North West Region near Burnley on Sunday 1 October

With the tail end of hurricane Maria due to reach the UK, a careful eye was kept on weather forecasts as this Big Ride approached and the decision was taken to go a little earlier in the day. RDA members from Seaside Venture, Pendle and Pegasus RDA Groups gathered in a farm yard between Burnley and the Pennine Hills before 6 riders and 7 walkers headed out to find the Pennine Way. Riders used RDA North Region’s new mobile ramp to mount, which can be pulled behind a car and had been brought in especially.

Several riders were on young horses and were pleased with how they settled and enjoyed the 7 km ride. This included Pendle Group RDA rider Karen who had competed at the RDA Championships on 5 year old Blaze who she has owned since a foal. Karen explained how much Blaze has helped her recovery from a stroke. Regional participant representative Sarah Underwood soon made a happy partnership with King, borrowed from regional endurance rep Sarah Metcalfe.

The views from the Pennine Way and back past Coldwell Reservoir were stunning and the weather just rather windy until the last hill when the threatening storm started to edge in. The group of walkers were mainly from Pegasus RDA Group and included one of their riders, Fiona and her family and RDA Young Volunteer of the Year Megan. We were all delighted to return to hot soup and tea.