Surgery for Socks

The day arrived when it was time for Socks to go in for surgery at Newmarket Equine Hospital which also meant a 7 hour round trip to Newmarket!  Thankfully the traffic was quiet and we made it there and back without getting stuck in any traffic, not even on the M25 so that could only be a good sign.

When we got there it was an amazing place, the staff were very helpful and the stables were immaculate which all helped to make me feel at ease leaving my horse with them.  Before leaving I had an appointment with Socks' surgeon, Ian Wright, who ensured everything was explained to me and allowed me to ask any questions I might have.  It felt very strange driving the lorry home empty and couldn't help but worry.

The next morning I was a nervous wreck waiting for 'that call' to say everything went well, I knew she was second on the list for surgery so would hopefully not have to wait too long.  Finally the call came and I felt such relief to know she was up on her feet and was ok, I had to wait until later that evening to find out the full details but when Ian rang he was really pleased with how it went and there wasn't anything structural only damage to the tendon sheath which was exactly what he expected from the scans which he tidied up and put right.

Kindly the staff took a photo of Socks in her hospital bed as she is staying there for a few days to recover and it is lovely to see she looks bright eyed and quite happy - I can't wait to get her home!

Socks in her hospital bed at Newmarket Equine Hospital

A mixed month

My search for a new horse has ended - with something that I set out not to buy!  I was looking for a young horse with a bit of experience that I could get going on to progress up the levels, unfortunately after trying various horses nothing was quite right as described in my previous post.  A chance phone call to a local stud to find out what they had for sale resulted in me viewing an unbroken 4 year old mare.  One vetting later she was mine to collect and bring home, so I now have a bigger challenge on my hands than originally planned but she is absolutely gorgeous with a super temperament ... Fingers crossed she stays that way when under saddle :)  it's been two weeks and the first week was just getting settled as she came more or less straight out of a herd in a field and needed time to adjust, we've now introduced a bridle, roller and rugs and so far so good.

Meet Lara:

I now have a theme though it seems, when I looked back at my horses in the field they are all bay mares with two white socks!

The girls seem to have settled together almost instantly and Picnic is still the herd leader with complete control.

Everything with Socks was going well and on track to organise our first competition but then her near hind seemed to be swelling up intermittently but not lame so bandaged at night and cold hosed.  her attitude in the school was deteriorating and she became stuffy and the leg appeared a little bigger I stopped working her for a few days but no improvement and called the vet.  Outcome of vet visit and scans is that she needs surgery for damage to her tendon sheath - absolutely gutted!  So it's now a trip to Newmarket for Socks to have surgery and she'll hopefully be booked in shortly so we can get on the road to recovery.  

SJ Training at Rectory Farm Arena

This morning we set of to Rectory Farm arena to hire the show jumps for some practise.  Thankfully we beat the rain and it was the first time Socks had been jumping on her lonesome and managed to cope very well, she's growing up!!!  She seems completely unfazed by fillers and takes everything on but a bit more work is needed on her canter to get her stronger so thats our homework for the next couple of weeks then we'll be back to get some more practise in. 

A month of '1st's (but not in the rosette sense!)

Wow its been a hectic few weeks and Socks has been one busy mare!  Picnic the Showjumpingshire on the other hand has been enjoying her leisurely strolls and schooling sessions but not so keen to see the lorry keep leaving the yard without her.  We are hopeful that now she is on a new joint supplement and her workload has changed that she will be able to go for an outing soon and I get the feeling there may be a 'sit tight' moment or two as she is feeling very well in herself.

Socks has suddenly grown up and progressing very well, coping with lots of new situations and in the space of 3 weeks it has been all systems go!  Socks has so far done her first fun ride, first cross country jump, first full course of show jumps, first warm up in the school with the door open and first run though of a prelim dressage test.  I am very proud of her and here is a quick summary of everything she has managed to do.

Fun ride - We went to Barbury Castle on the autumn fun ride organised by the Vine and Craven Hunt.  This was the first time Socks had seen so many horses in one place and the first time she had ever seen a cross country fence.  The first log was quite funny as she stopped with all four legs spread apart snorted took a minute to work out what i was asking her to do then lept it landed and shot off towards the next one with ears pricked, only problem being that she kept collecting her canter and showjumping them!  By the end of the ride she managed logs, tyres, rails and even a steeplechase fence when we were feeling brave although she still kept showjumping them all almost jumping me out the saddle each time!!!

Course of Showjumps - We hired Rectory Farm arena with a full course of BS show jumps, there was a course set up complete with fillers so we thought we would do a mock competition and just warm up over one fence then have a go at the course.  Socks was bursting with confidence and although a little wobbly into some of the scary fillers she took everything on and managed a course of 11 fences clear!  Good pony!

