In 2005, Heidi has completed over 100 miles in pleasure rides organised by Endurance GB; has taken part in an exercise vehicle class at a large agricultural show which was judged by Mr. Gary Docking; successfully completed the 48 miles of the Mary Townley Loop section of the Pennine Bridleway in August and at all the events attended has created much interest in the breed.   

Over the last few years she has been, without doubt, a fabulous ambassador for the breed by proving time and again their versatility.  Along with her rider, 9 year old Amber Sole, Mum Ally and her horse Moo, have clocked up some serious hoof miles doing Endurance GB pleasure rides and long distance events all over GB, including the Mary Townley Loop - twice!  Heidi takes all this in her stride, keeping up with the faster endurance types and always brings Amber and herself home in one piece and passing the vet.   As a driving horse she is brilliant, whether it's a British Driving Society drive and show, cone driving, or just fun at home driving around the village.  Heidi never fails to make the public smile and the judges know she has arrived.  She is a fantastic friendly character and is constantly winning friends and admirers wherever she goes!   

In August 2004, she delivered Ally and Pete to the church on time and then drove them through very heavy traffic to their wedding reception, never putting a foot wrong and looking great all the way.  At home, some of Amber’s and her sisters 'non-horsy' school pals and a few nervous adults have had their 'first ride' on Heidi.  She is so good and always knows who is a beginner and she looks after them.  Afterwards, the children and the big kids go away very happy, having felt safe riding on her.   

North Yorkshire Ride - November 2005 by Ally Sole

Knowing that we have done a few trail rides before, a friend of a friend asked if we would take part in a trail ride that she was hoping to have approved by the BHS.  We had all let the horses down and had their shoes off in order to give them the winter off after a busy summer covering quite a lot of distance.   So, despite my reservations, Heidi and I took up the challenge along with Kerry and Esther with their Arabian horses Spider and Harry.   

Day 1 – we started at Appleton Le Moors and we headed off to find the lower moor track - there we encountered our first problem.  Due to the weather in recent weeks and the state of the track in general we were faced with deep bogs and huge boulders to fight our way over.  The horses were magnificent and took it slowly but all in their stride.  Eventually we reached Rosedale and made our way up to the top of the moor and joined a disused railway.  It was a long hard slog of a day and we eventually reached out overnight stop at 6.45 pm having negotiated a steep drop coming down off the moor in the dark.   Total riding time for the day was seven hours and fifteen minutes.

Day 2 - was a little better with some stunning views although a little slippery underfoot and an interesting moment when we reached Carlton Bank and the place was swarming with para gliders - certainly put the spring back in Heidi's step.  That evening, a fabulous overnight stop in very luxurious accommodation was had for us and a good sheltered field for the horses.  Total riding time for the day was 6 hours.

Day 3 - had yet more fantastic views and slightly better going underfoot, although we did encounter an incredibly steep drop which was very, very muddy and Heidi went down it alone as I was merely hindering her by trying to lead her down it and it was far too dangerous to contemplate riding down it. Just as the sun was setting we reached our next overnight stay in the valley near Riveaulx.  Total riding time for the day was 5 hours and thirty minutes. 

Day 4 - we decided that the horses had really had enough and the route back to Appleton-le-Moors was mainly green lanes once we got out of the valley.  Heidi and I and Kerry and Spider rode out of the valley leading Harry whilst Esther went and collected the trailer to meet us at the top. Total riding time for the day was an easy one hour and thirty minutes.

All in all the distance ridden was probably about 53 miles over some very tough going.

If you would like to nominate your Fjord for the “In Profile” feature, then e-mail the society office or telephone 01651 891712.