First Ride Out to Bonchester

The Horse statue has had a clean up, all of the old paint layers from the annual spruce up have been removed. The original detail and texture has been revealed. The Horse statue was first unveiled in 1914 to commemorate 400 years since the capture of the English flag at Hornshole, just to the east of the town.

So it begins, this years Common Riding Day in June will commemorate 500 years since the skirmish at Hornshole. Saturday saw the first Rideout to Bonchester Bridge, 260 horses and riders left Hawick. As we approached Bonchester we passed many horses and riders on their way back home, they were only riding half way, it's nearly 3 hours just to ride back in .... A few horses joined in in Bonchester....we took Kyle and Tessa out to ride the second half of the ride back into Hawick. Spring is a busy time, it's difficult for farmers to get their horses fit in time for the first ride outs. Sheep are still lambing up on the hills too so a full day away isn't always an option. Ill health and aching joints meant that Kyle went off for the first time by himself but quickly found friends to ride with, we knew Kyle and Tessa would look after each other.

I had hoped that the dry weather would continue.......

(Ignore the crazy woman cheering.....)

Kyle with Ellie in front riding Patch

It was a 'driech' old night waiting back in Hawick for the horses, the rain clouds brought them all the way home and they were well soaked....still waiting at 8.20pm

Here is the Cornet leading the cavalcade....

And Ellie and Kyle on the far side.....all safe back....