And with it a definite change of temperature here in our little corner of France. We were still swimming at the end of September but now the central heating is on and the chimneys are being swept (an annual requirement here in France for house insurance!)

However there is still plenty happening with a fortnight in the UK catching up once again with friends and relis, unfortunately a fall and broken leg for Chris sister meant some changes in plans, but glad to say that her road to recovery is now progressing well.

We did manage a 3 day trip to Yorkshire which was wonderful. A part of the world I don’t know but familiar to Chris through family ties. Not only did we visit the Society of Equestrian Artists wonderful annual exhibition but also managed to research a little more of the family tree, meeting some generous Yorkshire folk who recounted the local history over a cup of Yorkshire Brew.
A beautiful County of green rolling hills and stone walls which reminded me of Ireland, however the roadside piles of gravel were a sure indication of snow and icy winters!

They love a cuppa in Yorkshire, how about this for a teapot 😂

Views of theYorkshire Dales

Always plenty of sheep, especially around Wensleydale!

It was wonderful to be able to attend the opening and private viewing of the Society of Equestrian Artists exhibition, just a few of the works on display (and yes we were allowed to photograph 😊)

And so we hopped back across the water to France, taking the overnight ferry from Portsmouth we land early just before sunrise and make it back home for lunchtime.

It wasn’t long before we were back on the road again this time in “Tonto “ the camping car to head NW to Le Lion d’Angers. Each year the World Breeding Federation hold a Championship 3 Day Event for 6 and 7 year olds who represent the various Sporthorse breeds throughout the world. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and acquaintances from Ireland, Australia and Germany.

Unfortunately the weather was wet and windy, not ideal for competitors or spectators but it didn’t seem to affect the numbers or atmosphere at this brilliant venue. The crowds still streamed around the XC and filled the tradestand area with the bars and eating places kept busy. 🍷We found a fabulous wine that slipped down far too easily!

Grandstand view on dressage day

On XC day it was quite a sight (and sound) to be greeted at the gate by this group of Huntsmen with their French hunting horns.

The first out on the Saturday in the 6 year old class was Isabel English for Australia. Seen here coming up the steep pull from the racecourse between fences 2 and 3.

The terrain was a true XC test, a mixture between Wandin and Tonimbuk and the fences were a work of art, everything from escargot to musical instruments as well as a house roof to jump off which brought back memories of the old Avenel course 😊 Hardly surprising that the well placed youngsters in these classes usually go on to succeed at 5 Star level.

Loved the violin and trumpet

Just a bit of jump “dressing “

Heading down past the lake in front of the chateau stables.

Apologies for the slightly out of focus photos could have been something to do with the rain 😂 Dressed to walk the course.

This bit of video shows Yasmin Ingram ( I think) demonstrating how to jump off a house.

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It was good to see the familiar colours and to briefly catch up with Katja Weimann now based in Germany but still representing Australia.

Time to head back to the village area for a final look around, a glass of wine and to dry out 😂 before calling it a day.

These guys and girls just wandered around the event fully armed and ready for action, due to France being on a high terrorist alert????

Headed back  the following morning to catch up with the results at home.

Can’t finish up without showing an artistic roundabout!