Schooling away from home - we have been out to 2 different venues for lessons, the first with Tessa Thorne in an indoor school on her own and the second at AM Dressage with Matt Frost in an indoor school sharing with one other horse.  The lesson with Tessa was great as there happened to be lots going on and horses being lunged next door so she had to cope and other than a few baby moments of calling out she coped very well.  We went to Matt for two days and had one lesson on each day, the second day we ran through a full test and managed a warm up with the door open and didn't disappear  out of it!  She worked beautifully and it really felt like we had a breakthrough in our training - the best feeling ever and probably equals a win out competing.  After working so hard I cannot stop smiling at the fact I now am starting to have a grown up horse that is beginning to enjoy her work and we are becoming a partnership (with the odd disagreement buck - she really does know best!)

Now we need a little rest before we are off to hire out the showjumps again then I think it may be time to try our first competition... watch this space!

Onwards and upwards (hopefully)!!!

It looks like Picnic the Showjumpingshire may have to take things a little easier, at 18 years of age she is starting to need a bit more TLC and although is full of life her joints say otherwise.  It is so upsetting when the best horses start to get old and she is one of those one in a lifetime type of horses!  She will still be out jumping but cannot be my 'main horse' there is no way she is ready to retire and would be bored senseless if she wasn't allowed to do a bit of jumping and get out in the lorry every now and then but I have had to come to the very hard decision that I want her to last as long as possible so cannot continue to rely on her to be my main competition horse.  If I could clone her I would, but as this is not an option the hunt is on for another to join the team, as they say onwards and upwards!  

We have driven miles this month to try various horses, all aged between 4 and 6 with interesting outcomes, the joys of horse shopping.  I am very thorough wielding out the overpriced, undertrained and wonky donkeys as best as possible but you cannot avoid turning up to at least one that is far from what was described in the advert!  The first two I tried made my youngster Socks seem advanced and worth a fortune, another that was "cleaned limbed with no lumps or bumps" turned out to have a gash out of its hock, sarcoids, sores and far from ready to go out competing.  Then I found a lovely 4 year old mare, the conditions were far from perfect when I turned up the try her, the heavens opened and the rain didn't stop until we were in our car ready to leave, we rode in a grass paddock and after such a dry week the rain made the ground quite greasy but although slightly slippery in the corners the mare managed incredibly well and had an amazing jump not phased by anything.  

I was impressed and decided to book a vetting, drove up with the lorry (tempted fate) and was so excited to have possibly found my next horse.  Our vet turned up and the vetting commenced, within the first few minutes something wasn't right and it turned out she had a heart murmur, not completely put off as I wanted her for show jumping not eventing we continued.  Flexions were perfect, ridden assessment, and pretty much everything else went well until she threw a front shoe, then her microchip didn't match... well that was now 3 things so we waiting for the results of the microchip and it turns out the number had just been written down wrong, phew she was the right horse!  However there was nothing we could do about the lost shoe so when trotting on a circle on the hard she was quite sore understandably.  After lots of consideration a cardiologist and a chat with my vet we decided not to go ahead and keep looking, I cant afford to take another risk and after the luck we've had with horses not being particularly good I think it was a sensible decision.  So back to the internet search!

Socks jumping at home

Socks is going very well but I am still bringing her on slowly as I don't want to rush her just because Picnic needs to slow down.  I have been having lessons with a dressage trainer, Tessa Thorne, who is really good and ensures I have enough to work on in between lessons to make sure we are on track to keep progressing.  We are booked in to try working away from home for a lesson so fingers crossed that goes well, then we are off to hire an arena with showjumps to see what she thinks of that.  At home she is up to jumping round 1m courses quite happily here is a little video of us enjoying a little jump over the bank holiday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEPO1MO5uDU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    

Showjumpingshire on Weston Lawns, setbacks and scarecrows

Well July has been a mixed month for the Showjumpingshire full of sunshine and drama for both her and her field mate Socks, heres a quick update on a busy month.

Fitness has been the main theme as we prepared for the Amatuer Jamboree being held at Weston Lawns which included the amateur and Scope qualifiers.  

Picnic had been jumping and schooling well and also had her own personal trainer out in the fields (Ranger dog) during circuit training!  The weight loss had been on track meaning the muzzles I felt so guilty for buying have done their job and the girls were getting trimmer finally.  

At the beginning of July Picnic went out for a weekend hack on a beautiful sunny morning and ended up in the middle of the village scarecrow festival!  We had gone round the block oblivious that the annual scarecrow competition was in full preparation and as we turned off the main road we were greeted by a drunken scarecrow sat outside the pub... at this point Picnic was the least bit impressed and we took a wide berth to safely pass, little did she know this was just the start and garden after garden was full of a wide variety of scarecrows ranging from a talking duck sat in a hedge, a scarecrow fireman rescuing a cat up a tree and a bike riding scarecrow!  

