It was slightly strange returning to the area where I grew up, driving into the suburbs, past familiar landmarks from long ago (including the site of the stables where I learnt to ride), but this time with a family on board and horse trailer in tow. Manor Farm is a small oasis of green amongst the neat houses of Ruislip, and Destrier were the main attraction for Hillingdon council’s Medfest, providing our usual skill at arms display and a joust on both days of the weekend.
Nate and Tiff made the long journey up from Cornwall to be with us, Tiff also returning to the area of her past, the two of them staying with her sister just down the road.
The shows were very well received by an enthusiastic audience, whose enjoyment was aided once again by Rupert’s excellent commentary. I was riding Magic of course, while Nicky and John of Tournament Stud brought Mutley, Bert and Argie. Susie on Argie showed us men how it should be done in the skill at arms, taking the highest score with some deft sword and javelin wielding, but Jason was to ride him in the joust, taking on Andreas on Bert and Will on Mutley, and Magic and Myself. It’s always nice to speak to the audience after the joust, and as usual we heard plenty of very positive feedback (especially from my 5 year old nephew, who was seeing Uncle Graham joust for the first time).
Rain was always a feature of the event, but somehow we managed to survive without getting too wet, despite the huge cloudburst after the joust on Saturday. At least the rain stayed away on Sunday, so tents could be packed up dry. As time blurs the other details of the weekend, I’m sure we’ll all remember Ruislip for the urban foxes. They surprised us with their complete lack of fear for us humans, their antics including dragging Emily’s boots out under the side of their tent during the night – hotly pursued by Andreas! The next morning I was told of how a fox stalked into Magic’s paddock, and as he approached, Magic lifted his hind leg in warning – a warning the fox probably regretted not heeding as he was sent howling into the undergrowth by a hefty kick! Henceforth Magic now has the title ‘fox slayer’!
Thank you to everyone who came to Ruislip and helped make this another Destrier success. Next for me will be the big one at the Royal Armouries, then we have Destrier’s last show for 2010, at Edgecote near Banbury. It looks like we’ll have a good turnout for this one – am really looking forward to seeing everyone again and finishing off the season in style.
