The past three weeks have been very educational, I have learnt a little more about myself and about my horses.
Three weeks ago, on getting ready to go out on a nice quiet hack with Tim, I got on Rocky and something happened, the lad exploded, throwing me off. Unfortunately I got mangled up under his legs. The result was some grazes and a bruises as well as a broken left fibula.
On leaving A&E and being told no riding for three weeks, Tim said he could see I was plotting. In the 30mins it took to get home, I had already sent a text to Patrick and Corinne Murphy to see if Patrick would jump Harry at Hickstead the following Sunday. Text to Jess to ask her if she could help with horses. Called work and said, all being well will be in on Tuesday.
Monday was spent resting and making more phone calls to various specialists... none of whom would say "yes of course you can ride". However, Physio, Paul Massey (Physio for several Olympic athletes, said give it 10 days of rest, then start swimming, probably be able to ride in 14 or so days..I#d already told him of the regionals in three weeks..
Five days later I had a little sit on Harry, 7 days later I was slowly walking around Hickstead - cheering Patrick and Harry on - unfortunately 8 faults! 8 days later I took over the ground work which Fiona had started with Rocky, 10 days later I was sitting on Rocky.. not riding just sitting. 22 days later I was hacking and easy schooling with Harry and Rocky. 21 days later we competed at the Regionals at Keysoe. Ok it really wasn't our best performance - but we made it.... three weeks from the day of breaking my fibular, competing in the Novice Open section.. we did it.
23 days later my Physio gave me the go a head that I could start to ride again! I was honest and did admit to having started riding, raised eyebrows.. and I was allowed to go.. another physio check up in two weeks time...
As for Rocky - it was never his fault - a total misunderstanding and lack of confidence - something we are both learning. The Parrelli tools which Fiona has taught me and Rocky have become invaluable and something I will keep up. We have some plans to move things forward so that both Rocks and I feel happier about getting on in different situations, and we can then pick up where we left off.
