I didn’t realise a corner meant a pirouette!

It’s been a while since my last post, and I think the main horsey thing to report is that the cob can now do a walk pirouette…although it wasn’t a deliberate movement.

The cob is a very clever horse, actually, she believes she can see the future and read minds…and that can make schooling a tiny bit difficult. So, how did the pirouette come about…I asked her to ride a good corner…

We school on a patch of sand in one of the fields. It’s not huge and not exactly level, but it does the job. However, the size and gradient does mean that you choose your places to canter carefully. To be honest, there are two corners I canter in…and the cob knows this. So, what she likes to do is cut off the corner and canter. I don’t allow her to cut off the corner as we don’t have enough space to ignore large parts of it, and, also, she should know better. So, we approached the corner in walk with the aim of walking by without a canter transition, and she started cutting it. Anyway, this, somehow changed to a really good walk pirouette, and we were facing the other way. In shock, we walked on, I applied the correct aids for a walk pirouette…and blow me, she did it again.

Admittedly, this did not solve the corner problem, only some 15 minutes later could we trot a nice (ish) corner without throwing all our toys out the pram, but, all the same, I was rather chuffed.

I think she may regret this move, as I found my ‘dressage for the young rider’ book and, whilst neither of us are particularly young, I have my eye on a piaffe!

…and a business blog too!

Just to let you know that whilst I’ll be keeping this blog for horsey ramblings, I’ve also started a business blog. It might sound a bit arrogant, but I get asked a lot of questions by people via social media and email, so I thought I’d share the answers. Anyway, it’s http://rheafreemanpr.tumblr.com/

You’ll notice it’s a Tumblr blog rather than WordPress. I’ve been asked about Tumblr recently and whilst I’ve been doing a lot of reading, the best thing to do with these things (well, I find anyway) is to embrace them…so here goes!

Hope you like it…

Well, it’s been emotional…

As I type this I’m listening to the Radio Badminton replay of the moment that Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision won Badminton Horse Trials…I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s a bit choked.

I feel like I jumped each fence with Mark, actually, I feel like I’ve jumped a few riders this afternoon. I am delighted that Mark’s won, but I also have huge respect for all the riders who completed…well, actually, all who competed.

I’m a big fan of Mark, but I also have huge admiration for Piggy. Mary, I feel, is an amazing ambassador for the sport- I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. I really liked Sam Griffiths’ ride Happy Times after watching his dressage on Saturday and there’s the amazing Lenamore who looks like the kind of horse I could get on with. Laura did a superb job- yes, she’s a younger rider, but oozes talent, class and skill- I think she’s one to watch for the not too distant future. I adore Opposition Buzz. He has the most gorgeous expression on his face like he knows exactly what he’s doing and simply loves it- Nicola’s an amazing pilot too. Then there’s Marina on the gorgeous mare I’d like to own, and the fabulous Andrew Nicholson who makes cross country look easy.

Well, I’m exhausted after jumping all those showjumping rounds…although with my form showjumping, and the skill those riders have, I’m confident that they didn’t need my help!

Brilliant Badminton

I think that it’s fair to say that I am not the only one who was glued to the TV during yesterday’s Badminton cross country…and what an exciting few hours it was.

I ‘ooohhh’ ed when there were near misses, felt a little choked when delighted riders passed the finish line and heard the crowd scream, and was just amazed by the partnerships that were witnessed yesterday afternoon.

Of course, there are usually a few ‘thrills and spills’, and my thoughts are with those who are injured, especially Elizabeth Power who was taken to hospital. I’m keeping everything crossed that she makes a full and speedy recovery. I’m also hoping that the horses who were hurt do too- the ones that stuck out for me were Bee Diplomatic and Karen O’Connor’s rider Mandiba. They were the two horses I saw (on the TV) show signs of pain but, I also thought that the Badminton team and the rider’s were incredibly efficient with the way that both horse and rider were dealt with. Whilst watching at home is great, you don’t see all the falls, so if I have missed anyone I am sorry. I was particularly impressed with Nicola Wilson who very quickly established her horse was lame, hopped off and examined his leg to see what had happened…I think he was still moving at the time. For those who think that riders don’t care about their horses, this was just one of the many examples throughout the day that, in my opinion, prove that they really really do, although I knew this already.

I loved seeing the riders cross the finish line, give their horses a huge pat, kiss them on dismount (often while the horse was still moving) and start attending to their post cross country needs. That’s how it should be, horse and rider work as a team…and we all saw some amazing team work yesterday.

