four layers of clothing at all times - and we were not disappointed! It is 69.4° north after all.
Towards the end of the holiday, we had decided to try our hand at snowmobiling. This was booked in advance through Lyngsfjord Adventure (http://www.lyngsfjord.com/en/winter-adventures/snowmobile-safari.html) at a cost of 1695 NOK each, or a very pricey £180. However, Norway is dear in more ways than just its reindeer, and for the length and quality of the excursion, this is favourably comparable to the cost of most other activities on offer.
The location for our safari was the Lyngen Alps and the scenery was just stunning. Taking a snowmobile allows you to travel greater distances in much shorter time than in snowshoes or skis; we travelled around 16km up a valley between two mountains, to a lake at around 850m about sea level, and then back to the base for traditional soup, bread and Twinings tea.
The team at Lyngsfjord are definitely kitted up to cater for all kinds of visitors. All clothing, protective gear and other equipment was provided as part of the price, and the snowsuits, while reminiscent of toddlers' outfits, were warm, windproof and extremely welcome. The trek itself was also flexible, varying from easy to really quite challenging and, as a couple of pairs on our expedition proved, it is not difficult to tip over the skidoos. However, through a bit of balance, clinging on with your legs and not going too slowly (!) round the corners, the snowmobiles were easy to handle - and this coming from someone who's never used a motorbike, quadbike or anything like that.
The following day (after an evening watching the Northern Lights...) we were at the Villmarkssenter for their husky sledding (http://villmarkssenter.no/vinterprogram/hundekj%C3%B8ring/). The sledding on its own costs 1490 NOK per person, or around £160. Again, the centre provided all necessary kit, including reindeer skins to keep the sled snuggly warm!
One of the most remarkable things about this experience were the dogs themselves. At no point were we warned about them and there really was no need, as the huskies were friendly and hungry for pats (or gloves!) The centre has around 200 Alaskan huskie-crosses with names like Nordpolen, Vaffel, Pepsi and Monster. At the time of our visit, they also had six adorable 1-month-old puppies, that visitors were encouraged to hold and play with - although discouraged from taking home with them...
For our sledding ride, we had a team of six dogs, which we drove ourselves out into the snow. With just two commands (go and stop, or "kommien" and "stor" (NB. I cannot spell in Norwegian, and apologise for this)), we had all the tools required. We did not need left or right, as, perhaps a little sadly, the dogs knew the route and simply followed the sled in front. That said, it didn't detract from the enjoyableness of the excursion or the quality of the photographs.
In one day, you definitely get plenty from the snowmobiling, however I think I would like to have tried the husky sledding for longer. It would've been nice to escape from the sled-caravan and take the dogs onto the virgin snow, out into the wilderness towards the mountains. However, I can understand that within the constraints of a morning ride, this is not always possible.
This is for you if...
If you like a bit of an adventurous holiday, whilst knowing that nothing can really go too wrong. You are surrounded by experts who lead guileless tourists around every day and are trained to cope with any problems that may arise. All transport, gear and instruction is provided, so you don't need anything special, just a bit of spirit!
Recommendations
When sledding, always request to drive your own sled. If you don't, a guide will drive while you sit in the sled, which while still fun, wouldn't be quite so challenging! Definitely go to the Lyngen Alps for snowmobiling, as they are further out of the city and much more wild. And try to stay awake on the coach journey out there - it is about 90minutes of fabulous scenery (so I'm told...)
Towards the end of the holiday, we had decided to try our hand at snowmobiling. This was booked in advance through Lyngsfjord Adventure (http://www.lyngsfjord.com/en/winter-adventures/snowmobile-safari.html) at a cost of 1695 NOK each, or a very pricey £180. However, Norway is dear in more ways than just its reindeer, and for the length and quality of the excursion, this is favourably comparable to the cost of most other activities on offer.
The location for our safari was the Lyngen Alps and the scenery was just stunning. Taking a snowmobile allows you to travel greater distances in much shorter time than in snowshoes or skis; we travelled around 16km up a valley between two mountains, to a lake at around 850m about sea level, and then back to the base for traditional soup, bread and Twinings tea.
The team at Lyngsfjord are definitely kitted up to cater for all kinds of visitors. All clothing, protective gear and other equipment was provided as part of the price, and the snowsuits, while reminiscent of toddlers' outfits, were warm, windproof and extremely welcome. The trek itself was also flexible, varying from easy to really quite challenging and, as a couple of pairs on our expedition proved, it is not difficult to tip over the skidoos. However, through a bit of balance, clinging on with your legs and not going too slowly (!) round the corners, the snowmobiles were easy to handle - and this coming from someone who's never used a motorbike, quadbike or anything like that.
The following day (after an evening watching the Northern Lights...) we were at the Villmarkssenter for their husky sledding (http://villmarkssenter.no/vinterprogram/hundekj%C3%B8ring/). The sledding on its own costs 1490 NOK per person, or around £160. Again, the centre provided all necessary kit, including reindeer skins to keep the sled snuggly warm!
