Hack diary
Michelle Gorham on dealing with the Australian heat
“LOOKING AT EVERYBODY’S pictures of snow, floods, ice and freezing conditions over the UK winter is a far cry from the long hot summer days we are experiencing here in Western Australia. The snow does look lovely, but I think I’d rather the heat!
Over Christmas, I take a couple of weeks holiday to coincide with the school summer holidays. I start slow work with Ramy in preparation for the endurance season, which begins in March. We have many lovely, calm evening hacks in the pine forest. Comet is already quite fit and is a regular participant in our family outings to the estuary for some water fun.
With temperatures in the daytime reaching the mid- to high thirties, I am presented with a morning predicament: shall I ride or head to the beach for a swim? The decision is made more difficult by the fact that I live just 20 minutes from the coast and the closest beach is a hidden gem with a reef close to the shore.
On many occasions the beach takes precedence, and for a few weeks we are gifted with perfect conditions for snorkelling on the reef. I swap my saddle for my snorkel without hesitation; the water is so clear with sea life in abundance, making for memorable experiences. However, the downside is that it means my miles aren’t adding up as quickly as I would like.
Watching the sunset
Comet enjoys several trips to the estuary for some water fun too. It’s a beautiful place for a family outing. My husband, Michael, and our daughter, Mahlia, take their kayaks and crab nets; I hook up the horse trailer and bring Comet. He loves being part of the action and he is on the trailer quicker than the dog can jump in the car.
While Michael and Mahlia are happy to look for crabs and paddle in the
kayaks, I explore the shallow areas with Comet. It is so clear; I ride bareback in my swimmers and we wade in the water.
Comet loves it — he would swim to the other side of the estuary given half a chance. Once out of the water he enjoys a roll in the sand. It is magical to go to the estuary in the evening, when I can sit on my horse in the water and watch the sun go down over the ocean.
I also enjoy summer evening rides in the forest. I usually take Ramy as he needs the slow work (and is a far more relaxing ride than Comet). Riding in the calm, warm nights feels so tranquil and peaceful. There is no one around.
I take my head lamp and sync my
” ride to Michael’s phone so that I can safely stay out after darkness has fallen. The kangaroos become more active at dusk, and so I take our Border Collie, Sheriff, too. He runs along in front of us and flushes out the kangaroos. Ramy is so wonderfully easy to ride; I just sit and point and he carries me along while
I get lost in my thoughts. He reminds me why I love riding.