A couple of horses that really stood out for me were Westwood Poser and Gwendolen Fer’s horse Leria Du Ter. Both of these horses seem to love their job and are very much on their game, even when something goes a little off plan. This could be a slight misjudgment in a stride, or, as in Leria Du Ter’s case, a big stumble in the water, followed by a beautiful jump.

I thought it was great to see so many first timers out, not only completing, but doing really well. Laura Collett is one of these riders, who’s in sixth place after cross country.

Now we start to talk about the leader board. It’s headed by the amazing Mark Todd- and, in my opinion, he really is amazing. I have met Mark and NZB Land Vision a few times and they have a great bond. Mark’s horses seem to love him, they must feel that they are in safe hands….so could it be Mark’s year? In second place is the horse I’d like to add to any imaginary eventing stable, Calma Schelly. I love mares, and a mare that’s on your side is something else. I thought this horse was just lovely, seemed to get on with the job, looked pleased and covered the ground well. Third at the moment is that stunning Opposition Buzz and Nicola Wilson. I love this combo too. There’s something about that clever black horse that I adore. It would be great for Nicola to win, they are an awesome combination and deserve to do really well. Fourth is Andrew Nicholson. Andrew is magic to watch cross country and was one of the few to finish inside the time. To be fair, I enjoyed every second of the TV coverage yesterday (OK, apart from the falls) and I thought everyone did an amazing job. Their skill precision, dedication and everything else made me feel all warm and fuzzy- and I can’t wait to see the finale later today.

I’d also like to apologise to my mother-in-law for being late for dinner- sadly the Badminton coverage overran slightly, and was just too good to miss!

Can’t stand the heat…

I’m very awkward in my approach to the weather- when it’s wet and cold, I moan, and when it’s sunny and hot, I moan too. There’s a window of a few days when I say that the weather is truly lovely…so, why is the sun a reason to moan?

I was very into the sun when it first appeared after its winter holiday but, since that time, the ground has become rather solid and as we’re on clay, it’s cracked too. When I ride in this heat, I seem to let the horses get away with, well, I wouldn’t say murder, but I feel bad pushing them when they are sweating as much as I am! The ground’s an issue for faster work and jumping because of my concussion based concerns, and I burn, like bacon, when the sun appears and I am unprepared!

I also have a thought that keeps whizzing around my head about the hay harvest for 2011- what’s it going to be like if this weather continues? Will hay cost more than this year? Will it be as difficult to get hold of?

I’m not sure of anyone’s capable of predicting hay harvest and the weather. Well, OK, forecasters have a good go with the latter- but I’m sure you know what I mean. What are your thoughts- when do I need to learn how to raindance?

Who else has the Badminton App?

There’s no denying that I am a huge eventing fan, and one of the events that I particularly look forward to is Badminton Horse Trials.

I was excited when the entries were published, and when the running order made it online…so you can imagine my delight when I found out about the Badminton App.

So, I had a look and tried to download it- my phone needed an update and then, third time lucky, it worked like a dream and it is so informative. It’s packed full of information already, so I can’t wait to see what it will be like when the horse trials are on- can you imagine?!

I love (oh yes) the Badminton App for lots of reasons. I’m going to the event on Saturday, but won’t be there for the cross country or showjumping…but now I will be able to stay up to date wherever I am…even if that is at a family lunch. I also love the App because it is SO good- it shows to the world that the equestrian industry are forward thinking, capable people. Yes, we all love our horses BUT we are there with technology too…

The great news is that I’m not the only one that loves it- and I hear it’s on its way up the App charts. Well done Badminton- I’m even more excited now!

For those who want to download the App, here’s the link to the Badminton blog with information about downloading it…
http://blog.badminton-horse.co.uk/2011/04/badminton-2011-theres-app-for-that.html

We have trimmers!

Just a very quick note about my disproportional excitement about the trimmers I have purchased.

As the days are getting longer and the sand area I call a school has started to dry up, I need to get schooling, with the hope, everything crossed, of actually taking the horses to a competition. We know our limits- just a couple of prelims would keep me very happy…of course, I’d like to win, but I don’t think that’s going to happen!

However, the cob has grown a full blown beard this year and the young horse, who is half cob, has a goatee. Although I think that equine facial hair is cute when they are at home, when the young horse misbehaves, I don’t want to be referred to a ‘did you see that woman trying to control the horse with a goatee’. No, I have my pride to think of, I’d much rather, ‘did you see that woman trying to control that skewbald with an attitude problem’. Sounds so much better, don’t you think?