One of the most remarkable things about this experience were the dogs themselves. At no point were we warned about them and there really was no need, as the huskies were friendly and hungry for pats (or gloves!) The centre has around 200 Alaskan huskie-crosses with names like Nordpolen, Vaffel, Pepsi and Monster. At the time of our visit, they also had six adorable 1-month-old puppies, that visitors were encouraged to hold and play with - although discouraged from taking home with them...
For our sledding ride, we had a team of six dogs, which we drove ourselves out into the snow. With just two commands (go and stop, or "kommien" and "stor" (NB. I cannot spell in Norwegian, and apologise for this)), we had all the tools required. We did not need left or right, as, perhaps a little sadly, the dogs knew the route and simply followed the sled in front. That said, it didn't detract from the enjoyableness of the excursion or the quality of the photographs.
In one day, you definitely get plenty from the snowmobiling, however I think I would like to have tried the husky sledding for longer. It would've been nice to escape from the sled-caravan and take the dogs onto the virgin snow, out into the wilderness towards the mountains. However, I can understand that within the constraints of a morning ride, this is not always possible.
This is for you if...
If you like a bit of an adventurous holiday, whilst knowing that nothing can really go too wrong. You are surrounded by experts who lead guileless tourists around every day and are trained to cope with any problems that may arise. All transport, gear and instruction is provided, so you don't need anything special, just a bit of spirit!
Recommendations
When sledding, always request to drive your own sled. If you don't, a guide will drive while you sit in the sled, which while still fun, wouldn't be quite so challenging! Definitely go to the Lyngen Alps for snowmobiling, as they are further out of the city and much more wild. And try to stay awake on the coach journey out there - it is about 90minutes of fabulous scenery (so I'm told...)
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Norway Norway, man-ah man-ah...
What: Snowmobiling & husky sleddin
Where: Tromso, Norway (near Gatwick...)
Who: With Will, courtesy of the Villmarkssenter and Lyngsfjord Adventure
When: 4-5th March 2012
Why: Huskies. Sleds. Snow. Mobiling.
Where: Tromso, Norway (near Gatwick...)
Who: With Will, courtesy of the Villmarkssenter and Lyngsfjord Adventure
When: 4-5th March 2012
Why: Huskies. Sleds. Snow. Mobiling.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Squash
The location of my first ever foray into the world of squash was the Barnes Squash Club (http://www.barnessquashclub.org/). I believe that at least one person has to be a member to play there - fortunately, I had Emma! We had the court booked for 40mins, which is £4 according to their website.
The club was being refurbished at the time, so only one court was available. Unfortunately, the token-taking, light-permitting box stole our token (even some enthusiastic "taps" on the side didn't seem to help) so we had to play in the semi-lightness provided by the strip lights outside. Luckily there was still plenty of light to be able to see, and I like to think that the shadows concealed both the bizarre look of concentration my face often develops when thinking too hard, and the sweaty exhaustion that developed throughout the game.
One thing I will definitely recommend is Emma as a coach. After explaining the rules and letting me get to grips with the feel of the racquet and ball, we moved onto some (non-competitive) point playing and tactic-talking. I don't claim to be efficient at squash, but I will say that at the end of our session, I felt quite ready to play again sometime. A background training in tennis was a definite help, although apparently I need to practice swinging the racquet more as, "it's all in the wrist...!"
This is for you if...
If you're looking for a bit of a cardio work-out after a stressful day, then squash is the way forward. It is excellent for thrashing out a bit of pent-up rage or annoyance on a tiny rubber ball that just keeps coming back for more. It's also tiring!
Recommendations
If playing for the first time, go with someone who can coach you and won't just want to beat you. That can come second time. Also, prepare for aching shoulders and inner thighs for the next (several!) days.
The club was being refurbished at the time, so only one court was available. Unfortunately, the token-taking, light-permitting box stole our token (even some enthusiastic "taps" on the side didn't seem to help) so we had to play in the semi-lightness provided by the strip lights outside. Luckily there was still plenty of light to be able to see, and I like to think that the shadows concealed both the bizarre look of concentration my face often develops when thinking too hard, and the sweaty exhaustion that developed throughout the game.
One thing I will definitely recommend is Emma as a coach. After explaining the rules and letting me get to grips with the feel of the racquet and ball, we moved onto some (non-competitive) point playing and tactic-talking. I don't claim to be efficient at squash, but I will say that at the end of our session, I felt quite ready to play again sometime. A background training in tennis was a definite help, although apparently I need to practice swinging the racquet more as, "it's all in the wrist...!"
This is for you if...
If you're looking for a bit of a cardio work-out after a stressful day, then squash is the way forward. It is excellent for thrashing out a bit of pent-up rage or annoyance on a tiny rubber ball that just keeps coming back for more. It's also tiring!
