nikicb
Well-Known Member
..... but there have been lots of good things along the way!
Please note, all pictures taken by myself or friends if I am in the picture!
Looking back on this year there have been so many times when I have been ready just to give up completely, but here I am, still at it, and with new hopes for 2016.
We started out 2015 with Cam still off work, but with a come back planned. As you can see he was very stressed at the idea of a long holiday.....
He had a few ninja moments.....
I tried to take some pictures of my three boys together - seriously, why do I bother?
Cam was moving pretty well round the field for a horse who had been off work for many months.....
But sadly, despite a slow and steady rehab programme, he was not comfortable in his front feet after a few months back under saddle. The plan is to give him another year off and try again. I know I might be stupid and naive, but I still find it hard to believe that a horse who is only 8 can be so sound in the field and not under saddle. After another week this year spent as an inpatient, the vets have exhausted most diagnostic tools and really, other than isolating it to his front feet, cannot actually give me a diagnosis. This is not for the want of trying. My dedicated vet was in tears when she called me and was giving Cam hugs at the same time. My insurers (NFU) have been totally amazing and paid out around £7k across two years without question. But perhaps now is the time to stop throwing science at him and see what happens when he is allowed to be a horse. Whatever the outcome, he has a home for life with me so long as he is comfortable and still happy playing the fool.
In the meantime I have ridden many different horses this year. A friend's PSG schoolmaster - we played with changes - that was so much fun, but sadly no pictures. A wonderful weekend with some really good friends (who mostly just happen to be HHOers) riding across the Begwyns in Wales. If you are ever looking for an unguided trail with fabulous horses and spectacular scenery, look no further than FreeRein.
Riding in Montana:
Observing the ranch horses in Montana - this is one of my favourite pictures, there are loads more here if you are interested: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589186357887062.1073741919.253388098133558&type=3
I spent a few carefree days at Blair in September - the first time I had watched a 3DE from start to finish. A few pictures below, but many more here if you want to look: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.606602026145495.1073741921.253388098133558&type=3
My two older ponies are both doing well at the moment - 22 and 23 years old respectively.....
And finally, I have a new girl in my life - Cassie. I wasn't really sure that November was a good time to buy a horse, but hopefully we will spend the next couple of months getting to know each other, then head out and start competing.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, and a happy, peaceful and successful 2016. xxxx
Please note, all pictures taken by myself or friends if I am in the picture!
Looking back on this year there have been so many times when I have been ready just to give up completely, but here I am, still at it, and with new hopes for 2016.
We started out 2015 with Cam still off work, but with a come back planned. As you can see he was very stressed at the idea of a long holiday.....
He had a few ninja moments.....
I tried to take some pictures of my three boys together - seriously, why do I bother?
Cam was moving pretty well round the field for a horse who had been off work for many months.....
But sadly, despite a slow and steady rehab programme, he was not comfortable in his front feet after a few months back under saddle. The plan is to give him another year off and try again. I know I might be stupid and naive, but I still find it hard to believe that a horse who is only 8 can be so sound in the field and not under saddle. After another week this year spent as an inpatient, the vets have exhausted most diagnostic tools and really, other than isolating it to his front feet, cannot actually give me a diagnosis. This is not for the want of trying. My dedicated vet was in tears when she called me and was giving Cam hugs at the same time. My insurers (NFU) have been totally amazing and paid out around £7k across two years without question. But perhaps now is the time to stop throwing science at him and see what happens when he is allowed to be a horse. Whatever the outcome, he has a home for life with me so long as he is comfortable and still happy playing the fool.
In the meantime I have ridden many different horses this year. A friend's PSG schoolmaster - we played with changes - that was so much fun, but sadly no pictures. A wonderful weekend with some really good friends (who mostly just happen to be HHOers) riding across the Begwyns in Wales. If you are ever looking for an unguided trail with fabulous horses and spectacular scenery, look no further than FreeRein.
Riding in Montana:
Observing the ranch horses in Montana - this is one of my favourite pictures, there are loads more here if you are interested: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589186357887062.1073741919.253388098133558&type=3
I spent a few carefree days at Blair in September - the first time I had watched a 3DE from start to finish. A few pictures below, but many more here if you want to look: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.606602026145495.1073741921.253388098133558&type=3
My two older ponies are both doing well at the moment - 22 and 23 years old respectively.....
And finally, I have a new girl in my life - Cassie. I wasn't really sure that November was a good time to buy a horse, but hopefully we will spend the next couple of months getting to know each other, then head out and start competing.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, and a happy, peaceful and successful 2016. xxxx
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