So, the trimmers have been purchased and I am planning to do some trimming this weekend. I have, however, already tested them in the dog. Only slightly. I have always been tempted to do a hunter clip on our lurcher but as I think there is a fair to good chance my husband would be seriously cross, I’ve just trimmed some stray hairs on her stomach…and they worked well.

If they work half as well on the cob’s ‘Santa Claus’ I’ll be delighted…

Poorly horse- part deux

Are we all OK after the cliffhanger?  Good- I’ll continue…

So, the cob was looking even worse post her veterinary treatment.  She wouldn’t leave the field shelter.  To make matter more challenging, the other horse who, can be a bit of a hooligan but has a heart of gold, wouldn’t leave her side.  So there were two horses in the field shelter when there was a perfectly good field to mooch around and eat from…but that wasn’t to be.

I kept a careful eye on her for the rest of the day, she stopped sweating and seemed a bit brighter.  She needed to be injected that night, then the following morning and then every other morning until we had used up the bottle.  We gave her hay which she ate and kept prodding the lump in the hope that it may have gone down.  She seemed very ill all of a sudden which, given her bravery was a massive worry.  She’s a seriously tough creature and has overcome a lot…so to be this ill from some silly infection from eating a spiky plant was not sitting well with me.

The next day came and she still wouldn’t leave her field shelter.  My injection instructions based on the vet’s advice, the study of my numerous veterinary books and a few YouTube clips seemed to work well and the antibiotics were in.  But there was so much saliva- I’ve never seen anything like it before.  It had the consistency of wallpaper paste and when she opened her mouth, there was a film of it.  Large lumps of saliva would cover the concrete pad outside her house…this wasn’t good at all.  I don’t know what I was expecting.  I knew that she wouldn’t be fixed in 24 hours, but I didn’t expect her to go the other way so I called the vet.  I tried to speak to them and was told that they would call me back…they did and I explained the situation in great, almost graphic detail.  I suggested that it was like being in an episode of Noel’s House Party in the tank when all that horrible gunge cascaded down.  It wasn’t green gunge, but clear was pretty unpleasant to be honest.  He said I could just monitor her and call again in the morning if I’d rather or he could come out.  Needless to say he came out again.  He had a further poke around in her mouth and took her temp.  It was 102, which was progress, but she was still poorly.  The poor vet also got covered in saliva.  She had some more painkillers into her neck, and I was given powder antibiotics and Bute to give her too.  There was a fair amount of equine drugs knocking around the feed room, all of which were due to go into the cob one way or the other.  The vet had said that he wanted to come and check on her on Monday unless I felt we needed attention sooner than that.  She made steady progress and on Monday her temp was back to normal again, so I was told to stop all drugs.  Which I did.

By Wednesday, we had taken a sharp step backwards.  There was still the drool and she still hadn’t even tried to graze- which for any horse, let alone a cob, is seriously worrying.  I phoned the vet (again) and explained the situation and asked what we could do.  We agreed to put her back on Bute to see if it helped, but also the words ‘horse hospital’ and ‘specialist’ were mentioned…oh dear.

After two days on her Bute, she started to graze again and the volume of saliva decreased.  It was another three days before I had the guts to knock her down to one sachet a day, and another two days before we went down to one.  Yes, I was being pathetic, but I just wanted her to start grazing properly in the hope that when all the Bute was gone, even if it hurt a bit, she’d carry on.  I was trying to think like a horse, which was a bit challenging…

So, she came off her Bute and touch wood, well, touch everything that has ever been associated with luck or good fortune, she seems to be OK now.  She’s back to being her delightful, bossy, opinionated self…and is rarely in the field shelter- I think she’s making up for lost time…

Poorly horses

It feels like I haven’t blogged for ages- and indeed that appears to be the case, but anyone who follows me on Twitter will be fully up to date as to why.  The short reason- a poorly horse.

My cob, who is my pride and joy, has been quite ill…and the most concerning part about it was that no one knew why or how.  I’d been noticing she was ‘quiet’ in the field.  Not madly quiet, just not grazing as much as the other horse and spending more time snoozing in the sunshine than anything else.  I’d also noticed that, occasionally, she would have a sort of ‘ribbon’ of saliva hanging from her mouth.  She was still eating her hard feed and hay…although she wasn’t even trying to eat the apples it contained  This did seem strange and, whilst I am more than happy (well, not more than happy but you know what I mean) to call the vet when required, calling to say ‘my horse isn’t eating her apples, what could be wrong with her?’ is neurotic, even by my standards.