Recommendations
If playing for the first time, go with someone who can coach you and won't just want to beat you. That can come second time. Also, prepare for aching shoulders and inner thighs for the next (several!) days.
Monday, 16 January 2012
What's an elephant's favourite sport?
What: Squash
Where: Barnes
Who: With Emma to kindly show me what to do!
When: Sunday 22nd Jan
Why: Tennis was a success, badminton a failure - let's see what squash can do!
Where: Barnes
Who: With Emma to kindly show me what to do!
When: Sunday 22nd Jan
Why: Tennis was a success, badminton a failure - let's see what squash can do!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Archery
The archery session takes place on the top-floor basketball pitches at the Downside Centre near Tower Bridge (nearest to London Bridge underground). The have-a-go sessions take place around once a week and up to twelve people can join in each one. At £20 for 90mins, it is really good value for money!
On an organisational front, 20/20 Archery do an alright job. I felt let down the first time, when the notification about the change of time was sent to the incorrect email address, and we didn't find out until we actually turned up on the day. Although they didn't question rearranging the session to another date, when I tried to book this, the first set of options I was sent had either already passed or were fully-booked. I did eventually confirm a good date and the right email address, but even then when I emailed to check everything was still going ahead the day before the session, I didn't receive a reply.
However, when it did come to the 19th (the rebooked session), the experience itself was truly excellent!
With ten people in our session, there was plenty of space on the archery pitch. After being roughly measured for bow and arrow size, donning an armguard and getting some basic safety instructions, we were off!
One thing that cannot be criticised is the amount of time spent shooting arrows, which is what we all went there to do. They have a good system where the A-half shoot, then the B-half, arrows are collected and then you start from the beginning, meaning very little time is lost to faffing around or bringing arrows up and down the pitch.
However on the flip side, this did mean that there wasn't much time put over to technicalities, skills or helping people correct and improve their shooting. As a newly-discovered archery aficionado, I didn't mind this and definitely valued the lack of delays, however for anyone not having as much success (**cough** Sian **cough**) we agreed that a bit more assistance would have made for a more satisfying experience.
The session finished with a 15-arrow scoring competition, where shots were added up over five rounds. After a staunch battle, we had the two stocky guys in third and second (with mid-70s scores) and... me with the top score of 83!
This is for you if...
You just want to try something different and exciting. I would recommend this if you have siblings visiting, if you want to spend an afternoon with friends or even just for the experience. You don't have to be big and strong to have a good time, or find out you're a good archer!
Recommendations
If you're even just thinking about trying archery, do it. I went with friends, and would probably recommend this, but everyone was really friendly so if you did go alone then I'm sure it would still be a lot of fun.
This is the first Something New that I have decided to continue - 20/20 offer training courses from beginner right up to expert, and you can just go and shoot as part of the club. If you enjoy the have-a-go session but want more coaching, this is the way to go. Robin Hood, eat your heart out!
On an organisational front, 20/20 Archery do an alright job. I felt let down the first time, when the notification about the change of time was sent to the incorrect email address, and we didn't find out until we actually turned up on the day. Although they didn't question rearranging the session to another date, when I tried to book this, the first set of options I was sent had either already passed or were fully-booked. I did eventually confirm a good date and the right email address, but even then when I emailed to check everything was still going ahead the day before the session, I didn't receive a reply.
However, when it did come to the 19th (the rebooked session), the experience itself was truly excellent!
With ten people in our session, there was plenty of space on the archery pitch. After being roughly measured for bow and arrow size, donning an armguard and getting some basic safety instructions, we were off!
One thing that cannot be criticised is the amount of time spent shooting arrows, which is what we all went there to do. They have a good system where the A-half shoot, then the B-half, arrows are collected and then you start from the beginning, meaning very little time is lost to faffing around or bringing arrows up and down the pitch.
However on the flip side, this did mean that there wasn't much time put over to technicalities, skills or helping people correct and improve their shooting. As a newly-discovered archery aficionado, I didn't mind this and definitely valued the lack of delays, however for anyone not having as much success (**cough** Sian **cough**) we agreed that a bit more assistance would have made for a more satisfying experience.
The session finished with a 15-arrow scoring competition, where shots were added up over five rounds. After a staunch battle, we had the two stocky guys in third and second (with mid-70s scores) and... me with the top score of 83!
This is for you if...
You just want to try something different and exciting. I would recommend this if you have siblings visiting, if you want to spend an afternoon with friends or even just for the experience. You don't have to be big and strong to have a good time, or find out you're a good archer!
Recommendations
If you're even just thinking about trying archery, do it. I went with friends, and would probably recommend this, but everyone was really friendly so if you did go alone then I'm sure it would still be a lot of fun.
This is the first Something New that I have decided to continue - 20/20 offer training courses from beginner right up to expert, and you can just go and shoot as part of the club. If you enjoy the have-a-go session but want more coaching, this is the way to go. Robin Hood, eat your heart out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)