It's been a really emotional few months. I've had to have my mare, Ria, put to sleep. She had been out for a few months to see if she would come sound again but, in fact, she got much worse. It was heartbreaking to watch her trying to hobble around. We brought her into the stables and after a few days it was apparent that she couldn't lie down in her stable so we let her out into a very small paddock and she immediately lay down and slept. When she tried to get up again she had to lurch around to get up without putting too much weight on her back legs. We called the vet and he quickly recommended that she should be put to sleep. It was very sad as despite the
pain that she was in she had remained so sweet and gentle. I was glad to let her go and get relief though.
On a more positive note; Baker is coming on really well. We scored 66.5% in a novice test last week and 61.47% in a Grade IV Para test as well, it is equivalent to an elementary test so I'm very pleased with him. When we get it all together he is really terrific - sadly - it's usually me who fails to get organised. He really surprised me last week though; the penultimate movement in the test was a rein back followed by collected trot along the centre line. His rein back was very crooked but then when I asked him to go forward into trot he almost did passage! Now - where did that come from? It was lovely to sit on but we lost marks as 'not required at this level'. Ah
well - at least we know that it is there if we ever need it.
My daughter is getting married in August so the horsebox is being a removal lorry this week. I'm really enjoying getting all dressed up - but how do I cover the bruises that I always have? Any little bump leads to a colourful mark and, of course, they are all on my forearms for now - exactly where they will be seen on the day. My dress is really lovely and I'm even going
to wear a hat! I'll let you know how it all goes.
