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!
After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.
This show almost passed me by as I was unaware of the show organisation. Luckily, the schedule was posted on one of the Shetland pony Facebook groups that I am a member of. The show was being held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, which is where I should have gone to a show a month or so earlier, but was ill and unable to take Diva (Melland Queen of Scots).
Since the show, Bob’s been enjoying a bit of a rest with a few lunge sessions and being lightly ridden, but I’m gearing him up hopefully for a show either this weekend or next. Wish us luck, and the poor arena pole pickers too, as he does like to send some sailing!