Monday, May 21, 2007

racehorse to riding horse

is a competition for ex racehorses - only qualification is that they have been in training. My mate took their ex hurdler (ran 4 times over hurdles) to Osbaldeston for a heat yesterday and came 6th. She asked me to go - it turned into a ladies day out (apart from the horse, the only male about and he is a gelding...my mate, the breeder, a teenager from the village who grooms for them, and me....) We thought it was the best of the bunch, the idea being to produce a riding horse, not a show horse... the rest were show. It was the only one ridden in a snaffle, the rest were in pelhams, and it was the only one that was lean and fit ....one entry was 22, and last raced (point to point) at 14.....

but we were so pleased with my friends horse. it was the first of this sort of competition he'd done and he didn't put a single foot wrong. we weren't over keen on the riding judge .... hunt style rather than my friend's smooth as silk ....

and I stayed over last night, we didn't get back till nearly 9 and were pleased to get back then!

So All molly got yesterday was fed, but did a little bit of groundwork tonight until someone else came in to school ridden, and since we were arguing again about going right i just did until she actually did go right and then left it at that.

I think tomorrow I might tack up and long line... in my shorts though! still not right to put jodhpurs on unfortunately, although it does all seem to be subsiding, albeit slowly! appointment at doctor on Thursday morning before work.

and max is definitely confirmed for 4th & 5th June, really looking forward to that... hope my legs better by then .... i suppose as a one off i could ride wearing shorts if it isn't....

and back in the office this morning our receptionist was back after a week off sick, so i asked how she was and what had been the matter... her horse had died, been found dead in the field! horrid, but i guess it was heart attack and it'll have gone out happy ...

2 comments:

Jean said...

Hard to say what the judges want in those kind of classes. Might have been just the way the horses moved rather than their manners. Still, your friend should be quite proud. A fellow that raced until 14 has a long history to overcome and she has done an admirable job. Congratulations!!

Get those legs better for Max. So good to here the clinic dates are confirmed. You've come so far with Molly, this may just be the little extra push you need to get you to the next level.

Jean said...

My proufound sympathy for your receptionist. I lost my PJ the same way in October, so I know what a shock it can be.

Our horses bless us with their lives and generous hearts. We are priviledged to be their caretakers. We must remember the happy days together and cherish the love and companionship we shared. Saying goodbye is never easy, your horse is always with you in your heart. Someday you will remember him with a smile in place of the tears.