[vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][postgallery_grid id=”grid_20171103″ data_source=”data-4″ null=”” slidesetid=”SS_G5_20171103″ content_type=”image” columns=”5″ height=”200px” align=”aligncenter” lightbox=”yes”][vc_column_text]Last weekend we went to Montcuq and watched the Endurance Ride. This is an international event, it is a timed test against the clock over a marked and measured cross-county trail of natural terrain for horses and riders. This event was  190 kilometres over the two days, there were 40 starters, the riders make up teams so there is an individual and a team competition. The riders can choose their own pace throughout the ride they can run, walk, or jog alongside their horses at any time throughout the ride. There is an overall time limit, cut-off times, and  vet checks  – the horses are monitored for fitness and soundness throughout and so only 20 actually finished  either because of voluntary retirement or one imposed by the adjudicating vets or time keepers. Most of the horses are Arab or Arab crosses, very hardy, sure-footed and ultra-fit, it is an example of a partnership between man and horse that is very impressive, there is as much strategic thinking involved as fitness. A fabulous spectacle, they were stabled at Moncuq from where they started and finished – in front of our favorite restaurant. So we had a  good lunch at the Café de France and were then able to walk through the horses whilst they were cooling off and being washed down or prepared for their veterinary run-up.

This week also saw a visit to Cazals market, always lively and lovely produce. Many of the markets are very reduced through the winter but Cazals is one of those that thrives. Afterwards we drove home using the let’s-go-down-there route. This took us somewhere new and we came to a chestnut forest with the road littered with what looked like green sea urchins or , Margie said ‘green tribbles’! We stopped and picked up a basketful. The chestnuts themselves were enormous and super fresh, we had some roasted that evening. Later in the week Margie made her Barley, Mushroom And Chestnut soup, delicious![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#deead0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Perhaps you would like to know…
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