It’s a real shame that the event was unable to run at Thornton Watlass due to new tree planting but Breckenbrough made a great replacement.
Our dressage warm up went well but unfortunately when it came time to our test H decided that the white plant pots surrounding the arena were in fact Horse eating aliens so our test was rather flawed each time we had to go past them. However, surprisingly it wasn’t our worst score but 37 was still disappointing especially considering how well he’s been going.
We had very tight times so by the time we put on some boots for jumping we were ready to head over to the SJ. H was really pinging n the warm up and this continued through the first half of the course. However, half way round his jumping attitude changed and he started to chip in strides (very unlike H) and we ended up having the last three down. I came out really disappointed and a little worried as I could tell something was off with H. But the reasoning for the poles became apparent when we were checking studs and debating what to do….it turns out my poor boy had spun his shoe 180 degrees. Two nails were pointing into his sole/ frog area and in spinning the shoe the inside of his foot had also pretty much gone.
A quick trip to the farrier and a vet check proved useful as it sorted the problem and showed that H was much happier and sprightly. From the farrier/vets advice we decided to run XC and just pull up if he was still not happy.
But I’m happy to report that he was back to his usual self and did an easy XC clear (bar the last two fences where he dragged me into them so we didn’t particularly jump them stylishly!).
In the end we finished 15th so once again flawed by the show jumps but at least this time I know its not entirely due to him wanting to bash the poles out! And I guess I’m also lucky that we had such rotten luck on a day where we weren’t dressage diva’s (it would have been gutting if we’d got a sub 30 test and then had that luck!).
But I'd seriously like to know when our luck going to change this season (although I am happy we are both in one piece which I know isn't a case for some others at the moment) ?!?!?!
I’m also happy to report that H has come out fine, his hoof needs a fair bit of putty and lots of oil but he’s ready to rock and roll towards his next event!
Below is a video of the first 8 fences X