Wednesday brought the news that Russell's trusty steed, Roland, had developed a saddle sore the previous day and rather than risk further injury Patrick had called in a favour from a friend and borrowed Pipette, a chestnut mare.
I asked Patrick whether she would be ok for Russell and he replied with his typical French shrug and “of course” as we set off down the lane. The plan was for Pipette to be last in the line as she didn't know the rest of the herd but she had other ideas and was soon re organised into second spot behind Patrick where she was very happy to follow nose to Jazzy's tail
Lunch was at the picturesque Sainte-Croix-du-Mont where we visited some amazing caves lined with oyster shells from when this area was covered by sea and Zoe and Rosey joined us for lunch in the shade of the church which dominated the village.
Remounting after lunch we eventually found ourselves following the Garonne again, albeit on the opposite side from previously.
We were following a path about 10 metres above the river when Patrick shouted “keep to the right” as the path narrowed somewhat and the undergrowth on our left opened up to afford us a view of the substantial river.
Unfortunately, as Salsa and I reached this spot the ground gave way.
Both Salsa and I tumbled toward the river and when I re established which way was up and opened my eyes, it was to see Salsa panicking to regain her feet as both of us had come to rest on a slightly flatter piece of ground about half way down the bank.
Struggling to get out of her way with a very painful left arm, it was not my finest moment and it was a relief to see her finally thrash her way up through the undergrowth to join her 'herd.'
Before I had time to fully ascertain what else hurt, Sharon's horse Booboo came crashing down to my ledge as well. Being separated from the pack ahead, he had become panicky and Sharon had sensibly dismounted before he then broke loose and subsequently also lost his footing.
At this stage – which must have been five minutes from my fall but felt much longer – Patrick arrived and took charge. He got Booboo up to the safe area and then came back to help me up the slope and administer first aid which unfortunately didn't include a stiff drink!
Whilst I was safely sitting on the ground and collecting my thoughts, Patrick turned his attention to clearing a new path for the remaining two horses to get through and once this was achieved Russell and I slowly headed off on foot to meet Salvador and the van.
At this stage we were concerned that I may have broken my arm and Russell called Zoe and Rosey (who had just settled into a nearby lake for a swim) and they met us in the Langon Hospital car park where Salvador translated the situation to the ED staff.
A few hours later, x-rays clear and morphine on board, a dirty and dishevelled me climbed into the car and headed for the hotel.
The next couple of days saw a kaleidoscope of colour emerge on various body parts and a generous consumption of pain killers on my behalf.
Fortunately, Salsa was ok after an anti inflammatory injection and after a few days off I was able to join the group for the last half day ride which finished at the picturesque Lac de Cazaux et de Sanguinet.
The weather was sublime and Salvador had prepared a fitting lunch for our last day together as we looked back on a week of (mostly) laughs and great times!
Patrick had organised for the horses to be collected from here and we watched as they loaded into two trucks with amazing efficiency and headed off for a well earned break.
Next, Europe's biggest sand dune and more oysters than we could shuck a stick at…..