MTL 2012 Peers Clough Farm Sponsored Charity Ride
Mary Towneley Loop 25th – 29th July 2012
My youngest daughter Suzy says that the Mary Towneley Loop is like life itself, full of ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, pain and joy, tears and laughter.
In the ten years that the Loop has been open, and in the twelve years that I have lived and worked on this 48 mile circular bridleway it has certainly become a mirror and metaphor for my own life.
And if, when riding the Mary Towneley Loop, or indeed going on life’s journey itself, you have a faithful horse as your companion, you can endure and surmount all obstacles.
Mary Towneley Loop 25th – 29th July 2012
My youngest daughter Suzy says that the Mary Towneley Loop is like life itself, full of ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, pain and joy, tears and laughter.
In the ten years that the Loop has been open, and in the twelve years that I have lived and worked on this 48 mile circular bridleway it has certainly become a mirror and metaphor for my own life.
And if, when riding the Mary Towneley Loop, or indeed going on life’s journey itself, you have a faithful horse as your companion, you can endure and surmount all obstacles.
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In our case we have developed a relationship with our locally bred Wellbrow Fell ponies which is very special. They share our life, our land, our work and our love in a unique and fulfilling way.
Those who have experienced this trail will understand the vision and commitment of Mary, Lady Towneley, in whose honour it is named, and who campaigned so hard to open up ancient and forgotten ways for the benefit of all users. At Peers Clough Farm we feel a great affection for our stunning landscape and the visitors it has brought us. |
My eldest daughter Cia suggested a 5 day charity ride, with us escorting our ponies on foot with a team of sponsored riders taking legs of the journey. We had planned to take our four Wellbrow Fell ponies – Danny, Target, Jimmy and Jake (the Peers Clough Packhorses)
In May, Jakey died following an impaction. Suzy nursed him so lovingly during his last days and he died in as dignified and humble a way as he had always conducted himself. We were devastated to lose such a dependable, reliable and genuinely honest pony – a trusted work colleague in our team. We decided that Freddie the Welsh cob should step into the breach, which he did in his own inimitable style.
We were delighted with the response to take up places on the ride, and we had around 40
varied and enthusiastic riders taking part.
In May, Jakey died following an impaction. Suzy nursed him so lovingly during his last days and he died in as dignified and humble a way as he had always conducted himself. We were devastated to lose such a dependable, reliable and genuinely honest pony – a trusted work colleague in our team. We decided that Freddie the Welsh cob should step into the breach, which he did in his own inimitable style.
We were delighted with the response to take up places on the ride, and we had around 40
varied and enthusiastic riders taking part.
The youngest riders were my granddaughters Evie (20 months) and Alex (2 and a bit) who rode the final proud mile home to the farm; the oldest were in their 60s.
Some were very experienced, some were novices; there were families, couples, friends, mums and daughters and strangers, united together for a challenge, for fun, and to support our enterprise.
Some were very experienced, some were novices; there were families, couples, friends, mums and daughters and strangers, united together for a challenge, for fun, and to support our enterprise.
The ride was launched by the Mayor
of Rossendale and Mikey, an autistic young man who rides regularly at the farm on our patient pony, Danny. Mikey
received overwhelming support and sponsorship from his family, friends and carers. |
Mikey has a team of three carers to
We had decided that Mikey would
complete his usual short ride at the start of the main ride. |
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The Mayor was a great sport, talking to and encouraging apprehensive riders and fascinating Evie with his chain of office.
After the ride he sent a message of congratulation to Mikey saying how proud he should be of his achievements and that he was a role model to other young people. Mikey will never understand these words, but they touched and gladdened the hearts of his family and carers and were much appreciated by everyone at the farm. Like little Evie and Alex, Mikey showed us that the shortest rides were the biggest achievements. |
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Each day of the ride had its own unique character, governed by the mix of riders, weather and terrain. At no time did we wish it other than what it was at that moment. Here are some of our precious memories.
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Everyone of our riders, and everyone who travels the Mary Towneley Loop has their own story to tell – and we always say that one day we will write the book……….
For now I would like to say a huge thank you to all our riders and their sponsors who raised an amazing £4,200 for our charities; my wonderful family, Cia, Mark, Evie, Caroline, Adam, Alex, Suzy and Brent for all their support; and above all our brilliant ponies, especially Jakey, who would have made it if he could.
For now I would like to say a huge thank you to all our riders and their sponsors who raised an amazing £4,200 for our charities; my wonderful family, Cia, Mark, Evie, Caroline, Adam, Alex, Suzy and Brent for all their support; and above all our brilliant ponies, especially Jakey, who would have made it if he could.
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We loved giving out our big cheques!
Above left: World Horse Welfare Above: Rossendale Rubicon Left: Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue We were also delighted to support Children in Need Rossendale Hospice |