I’ve been putting
off writing my next blog installment for a while as things haven’t got much
better over the last few months.
Donald
Sadly, although
Donald soldiered on, his pedal bone continued to drop and it became clear that
he was not going to recover from the damage caused by his laminitus. It was not
a hard decision to make, as none of us wanted to see him suffer anymore and a
life on box rest for him would have been no life at all. Mum made all the
arrangements and Marta was so supportive on the day. We nerve blocked his feet
and took him out to the field for one last graze with Taffy. The sun broke
through the clouds and it was a perfect moment to say goodbye. I’ve had so many
happy years with him and he taught me so much. My favourite memories are not
only the Milton Keynes 3 day event and jumping the plane at RAF Halton but the
6am hacks before work in the summer. He is in horsey heaven now with Peter and
Kirby.
Beautiful Donald
Guinness
Thankfully,
Guinness has been brilliant recently and we decided to take him to Classic
dressage for a couple of prelims. To say he was wild is an understatement!! One
of the other competitors actually shrieked in the warm up arena whilst Guinness
was leaping around and cantering backwards. It didn’t go well ….
Guinness ready to go to Patchetts
A few more lessons
with Sue and Chloe and I decided to try and qualify for the Chiltern and Thames
rider champs at Patchetts. I was aiming for a relaxed horse and a relaxed test
but mine was almost too relaxed. I cannot fault Guinness though as he was so
well behaved both in the warm up arena and standing quietly on the lorry. He
was like a different horse from the one I rode at Classic. I’ve got to work on
not tensing up when I enter the arena because as soon as I tense I instantly
block Guinness and we stop going forward properly.
Guinness has avoided any further 'head stuck on the floor' episodes so far (touch wood!) and he has moved in to Donald's old stable so he is now next to Frosty and Taffy. He has also started to go back out with other horses although he is now in the 'quiet' group with only Taffy, Kenny and hopefully soon Frost will be joining them.
Guinness with Frosty his new stable buddy!
First Hack together
Joshua and I also went for our first hack together in July. Joshua rode Taffy and I rode Guinness and Dad came along to help Joshua just in case Guinness decided to be a plum! However, Guinness didn't put afoot wrong and Dad didn't need to help Joshua at all and it was lovely to be able to ride out together.
Olympic fever!
To say I was
excited about the Olympics is a huge understatement. I’d booked all the
important equestrian days off work so I could watch the competition on TV.
Chloe and I got a bit wet!
Chloe and I had tickets for the first two days of dressage at Greenwich Park and although on day 1 we got absolutely soaked during a torrential downpour, it is one of the most memorable events of my life! The atmosphere was…..
unbelievable.
Laura and Alf
Carl and Laura were brilliant and I cried tears of joy when Charlotte and Valegro performed their test to put Team GB into gold
medal position after the first stage, but I also love Fuego for the Spanish!! I even managed to get my picture taken
with Richard Davidson!!
Richard Davidson and I at Greenwich! (plugging Chiltern and Thames Rider)
Kittens!!!
Lastly, on a bit of a whim, I acquired 2 kittens!! They are called Enzo and Gallardo 9after the Ferrari and Lamborghini) and they are very cute and very naughty and have certainly kept me busy but Joshua absolutely loves them!
Enzo and Gallardo!
