So, towards the end of last year I mentioned how I'm super keen to continue trying different things. And I mean, different things. Having tried (and adored) horse riding at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire last month, I was thrilled to return this morning with an invitation to try clay pigeon shooting. Growing up in the countryside, this is a sport I've heard plenty about - and yet had never tried for myself. Excited would be an understatement! So, after being taken out deeper into the Dogmersfield estate via Land Rover, ear defenders were positioned over my pom-pom hat (yep, definitely not a pro yet) and protective glasses were handed over. Let the fun begin!

For the next hour, I was in the safe and capable hands of John Gamblin, a man with a lifetime of experience in shooting, who now splits his time between two estates in the area. Before getting started, it was a case of getting to grips with shooting etiquette, all of which made perfect sense and did nothing to put me off giving it a go! Okay, let's just answer the obvious question. Was I any good? Yes! Or so John told me; I mean, for what's it worth he seemed like an honest man...
It's such an incredible rush when you manage to hit one of the clays in the centre and hear the cracking sound above you in the air. Speaking of sound, you will need the ear defenders as the noise can be surprisingly loud for first-timers like you and me! John was wonderfully motivating throughout and made the entire experience so much fun; I can see why this activity is so popular at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire for both small and large groups alike.
What to wear, you ask? Comfortable clothing. Footwear needs to be flat and at this time of year you'll need to wrap up warm as you're out in an open field. Oh, and if your body shape is anything like mine, I'd advise wearing some sort of padded coat/jumper over your shoulders to counteract any potential shotgun recoil while you're learning. Other than that, the world is your oyster!

I'm so, so pleased to have been able to experience this - and to have enjoyed it so much! You can rest assured I'm now going to go through life recommending the sport to everyone; to try at least once in your lifetime. If you're at all curious and want to try out some new experiences this year, take a peek at the Estate Activities over at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Equestrian experiences, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, croquet and fishing. You want it, they've got it! Have you ever tried clay pigeon shooting? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire | Equestrian Centre Experience
With love,
Gabrielle x

For the next hour, I was in the safe and capable hands of John Gamblin, a man with a lifetime of experience in shooting, who now splits his time between two estates in the area. Before getting started, it was a case of getting to grips with shooting etiquette, all of which made perfect sense and did nothing to put me off giving it a go! Okay, let's just answer the obvious question. Was I any good? Yes! Or so John told me; I mean, for what's it worth he seemed like an honest man...
It's such an incredible rush when you manage to hit one of the clays in the centre and hear the cracking sound above you in the air. Speaking of sound, you will need the ear defenders as the noise can be surprisingly loud for first-timers like you and me! John was wonderfully motivating throughout and made the entire experience so much fun; I can see why this activity is so popular at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire for both small and large groups alike.
What to wear, you ask? Comfortable clothing. Footwear needs to be flat and at this time of year you'll need to wrap up warm as you're out in an open field. Oh, and if your body shape is anything like mine, I'd advise wearing some sort of padded coat/jumper over your shoulders to counteract any potential shotgun recoil while you're learning. Other than that, the world is your oyster!

