The last few months have been really trying. With 2015 already in full swing, I had entered 5 competitions for the year so far. I was itching to get back out and compete and our training with Kirsten was coming along brilliantly. BSP and I were closer than ever before in our flat work and he was getting stronger and I was able to learn how to balance and support him more. I was so excited.
And then he went and cut himself.
I got a text message from this owners stating he’d caught himself in the fence and the vet had been, stitched him up and not to worry. I went over to see him and he was all bandaged up and although sore, he seemed to be rather happy.
BSP’s family went away for ten days and I offered to take care of him and change his bandage and it was the most wonderful ten days. It was like he was my horse and I was able to fuss over him. The wound was looking pretty good. I called the vet and asked how long he may be out of work and, after consultation, I withdrew from 4 comps and decided to see how he went. When his owners returned, the vet came back out to check on him and all was going well.
After 5 weeks I got the go ahead to ride and I booked in a 30 minute assessment lesson with my coach to see how he was. Friday morning, I received another text. BSP had re opened the wound and cut himself up even more! I was devastated.
So, knowing he was not going to be well enough for TTT Combined Training, I put the word out asking if anyone had a horse I may borrow for the event and the Police and Emergency Services games. The only problem I had was not finding another horse, I was offered quite a few by my amazing horsey friends, but getting graded before the entries closed, so I picked a pony that was close to home. Thankfully, an assessor was able to meet me on Sunday morning and I now have a new pony to ride at the event, called Sprite. He’s 14hh and a Palomino Paint. If nothing else, we will look spectacularly pretty! The organisers have accepted the change of horse and I cannot wait to get out and have some fun!
My Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team (WFDRT) team has also taken off like a rocket and we are now linked in with many councils and have been blessed to partner with them and the Lions Need for Feed group in Pakenham. We were donated 100 bales of hay to assist the farmers in and around Kyneton who were affected by fire earlier this year and the Lions Need for Feed volunteers kindly transported it for us from Hazlewood North. I was SO proud when we unloaded that hay! The following day, I was back with them on their donation hay run to Euroa and it was a wonderful feeling to help those in need.
This Wednesday, I will be speaking on Talking Horses in Western Australia about the WFDRT and I have also been invited to present at the next Australian Horse Industry Council meeting in March.
The Police and Emergency Services games are on at Werribee in April and I will be riding Sprite as part of the CFA. I am very exited as last year I had to scratch BSP due to a tendon injury.
Setbacks are hard and frustrating but they teach you a lot about patience and love and they can also open new doors.
Until next time, follow your heart and your dreams. Never give up.
Jenna, BSP and Sprite xxxx
