'You can get lost in the moment' - getting back in the saddle at the Derbyshire Trekking Centre

The Derbyshire Trekking Centre, over in Upper Langwith, was my destination - where owner Nicki Clarke had kindly agreed to show me the ropes, on what had turned out to be a rather pleasant afternoon of sunshine.

I’m naturally a cautious individual. I hate rollercoasters and any other thrill seeking activities are not my cup of tea

I hadn’t given those concerns much of a thought until the moment came to mount my ride, which was a beautiful 15 year old going by the name of Duke.

Luckily for me I was under the very capable guidance of trek leader Kelly Loomes. Let me tell you, Kelly was simply amazing. She’s not just someone there to tell you which path to take or point out a nice view, Kelly is there to help even the most cautious of rider to overcome their fear.

It’s fair to say I’m not as mobile and carefree as I was 23 years ago when I last attempted to get into the saddle.

If I’d been given the chance to back out I would 100 per cent have taken it. But, after much coaxing and gentle advice from a very patient and understanding Kelly, I eventually achieved the goal of getting on Duke.

Step one done. Step Two: overcome those nerves.

The time came to head off for our walk which was to take us through the interestingly named Owl Sick Woods

Both Kelly and Nicki, naturally comfortable riders of course, had told me beforehand how even a beginner can become at ease and develop into a competent rider in time.

During my visit Kelly told me how “You have to be doubly confident, because you have to trust what we are telling you and trust that the horses are going to be completely safe.”

After a few nerve-wracking steps out onto the road we hit the bridleway to take us into the woods.

Was it the calming views, the peace and quiet or just the realisation that I was indeed in safe hands? I don’t know. What I do know is that a trust began to form and the first sign of a connection between man and beast. My thoughts began to fix on how nice it was to be away from it all and not what could go wrong.

Sitting high up on Duke began to feel liberating and it is so easy to understand how these treks help people combat anxiety and negative issues impacting their everyday life.

Now I know I’m not going to win the Grand National any time soon, but I did at least start to feel comfortable in the saddle and know I have nothing to worry about the next time I have to mount a house.

All the treks are designed with the comfort levels of riders in mind. We were out on a lovely one hour ride, with Kelly guiding Duke throughout.

I found my thoughts drift away at times and things suddenly become more natural. As Nicki pointed out ‘you can get lost in the moment.’ That’s so true and I found my mind drifting back to the days of 500 years ago when folk travelled on horses and to thoughts of what these woods looked like back in that era.

I have to say a huge thank you to Kelly for getting me over my fears and allowing me to experience such fun. I now know there’s nothing to be scared of and I would definitely encourage others out there to take that first step and not be afraid.

For more information, and to make a booking, visit https://www.derbyshire-pony-trekking.co.uk/