Anyway, she was quiet for a few days but, as I said, nothing dramatic.  I rode her at the weekend and she was fabulous, I’d almost go as far to say she was lively.  She ate her treats after her ride but she was still a bit quiet.  On Monday, even more so…and that’s when I spotted it.  She’s a VERY hairy cob and whilst she had been examined many times, it was on Monday (at about 9.30pm which makes it even worse) that I realised she had a rather strange lump under her jaw.  The lump was quite soft but it was evident that when I pressed on it, it was uncomfortable.  I watched her eat and her jaw wasn’t moving as it should be…something was definitely wrong.

After scouring the internet and posting via Twitter and Facebook, I was no closer to a solution.  Various ideas were thrown into the mix with each one researched and discounted.  Don’t get my wrong, this makes me sound ungrateful for the tweets and responses I received and I am not.  I was very grateful.  Everyone gave me something to think about and to quiz the vet on the next day.  It’s great to be able to connect with horsey people and their advice and thoughts were really helpful.

So, 8.30am, I called the vet.  The website said the vets opened at 8.30am but apparently not- the emergency vet told me to call back in 15 minutes which I did.  They said they would call me when they had sorted out the appointments.  They didn’t, I called them, but I digress…I can sense a customer service/website info/PR rant coming on..but that isn’t the point of this blog.  The vet came out at 1ish, by which time the cob had decided not to leave her field shelter.

The cob, thank goodness, understands vets.  I wouldn’t say she likes them, but she understands their purpose and usually does her very best to behave.  The young horse doesn’t understand them on any level- I mean, why would someone who you only see once a year march over and stab you and leave?  He has a point…but when you’re being dragged around the drive it doesn’t feel like it.  Anyway, I digress, so, the cob is a superstar, vet looks at her, takes her temp…it’s 103.  This is not going well.  He examines her lump, he looks in her mouth, she’s getting quite irate and lets out this awful noise- between a scream and a neigh…and the other horse turns up.  He manages to keep a safe distance whilst keeping an eye on the situation- but both horses were seriously unimpressed.  I’m told it’s an infection- she must have eaten something sharp and it’s gone in under her tongue and got all infected.  The vet injects her with a pain killer and anti-inflammatory, stabs her with some antibiotics and asks me if I can inject her for the next five days.  In theory, I can inject horses- I know how it works, but I just couldn’t do it to the cob…but luckily that’s what husbands are for…I couldn’t cope, well, more precisely, my bank balance couldn’t cope, with five more vets visits for something I could, I mean ‘we’ could, do ourselves.

So, the vet left and I had a lot of drugs for the cob.  I decided to leave her alone for a little while, as she was clearly quite cross about the whole thing, but when I went to see her a bit later, she seemed worse, sweaty, huffing and puffing, dribbling a lot, and just very out of sorts.  I assumed that she was more poorly than we had thought…she’s SO brave that she gives very little away.  I admit, this is an admirable quality, but not helpful when you’re trying to administer treatment and assess the level of the problem…

As I have rambled on for a bit now, I’m going to post this and work on the final installment, a lot like a great episode of something…to be continued…

I would like you to know though…she’s fine now, so don’t panic…more to follow.

 

A brilliant time at BETA

Every February the British Equestrian Trade Association put on a great show for the trade called BETA International. It’s at the NEC, which isn’t a million miles away from my neck of the woods, and with a number of clients having stands at this event it is my job, no, an obligation to attend, chat, look at lovely products and assemble a list of things I want, no, things I need for my two.
There were a great number of things to note from this year’s BETA. Seeing Martin Clunes was one, doing a bit of filming in Horse & Country TV’s video pod another. The fashion show was quite something with some particularly ‘funky’ dance moves coming from the Airowear scene…I’ll see if I can find the YouTube clip for you. I also met up with a number of people I converse with on Twitter and Facebook, and met with magazines to talk about what they are up to for the next year. Of course, these chats have a habit of going a bit off course and I distinctly remember conversations about swans, tattoos and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
I was also rather proud of the fact that I had managed to get myself to the NEC and back on both days without getting seriously lost…and I didn’t lose the car this year either- two massive improvements on previous years.
As ever, there were some amazing new products on display, and the Innovation Awards provided a look at what’s going to be ‘hot’ this year…I can’t wait to see the items hit the shelves…

Here’s the Airowear vid…enjoy!