The second part of the
holiday started with the traditional horseback-camping trip for Paula and
Dorien. Stable manager Cecile planned something different this year. Her stable
in the village of Mizoen, Le
Poney Fringant, hadn’t seen any
improvement over the last 5 year, despite many promises by the council. She
decided to throw the towel, and has purchased an old hotel in the Ardeche, to
start her own Bed and Breakfast, combined with a stable nearby, offering horse
back riding and accommodation. In order to start exploring the surroundings she
organised the camping trip in the Ardeche, with her new house as centre point
(so no camping under the stars this summer). Mary dropped the girls off, and
they had 5 days of horseback riding, in an area that is much more suited than
our valley, with rolling hills, many good riding tracks and plenty of water.
The last 2 days were spent at a large Western Horse show in the village, with a
real rodeo and many other races. The girls had a great time, and they are
planning to bring Beau along next year!
The rest of the holiday was spent at
the house, riding Beau in the valley, doing some bike rides, and working in the
garden. We attempted a more difficult new Via Ferrata at Mizoen, but unfortunately
Dorien had hurt her knee and we had to abandon early. We then drove to Alpe
d’Huez to try a much shorter one, with similar difficulties. Paula and Mary
climbed this one, and it was indeed quite challenging, getting close to real
alpine mountaineering.
The last few days we cleared away the paddocks, cleaned
the house, and let Beau spend his final hours with his friend Image in the
garden. Beau’s departure was a sad affair for Image, as she has lonely months
ahead of her. We loaded Beau in the trailer, and drove off on Saturday evening,
arriving next morning in the pouring rain back in The Hague. Beau was put back
in the stable, and after a 2 day depression has settled back in his old
routine. We assume that he misses the freedom and grass in France, but as we
know that a horse brain has the size of a potato he probably has forgotten
already!
Back to school and regular life!
Dorien (on Beau) and Mary along Lac du Verney
Dorien and Ena riding in the Ardeche
Cecile's horses drinking from a stream in the Ardeche
The ladies and Beau in Bassey
Paula in the tough Via Ferrata of Alpe d'Huez
Dorien waiting at the top of the Via Ferrata
Mary riding Beau near our house
Piet in the Kamikaze Parc, Oz Station
Dorien riding Beau near Allemont
