This report details Mazie’s recent 30km training ride in the challenging Cheviot Hills, a crucial and strategic part of her preparation for the demanding Scottish Thistle endurance season. The ride presented significant challenges due to its intensely hilly terrain and dry conditions, but it proved invaluable in building Mazie’s strength and resilience for the competitive year ahead.
The Ultimate Goal: The Scottish Thistle 60km
Our sights are firmly set on the prestigious Scottish Thistle, where we are aiming to complete the 60km competitive class. This distance is a significant step up, requiring not just speed, but exceptional stamina, mental fortitude, and a horse capable of navigating diverse and often demanding Scottish landscapes. The Cheviot training ride was specifically designed to replicate and exceed some of the conditions we anticipate encountering, making it a critical stepping stone in our overall preparation for this specific distance.
The Challenge of the Cheviots:
The Cheviot Hills are renowned for their steep, relentless climbs and unforgiving terrain, and this training ride was no exception. The 30km route was particularly demanding, featuring numerous prolonged and steep ascents that thoroughly tested Mazie’s muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and sheer determination. The prevailing dry spell had made the ground exceptionally hard and unyielding, adding another layer of difficulty that forced us to focus intently on hoof care and careful riding. This experience in challenging conditions is paramount for the unpredictable nature of Scottish endurance routes.
Strategic Route and Performance:
The ride incorporated sections of the Borders 50 route, known for its scenic beauty but also for its consistently challenging paths. This provided a perfect mix of varied terrain, from undulating grassy tracks to rocky inclines, all crucial for preparing Mazie for the diverse conditions she’ll encounter in competitive rides. Despite the considerable ascents, Mazie maintained a respectable average speed of 7.8 km/h. This metric, while not a race pace, reflects her consistent effort and power, particularly in tackling the demanding gradients. The primary focus of this specific training ride was on building deep endurance, muscular strength, and mental toughness, preparing her body and mind specifically for the demands of a 60km event.
A Well-Deserved Break:
Midway through the ride, we took a well-deserved halt for a picnic amidst the stunning Cheviot landscape. This allowed Mazie to fully rest and refuel, ensuring she could tackle the remaining kilometres with renewed energy and focus. It also offered a precious moment to appreciate the breathtaking views, a true reward for the effort expended.
Post-Ride Bliss and Reflection:
The ride concluded with a truly blissful experience: dinner overlooking the serene river in the middle of the valley. This provided a perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and reflect on the day’s achievements, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Cheviot landscape. Such moments of calm are essential for both horse and rider to recover and bond, solidifying our partnership as we continue our journey towards the 60km Scottish Thistle.
