With things getting off to a rocky start – I think I read this is the worst rainfall in over 50 years! – what better pick-me-up than the “Fred & Rowena Cook: A Life After Racing” rehoming service contacting me about the most precious four-year-old gelding, who was looking for a new home straight from the British Racing School (BRS)?
Barqi certainly is striking, and they told me he had a “bold” character, which I must admit I am a total sucker for! I arranged to go and visit him at the BRS. I haven’t been consistently in the saddle since November, and when I arrived I suddenly had a slight moment of panic, because it had not occurred to me I would have to ride in a racing saddle.
I pushed those worries to one side; after all, it wouldn’t be the first time, and honestly I never used to find them a problem – and they were kind enough to make them with long stirrups, at least. Once he was tacked up, we walked around the yard. I saw a mounting block, which I eagerly leapt on. Barqi got spooked, and the lady leading him chuckled and said: “Oh, we don’t use them. I’ll need to give you a leg up.” Well now, being in a race saddle was the least of my worries, as panic set in that I am far too lanky and out of shape to get a leg up. But before I could worry about that too much, the lady chips in with: “from walk”!
As my heart sunk, my eyes clocked all the BRS students who were milling around the stable. I think my pale white face and nervous laugh made them aware this might be quite an interesting mount and they started to gather. I knew that if I thought about the situation for too long, I would have bailed, so I jumped off the mounting block, marched over and 1, 2, 3... Nope, it was a total fail! My feet barely made it two inches off the floor.
I knew next time I just had to jump my best jump. Although considerably better than the first attempt, I was now stuck with my arms around his neck and one leg just about hooked over his back, mostly hanging off his side. By this point I was the brightest shade of red, and to avoid death by humiliation I managed to clamber on. Bless this patient horse! How could I possibly not have him after he put up with that ordeal? I have to admit, though, I was a little worried they might have changed their minds about me. Thankfully not, and now priority number one – mounting block training!
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.