The enterance to the first field passed by the venues owners youngsters and a caravan all of which required a good looking at. Then through the gate and into casnter to the far side through a second gate turn througha tree belt and left turn on to a bridle way. The bridle way ran along side a hedge on the other side of which were a couple of the cross country fences. Though I passed these three times I never once saw a horse jumping any of them!! A right turn at the end of the hedges took us up a headland containing rabbit holes which the organisers had very clearly marked so were easily avoided. Up a short bank turn right and out on to the road and the wonderfull Leicestershire grass verges. Back into canter to the cross roads check for traffic, striaght accross back on the verge and canter to the next road on the right. Cross the road back on the verge and canter to the next left, turn left then left agian in Oasby and then take the first left bridleway which turns right after a short distance and back into canter to check point one. Destiny was somewhat enjoying himself passing the odd other rider we saw though not many of these were about. 

Between check point one and two we met Steve and accepted a few slosh bottles then moved off again on more of those lovely grass verges. The weather was most un October like with bright sun a cooling wind and a blue sky. We carried on pretty uneventfully to check point 2 where we met up withon of the other 80km class entrants who was onthere second loop at check point 2 and stayed with them till they turned of to head home and we returned to check point 2 crewing again and destiny taking a good drink. we also met up with 5 other 80 km class entrants, Kirsty Wiscombe and Alice Beet were among these, on there first time at check point 2. we all pootled of together however Destiny was feeling strong and so we cantered off ahead to the divergence point turned left and were heading for home. Passing a golf course with lovely sandy underfoot going before heading accrossseveral fields to Dembleby. This has got to be one of the most tidy villages I have ever had the pleasure to ride through. Then off road and down farm tracks heading back to the venue. 

We had company on this home stretch in the form of a hare and three deer and a youngster all of whom crossed out tracks before heading off on ther eown seperate ways. We had a bit of a shock when we rounded a corner to find the group of 5 horses and riders we had last seen at checkpoint 2 trotting towards us. I immediately thought where have I gone wrong closely follwed by no you havn't they have. They had followed the 25 km route from checkpoint 2 having not passed through check point 2 twice. We carried on back to the venue meeting a dog walking couple and dog as we approached Aisby. We could also hear the announcers tannoy from the eventing faintly and getting louder the closer we got tot he venue. Destiny pricked his ears and an extra spring in his stride was evident. On turning into the last but one field before the finsh which is located behind the XC start Destiny struck of in canter taking us to the far hedge and gate where we had to walk thfought the back of the eventing lorry park, turn down the drive and we were back in the start field.

Due to foot & mouth the route had to be changed so without a stop we went back out on course to make our first loop a 50km loop retracing our steps to Kelby farm where this time we turned right to Culverthorpe then Asiby and the venue. We were joined on this loop by a competitor in the 50km class who had ridden here last year so knew about the solitary amply friuted apple tree before Culverthorpe and scrumped an apple, we did too. Again as we neared the venue the tannoy was audible and Destiny pricked his ears ago and lifted his feet higher for the canter accross the field behind the XC sart and then we walked in to the finish. I hopped of and undid his girth while Steve collected out timing card and handed me a slosh bottle. Within less then 5 minutes we were ready to present where a queue had started to form consisting of peolpe in the 80k class who had come in before us. We dully passed the vetting with a aheart rate of 54, though Destiny was reluctant to trot up but once started did not want to stop. So off for a thrity minute break we went. Need less to say Destiny ate and drank exceptionally well, non stop in other words.

With 5 minutes to go I started tacking up ready for the 2nd loop of 32k. Destiny got a little bit confuesed about going out again when a group of four riders came in to finish just as we were setting off but we were soon away again and cantering through the first field again. I am pleased to say that Destiny and I rode almost the entirety of this loop by ourselves only having company on the second loop at check point 2. At crew points Destiny drank exceptionally well, though was a little bit reluctant to leave his food bowl after only a few mouthfulls of food. however once going he showed no signs of wanting to stop osr slow down offering canter in places and trot the remainder of the time. I had intended to walk in across the last field before the venue but again on hearing the tannoy Destiny pricked his ears and out in a display to the eventers of how to canter after 50 miles of riding.

On crossing the lines I hopped of loosened his girth and colleted our timming card. Steve meet us and we walked back to the truck sloshing Destiny as we whent. On arriving at the trailer Destiny had a good drink and we untacked him sloshed again then checked his heatrt rate and went to vet. I was a bitt better prepared this time for a reluctanat start to our trot up so we gave a better showing and again once going stopping Destiny was not keen on stopping. We dully passsed the vet with a heart rate of 48 gaining. We returned to the trailer and settled down to eat our sarnies while Destiny ate his food and drank while we waited for his paper work, then left for home with our first 80km and Intermediate season succsesfully completed. 

Below are my heart rate monitor and GPS readings for the Saturday.