The weekend of Weston Lawns arrived and I decided to go down on the Thursday night to settle in ready for Fridays classes.  We also took Socks along for a 'jolly' to see what the competition scene is all about and possibly enter her in the small class if she behaved and coped with the atmosphere, but really it was for her just to have a stress free time away with no pressure... Picnic on the other hand had qualifiers to take on!  I was slightly nervous as its the first time I'd gone away on my own with two horses and wasn't sure on how it was going to go as my husband couldn't get down to join me until the following evening so I had 24 hours to cope all by myself.  Socks travelled well as that was the longest journey she had ever done so first hurdle complete, they both settled in well to their stables and the logistics of unloading and getting them to the stables without help went smoothly so I needn't have worried.  

Day one of jumping arrived and they were still both very happy enjoying the busy atmosphere and behaved impeccably on a morning walk and grass nibble.  When Socks was left alone as Picnic went off to jump it was a little stressful for her but she coped well and we couldn't hear her squeaks after ten minutes and hoped she was still there!

Picnic jumped a superb double clear in the national amateur class qualifying for the Weston Lawns Grand Prix on the Sunday, we weren't quite quick enough to be in the prize money but only missed out by 2 places out of a huge class.  I am getting braver at asking strangers for help to horse hold while I walk the course, people are really friendly and helpful when you are on your own, it does help that Picnic is so well behaved at shows I could almost leave her on her own.  We found some shade and waited for our next class the Katherine James Scope Qualifier, once again Picnic jumped a great double clear and I thought we were in with a chance but again just missed out on a qualifying place - need to kick on a bit more and not worry about being so pretty :)  I was still thrilled with our days performance and Picnic felt equally pleased with herself, a quick cool wash for her (and me) and then it was Socks turn to explore the showground which was very exciting!

The next day our class was one before the end of the day so had a chance to watch the HOYS qualifying class with over 150 entries!!!  The girls had a good leg stretch in the morning but then when I went to collect Picnic in the afternoon she seemed off and the stable was a mess with shavings everywhere, she was very quiet so I tacked her up and took her off for a wander, she felt very stiff and crooked, poor Picnic seemed to have got cast although not lame she didn't feel right and I gave her a little canter round the warm up but even a jump didn't perk her up so I withdrew and packed up to go home.  It wasn't worth risking jumping her and with no turnout it was unlikely she would get any better by Sunday more likely worse so our 3 day show turned into a 1 day, but on the bright side I had a little ride round on Socks and she had been out to her first stay away show and Picnic jumped double clears in all her classes.

Picnic took a few days to feel a little better and after some turnout and gentle work she will be out again soon.  Socks has been all go with lessons and hacking and her first time out in open fields for a canter, she is really progressing well.  We were booked in for some intensive training over two days at AM Dressage but that did not happen as is the normal with horses as soon as they go well a drama is just round the corner... Yes it seems Socks picked up a virus while she was away so urgent vet visit as she wasn't eating or drinking, so the last few days she has been in isolation and feeling very sorry for herself.  Test results have come back and it looks like she has a mild respiratory infection and is now on the mend eating again and will be allowed back out with Picnic once her cough has gone.  Our outing has been postponed but as soon as she's fit and healthy we will be back out and edging ever closer to our first competition!   

Showjumpingshire's first competition of 2013

We made it to our first competition of 2013, finally!   Amazingly even the sun came out as we made our way to Summerhouse to brush off the cobwebs and remember how to ride a course - and hopefully a jump off.  Everything still fitted thankfully as my show jacket and boots have not seen daylight since about October last year, Ranger the dog came along for support and we arrived with plenty of time to leisurely get ready and walk the course.  I decided to enter the Katherine James Scope qualifier and had the aim of a double clear for the day, we were quite far down the list so watched a few rounds before going to get Picnic.  The course seemed to be testing quite a few riders and I hardly saw anyone jumping clear, it was table A7 so had a separate jump off, the top 6 qualify for Scope but you have to jump clear in the first round.

