What a long weekend this was, Sandy and I had well and truely been bitten by the camping with horses bug and decided on a quick weekend away within a few hour drive.
Of course trying to get accommodation or locations over the Easter long weekend was going to prove tricky but we ended up with a few choices, we decided deepdene near Augusta/karridale would be a good option.
We had a friendly host at deepdene agistment and training, this property is set up as a HIP camp which is like an air bnb for campers where people with suitable properties open up their space to host campers. HIP camps can vary with facilities and deepdene is well set up with rustic toilets, showers and camp kitchen under the peppermint trees.
As we left booking late and the property was going to be overrun with Perth long weekenders we camped at the opposite end of the property near the hosts house so we had access to their facilities.
Sandy and I arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp 🙂 we are learning to pick better spots to set up after battling the strong winds on the Albany ride.
Our host offered to show one of their tracks as he was taking a breaker out in the morning, we now joke about the fact that he was thinking let’s see if these girls can ride. He was going to show us the track out and give us rough directions to the beach (left left right left or was it left right left left).
Now at this stage I remember that my stock saddle was in having repairs so there I was heading out in my dressage saddle for was can only be described as man from snowy mountain riding flat out up and down sand hills at a minimum of a canter (I don’t do canter happily) well lucky I had sarge who barrelled along with our host looking back as he took a sharp left straight up a dune to show us the view.
Sandy and Nugget nearly missed the left turn as nugget had his heart set on trying to catch us and he was sure we were just around the next corner. It was a rush that we hadn’t died.
This was the point we set off with the left left right directions and our host headed back.
Right left left left that was right wasn’t it. It was a lovely ride along long firm sand tracks to the coast the boys had caught their breath and we had found the rhythm of this barrelling up the hills.
Our host was pleased to see us return safe and sound and maybe a little surprised. He was impressed with our horses and so were we.
It was a chilled afternoon resting up and feeling the after effects of hanging on for dear life, it might have hurt to breath and man my back fat hurt. This would be pretty much the catch cry of the weekend, don’t underestimate the importance of back fat muscles.
Easter Sunday saw us head into Augusta for a leisurely ride to the bakery, it was slow going as we stopped many times for many pats.
Augusta was where we spent our family holidays as kids so it was lovely to ride around the town evoking memories.
As part of our travels we like to visit the local war memorial, Sandy and I both take part in honouring the light horse troops and the Waler horse breed at local Anzac Day parade and other ceremonies.
Sunday night saw the arrival of Jane and Akubra for a Monday ride in the Boranup Forrest before we headed off.
Sandy and I had weary horses and back fat but enjoyed the Karri Forrest this is a brilliant location for a ride. We were glad to share our stories from the past few days adventures with Jane.
Notwithstanding Back fat pain it was a brilliant weekend.
This was the final ride of our long weekend adventure we had packed up our camp before heading to the Boranup Forrest so it was a matter of tootling home.
Happy Travels from Hartwells’ Have Horses Will Travel
https://www.hipcamp.com and search for deepdene farm stay
Hartwells: Have Horses, Will Travel 