Horse Riding
At headquarters, we've decided to set our Director, Jo Dudley an errand.. Go out do something, interesting, and fun. Come back and tell us all about it....
We have set up Jo's list of challenges, each month she will endeavour one of the sports and it will be documented and appear each month in Academy League Magazine.
First up, we have horse racing. Academy League teamed up with John Leek, a Victorian horse trainer, he was delighted to help us out.
Jo packed her boots and we visited Nar Nar Goon..
We meet John Leek.....
How excited was I? Driving out to Nar Nar Goon to meet racehorse owner and trainer John Leek who has kindly agreed for me to sit astride one of his racehorses for the good of our Magazine.
Almost all my nerves and anticipation disappeared and I felt a strange clamness as I looked up the hill and saw the beautiful horses at the top, surveying the world below them as if they were invincible. I wasn't feeling quite the same, as this was going to be quite a challenge on my backet list having not ridden in over 10 years, but keen to meet the owners and work out what happens next.
Waiting in the yard were John and his champion jockey Andrea, the owners of the 70+ acre property and the beautiful horses. Once the introductions were out of the way, we jumped aboad John's quad for a tour of the beautiful facility and to meet a few of the horses. First stop was the handsome Boxter Blue, upon which Andrea had won the Great Eastern Steeplechase in 2004, who now spends the days grazing with his crew and enjoying some of the best views in Victoria.
From thetop of the mountain, with Hastings in one direction and the Dandenongs in the other, we were met by Andrea and Fred, who was leaving today to his forever new home. His beautiful deep red red coat glistening in the sunshine, and his deep brown eyes taking note of everything around him, John was happy for me to swap places with Andrea and show them what I had.
So with not a moment's hesitation, I was up on his back and walking around like a true professional. Andrea walked with us down the hill, then it was just me and Fred....cantering up the hill together without a care in the world. If after ten years it feels this good to be back on a horse, I can't wait until we go full speed!
Jo Dudley meeting Andrea Leek and Fred
John Leek (Jnr) with Jo Dudley