I went to get Picnic who was looking very excited about the occasion and completely embarrassed me near the warm up area when she wouldn't stand at the mounting block for me to get on!!!  After a kind offer of help from a spectator to hold my wild horse while I mounted, a quick check of how many to go before us we went off to warm up.  Picnic was so pleased to be back out and rather excited so took a little while to gain her concentration but overall she felt good.  On entry to the arena I felt like I was on a green 4 year old as she wobbled around the edge of the arena spooking left and right at everything, flowers, numbers, advertising boards, people!  I kicked on and got the best canter I could and headed to number one, thankfully on landing she switched into competition mode, realised where she was and was off pulling my arms out to get to the next fence, all the combinations rode well and as we made our way round the course it felt like we had never been away, had a brief moment as she tapped the last fence when we got a bit quick on a long run to the last but thankfully it stayed up and we were clear and waiting for the jump off, good pony!  The jump off had a very tight turn back to number two - we hadn't practised any of these so I was a little worried if we'd make the turn.  I warmed her up again as the last few were jumping and she felt a little overconfident not really listening and thinking she knew best, I managed to settle her then it was our turn, I couldn't get Picnic to focus and perhaps because we were a little out of practise we knocked fence number one, arrgghhh, so with that down we just pushed on making every turn inside we could and I was pleased with Picnic even though she got a little over exhubruent over the last taking a stride out!  We ended up 7th bringing home some prize money but unfortunately missed out on qualifying by a place, but for our first time out and both a little rusty we decided to end on a good note and make our way home get the diary out and plan the next trip.

 



Its great to be back out and about

Well its June and we have managed our first outing of the year, the lorry finally passed its plating, my saddle is fixed and even more importantly I have horses to ride!

At the beginning of June the Showjumpingshire had a super time at the Unicorn trust on the Senior Instructors Clinic, Picnic was however slightly confused on entering the indoor arena to find not one single jump in there!  Yes much to her disappointment she was away for two days to work on her flatwork, we managed to work on her suppleness and contact both of which cause her to lose concentration and become a little opinionated so we spent time setting the boundaries which took a little convincing but by the end she had much more power to her paces and also softer and easier to ride.  By day two I even got tanked off with in trot as Picnic found she could use her hind legs in a way she thought she couldn't and showed off how far underneath her she could get them!

After the first outing of the year we couldn't wait for another and so hunted around but I just wanted something quiet to attend and everywhere has qualifiers at the moment so decided instead to hire out the fabulous Rectory Farm Arena nearby to get some jump practise in.  We were working on popping round a course keeping our rhythm and power in the canter.  After warming up I was surprised to find Picnic a little spooky and sticky at the first few fillers, then I realised its been nearly 8 months since she's seen a full set of show jumps!  It didn't take long before she was back full of confidence and we were both thoroughly enjoying ourselves, she's definately back on form and made the bigger jumps and combinations effortless.  

Timing is everything...

The diary is back out and we are looking at planning some outings, Picnics fitness programme is going well although she is on a diet along with Socks due to the breakthrough of that Spring grass - I have threatened grazing muzzles if their waistlines don't decrease at the weekly weigh in.

Major achievement of the week goes to Socks for going out the yard for the first time all by herself, she walked down the drive like a pro and even made it past scary gateways and signs, brave pony!  Her flatwork is really progressing well in the school and she is much more workmanlike without losing her cheeky character after coming back from her winter break and has filled out nicely. 

Next week we have a two day senior instructors flatwork clinic to look forward to, I thought I'd take Picnic along to work on our canter as a little warm up before we get back out competing.  It's held at the fabulous
Unicorn Trust organised by the TTT, I attended last year with Socks and gained a lot from the two days away as well as the fabulous food!

Timing however is everything... so far events that have also happened this week include the lorry failing its plating - so fingers crossed the garage can fit a retest in before next week and my jumping saddle breaking - ummm yes thats right, while jumping at home I heard a big cracking sound on landing followed by Picnic bucking, turns out the front plate had broken clean in two pieces - good job I wasn't out at a competition!  It is now in being replaced and will hopefully be back in time too.  

I'm also on the lookout for a new horse to add to the team now I have found Flynn a super home.  The potential horses I have found so far the viewings have been unsuccessful and I don't seem to be able to find what I'm looking for just yet... another Shire x TB would be perfect!

A bit of sun a lot of rain and Picnics back jumping

We had a lovely albeit brief spell of sunshine which thankfully lasted long enough to make Badminton a great weekend, horses, shopping, picnics and wine - the perfect combination! I went on the Friday with some friends and covered all the above although had an eventful morning prior to getting there which involved nearly getting bronked off my 18 year old mare before 7am!

Flynn has hopefully managed to find a new home and goes off on trial next week to a friend who is going to have him to play with over the summer as I have had virtually no interest from advertising him, it will be a lovely home for him and he'll be spoilt rotten!

The rain has made a return with a vengeance so out come the rugs again and back to soggy jods! Although the weather is miserable I however am not as I finally started jumping Picnic again on Sunday, it's funny with horses how one day jumping at Windsor is the best feeling in the world and the next it's jumping a cross pole at home, your goal posts just keep moving... So fingers crossed the cross pole will soon be in the warm up arena at our first show this year!

Back in 'real' work

Enjoying a bit of early morning sunshine