Broken Bones and Day Time TV

Thing had been progressing really well with Rocky, saddling up was becoming  alot more normal. We have our routine and I doubt it will ever change, so it came a massive shock on Sunday 24th July, to have tacked up and walked him about as per normal to then be dumped during  massive rodeo display the moment I asked him to walk off from the mounting block.

I sat the first, but the second was not the case and I fell under his legs.  Unfortunately in his panic to get away he managed to plant  couple of hind hooves on me, one on my hip and butt, and the other on my the side of my left knee.  I lay for a while whilst listening to Fiona, Tim and Jess sort out horses and get Rocky and Harry put away safely.  Boy, this hurts.  In true rider grit, I determindly got up, determined to get back on, but found myself feeling violently sick and sitting back down again.

After an amusing conversation with Tim who was determinded to clean my grazed elbow before anything else, Fiona made the decision that a visit to A&E was in order.  So off we trundled ... several swearing episodes and we arrived at Ashford A&E. 

Wheelchair and nurses out to help, all this fuss... then Tim kicks my foot, more swearing and cussing.  Seen extremely quickly.  Convinced that the xray would be a waste of time, I was totally shocked (more swearing and then the first tears) that it was confirmed my fibula was cracked clean through...

A great session was spent bartering with my consultant over how long before I could ride - Three weeks was the shortest time period we could get him down too, but he did say that basically as soon as it stopped hurting I could ride... well that is kind of what he said - my intrepretation. 

Monday was spent watching some ghastly daytime TV, Jeremy Kyle and Loose Women - Ouch sorry but that stuff is seriously bad.  Thankfully channel 280 had some top class (sarcastic tone) dressage from New Zealand - so I sat and judged that from the comfort of my bed.  I also spent time arranging riders for Harry for Hickstead, changing dates for Regionals, talking to physio who do team GB and getting exercises and suggestions from them - all good stuff.

Tuesday, I went to work... I was allowed to drive as its my left leg and I have an automatic.  Phew.
5 hours at work and totally knackered.... but since then have been at work to avoid day time TV.  I also went to snuggle horses from Wednesday onwards - what joy.

So, now its planning what to do with Rocky and to re-establish his confidence...

Busy Weekend

Well, the 16th July was the Team competition at Kent County  - the weather was vile, but we went along and were the path finders around the course - a good course - lots of long stretches which I should have pushed on a bit more, but we came home with 4 faults and 3 time faults - so time was tight.  Our team did well, finishing 7th overall.


On Sunday, we took Rocky up to Limes Farm for a very small unaffiliated SJ - entered the 70cm and did a clear, and then clear again in the jump off - finishing up 2nd.. what a star...

Saddles glore

Well, Rocky is now all grown up with his very own dressage and jumping saddle.  No more does he need to beg, steal or borrow. 

As a dressage saddle he has a Medium Wide Ideal Jessica, 17.5" in black, and as a jumping saddle he has a medium wide Black country GPJ.  What a lucky boy.  I love Black Country so am thrilled to have managed to get one to fit him as well (Harry has Black Country too).

Welcome Rocky Roberts

Its been a few weeks now since we lost Deli, and time hopefully will heal the pain I feel every night looking at her portrait besides the bed.   I still keep thinking she will come back having been out on loan or something similar. 

Anyway, a few weeks ago, a little (well may be not that little) bay gelding came to stay to see if he liked living at "Team Post House". Turns out he doesn't mind, and so he has come to stay permanently.  His name is Rocky and he has done "proper" eventing up to Novice level.  He is 8 years old by Welton Double Cracker out of an Advanced mare.  He was bred by Ellie Hughes and she competed him to Novice, but with her workload and having some higher level horses, she wanted to find him a new home.. and he's found one.

So, Welcome ROCKY ROBERTS!