I have really struggled to deal with Mister’s suspensory issue, knowing the surgery cannot be covered by insurance, and other lameness issues were present and undiagnosed during the lameness work-up, and feeling so uncertain about his ridden future. At a time when Ben has retired and Django was turned away, leaving me without anything to ride, it was hard to not feel very selfishly about being out of the saddle.
I tried to put Mister on grass livery so he wasn’t stressed about the other horses coming in and out to work, but he was like a boomerang and came back here in less than two weeks, after falling over in their field, badly cutting his legs and needing to be box rested. Then, with the weather being so horrific, I didn’t want to send him back, and while no one has really been doing any work it didn’t seem a problem. And with losing Ben, I was just happy to have him around!
Now we are heading into spring, and with everyone coming back into work, I have made plans to send him off on grass livery again. Hopefully, this time he will be able to give the leg the rest it needs, with plans to do a lameness work-up in October, which will be 12 months from the original injury. I have everything crossed it will work out, as he is just the easiest, most laid-back and keen horse, and only 12 years old.
On a brighter note, I have been offered an amazing opportunity, and there are plans to get back in the saddle, so watch this space!
We’ve been a bit quieter the past week or so, as I’ve been tied up with visiting my mum more as she’s unwell and having to go into hospital for an operation. As much as I’ve tried, with all the worry and stress I just haven’t been able to muster up much energy to ride.
I know I’m biased, but I don’t think I’ve ever found such a funny duo as my two boys. They actually make me belly laugh sometimes with the mischief they get up to when they are together.
After a nice winter break, I have finally brought Arnie back into a level of consistent work, and I am so pleased with how nicely he’s going. I really do believe in winter breaks, especially when they are that bit younger, and this one has really done him the world of good.
I really do love the retraining of racehorses. They are so smart and quick to learn new things. As Barqi is only four years old, he will pick up a new way of life very quickly.