I'm so, so pleased to have been able to experience this - and to have enjoyed it so much! You can rest assured I'm now going to go through life recommending the sport to everyone; to try at least once in your lifetime. If you're at all curious and want to try out some new experiences this year, take a peek at the Estate Activities over at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Equestrian experiences, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, croquet and fishing. You want it, they've got it! Have you ever tried clay pigeon shooting? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire | Equestrian Centre Experience
With love,
Gabrielle x
Thanks so much to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire for providing this fantastic experience!
Good post!❤
ReplyDeleteFashionable as always!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really terrible at shooting, but I'd actually want to try these. Even though I might not hit anything, you gave me inspiration with your story!
ReplyDeletexx
LackaDaisy
*LackaDaisy*
Okay you are the cutest pigeon shooter ever hehehe. Looks like such a fun time!!!
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
Never even heard of this before haha! Looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeletehttps://whatkarleedoes.blogspot.com/
It sounds so interesting! I'm not sure I'd be any good at it as I don't have the best aim at anything, but like you said it may be fun to try once! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a lovely week and your 2019 has been off to a great start :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Nice place and great hobby.
ReplyDeleteLove your outfit ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
I've always wanted to go clay pigeon shooting! It looks so much fun!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jess
The Crown Wings | UK Travel & Lifestyle Blog
Great post, as long as any living animal doesn't have to suffer it's a great fun I suppose xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place!
ReplyDeletex Lisa | lisaautumn.com
This looks like a lot of fun really. Never tried it before. Happy Friday doll x
ReplyDeleteThat looks so fun :)
ReplyDeletexx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Oh very interesting activity darling
ReplyDeletexx
www.sakuranko.com
This must've been such a fun experience and of course you looked fabulously chic as always Gabrielle!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big believer that trying new things is good for us. Supposedly, it helps our creativity and even our brains. We sometimes forget about that, but our brain likes new experiences, they help him to grow. An activity like this one seems like a lovely way to break out of a routine. Trying new things is something we should all do. I'm not sure is this for me, but I'd be willing to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteFour Seasons Hampshire hotel certainly looks like a great place to visit. I remember your earlier visit. You look great in this outfit btw. Very country chic. Fabulous photos as well. I'm happy to hear you had such a nice time. A good instructor always makes a difference.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
So Downton Abby! This sounds fun, as long as their clay I bet it is great it is quite the adventure.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
This looks so much fun dear! Lovely photos as always!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Hello,
ReplyDeleteSo amazing !
Sarah, https://sarahmodeee.fr/
I have never tried clay pigeon shooting, but as my husband is a hunter I am planning to go to the shooting range with him at least once this year. Not that I plan on taking up hunting, but clay pigeons would be a target I would give a go.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Linda, Libra, Loca
I've never tried clay pigeon shooting, but that sounds like a fun experience! have a lovely weekend x
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a lot of fun, Gabrielle! I can only imagine how loud the sound is!
ReplyDeleteOooh, what a fun sounding time! It's great to try new things!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Fun to try something new!! Great way to start the new year. You're such a stylish shooter too haha, love 'em boots!! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
Never tried clay pidgeon shooting before but you made it sound like a really fun experience! Also low how you still manage to look so chic while doing it!
ReplyDeleteJenny // Geeky Posh
You look so beautiful and dangerous in this outfit!
ReplyDeleteLots of love ♥ January Girl
Sounds like a lot of fun! I would love to try this! :)
ReplyDeleteTheNormcoreRebel
Sounds like a lot of fun! I would love to try this! :)
ReplyDeleteTheNormcoreRebel
Great post and so beautiful hobby! Have a happy week.
ReplyDeletehttps://chicchedimamma.com/
Oh wow, talk about new and different! What better time than 2019 to branch out?! I've been feeling the same way lately - it's great to try new things xx
ReplyDeletewww.qustomquinns.com/blog
Looks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeletexx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2019/01/edgy-look.html
This looks like a lot of fun. I want to try new things too. I might take swimming lessons this year. I'm dreading it though. Lol!!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.missymayification.co.uk
I've never even thought about trying this, but I bet it's fun! You look very chic and appropriate for the occasion! x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
This is actually an activity I would LOVE to try once in my life. I know how to shoot - sort of- but have always wanted to give shooting clay pigeons a go. It looks like such a fun experience!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun experience! I've never done clay pigeon shooting before but now it's something I want to give a try. I love how your outfit still looked cute while being perfect for this activity.
ReplyDeletex Kara | http://karascloset.net
Omg! I can only imagine how much fun this must have been. You managed to look super stylish too :) Happy Monday! ♥
ReplyDeletePerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
Say hello and let’s follow each other <3 | INSTAGRAM
I've never been clay shooting before but I went shooting last year as part of my acting course (yep, part of stunt training apparently) but I totally sucked at it! Our guns felt so heavy I was like jesus I need to do more weightlifting to even wield this thing. Archery I was great at but guns? Nope, nada. So props to you if the man thought you did well at it! That definitely doesn't happen to everyone, haha
ReplyDeleteJulia // The Sunday Mode
I have never been clay shooting either, but I have wanted to! It's always so cool! You look amazing too!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
wow! Looks like TONS of fun! such a cute place to make some shooting. I totally suck when it goes to aiming but it definitely fun
ReplyDelete