Silver Boot, 2014

 

The Silver Boot, is an unofficial, non sanctioned endurance ride across and in Scotland. It is by invitation only, and finally after 14 years of waiting? Yep, I got an invite.  Serious stuff this.  There are rules, but not many. First and foremost, is the care of the horse. (nuff said!)

The idea is as follows. There will be a destination nominated. All entrants are to arrive at this point on a certain day by a certain time. During the ride, the more high passes, the more miles per day, etc all gain points. There is more but I shall not go into that.  Some riders camp and take Pack ponies, some use B&B`s, some ………..well some use anything handy! So this year the teams did well,  we tried hard, but due to a lame horse, we had to seek alternative routes.

Taken on the first day, Glen Feshie, about 12 miles in.

This shot of the old Ruthven Barracks, outside Newtonmore, a ruin now but during the 18th century a military stronghold for the English.

End of the second day, at Glen Mar, with Glen Mar Lodge in the background. very cold, with a slight frost!!

Third day start, Glen Tilt,  another 22 mile route, yep! It rained.

Raining again, with low clouds, at Lochain  Uaine, heading up towards the Ryvoan Pass, miserable.

Not the most legible marker, but clearly seen is the name Braemar,  home of her Majesty the Queen. One of our destinations.

One of the competitors, Ruaridh Orniston, and his two Cleveland Bay horses, now officially on the endangered list.