The Orienteering Experience

Saturday 12th October, it was lashing with rain and my spirits plummeted. Tomorrow was the NPS Equine Orienteering Event and I was not looking forward to plucking my Eriskay pony out of a muddy field and setting off for Aberfoyle at some unearthly hour only to get soaking wet and most likely lost. No word from my partner in the competition to say that she was calling off so I was just going to have to grit my teeth and get on with it. (Where was my hardy Eriskay outlook?)

Having driven through thick fog on the way to Achray Forest I arrived in glorious sunshine, was greeted by cheerful officials Dougal Dick, Kate Fraser and Steven Strang and the day looked less bleak. Catriona got all the details from Kate and seemed to understand what we were supposed to do. Dougal checked the time and then we were off.

The lochs were beautiful, we managed to read the map, found all the checkpoints and the ponies enjoyed it. What a splendid day we had. I shall certainly not hesitate to have a go next time and hope many more will join in too. Many thanks to the NPS organising team for the scenery, the fun and the crisps.

Mary McGillivray