4/7/24
Hi everyone,
Hope you’re having a great summer with your horses. I've had a bit of a mixed one so far, so I thought I'd sit down for 5 minutes and write the next part of my blog.
Johnny and I have been continuing with our flat work which hasn't improved much, so I have decided to take him across to see my friend and show producer Jackie Williamson at Solway Sports Horses. She has helped me with Johnny over the past few months with lessons on how to ask for more extension, suppleness and bend. Following our recent visit we noticed that Johnny was a little short on his near fore every now and again, but not lame. So we decided a physio session would be the best course of action. Lyndsay Adamson Equine to the rescue...
Johnny was lunged then ridden while Lyndsay filmed him so she could keep records for future treatment. She noticed he wasn't keen to cross his near hind underneath him on a circle, so suggested he may be compensating for this somewhere. With further examination she found he has a very tight pelvis with little rotation, so we worked on loosening this up with massage, pulse unit and various other fancy machines, with lots of exercises and stretching to follow. She was happy with the end result and on completion of treatment, Johnny was a lot happier and able to carry himself much better.
A few days off was recommended which tied in nicely with my trip to the Royal Highland Show to groom. He was put out in the field and off I went north to Edinburgh with four horses on board and a busy schedule ahead. A fantastic first day was had with three wins, a reserve champion and a 4th place. The reserve champion went forward late afternoon for the cuddy which is where my trip turned into a small disaster! Red as he is known at home - the in-hand hunter - went beautifully but wasn't called forward. On heading back to the stables we had a small incident with a dog. After a trip to the on-site doctor’s office I was told I had a possible broken toe. Not ideal for day 2. I was told to rest as much as possible and wear loose fitting footwear.
Another great day was had on day 2 with another good performance for 4th in the large riding horse class.
Arriving home and having settled the horses into their stables, I headed to Carlisle Hospital for an x-ray. Having spent 6 hrs in the waiting area with a very swollen foot and a large bruise I was told I had indeed broken my toe and had an infection. I’m now on antibiotics and painkillers back home and I am having to take it easy for a few days.
My doctor has said that as long as I am careful I can still attend my next planned trip out with Johnny to camp at Emma Carmicheal’s, Todburn in 2 weeks. I'm fortunate to have some great people around me who have looked after Johnny whilst I was away and now home with my foot up. Accidents happen and its part of the joys of horse ownership. Thankfully my injury is minor, but we need to remember these are animals who have a fight or flight instinct. It could have been much worse but I'm glad to say I'm ok.
Much love jess and Johnny. X
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