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Now, this will be a little long, the length being determined by how
upset I am. Background first. I am a fairly new rider. I started
riding about 2 years ago and bought my horse (8 yr old Arab) 1.5
years ago. He had dressage training (Training Level) no trail ex-
perience. Afraid of H2O, butterflies, and stumps. We've worked hard.
He now drinks from every puddle or stream, he'll go through anything,
he hardly ever spooks, he's wonderful!! I've fallen a lot, mostly
landed on my feet (ALWAYS wear a helmet), got 1 black eye (actually,
I broke my face, the whole side was black) due to a head toss but no
other terrible injuries. People said "green horse/green rider, bad
combo" but I loved him and we've both survived. We ride alone most
of the time but like company when we can get it. Frankly, it's taken
a lot of courage on both our parts but I think we are decent trail
riders now.
We tried our first ride 26 April, 15 miles in VT. Not an ECTRA
sanctioned ride but a good start for us. People warned us about the
hills and the hard packed dirt road but we went and he did well.
We scored 93/100, placed 6th, ahd lots of time to spare and walked
the last 2 miles.
We went the next day on a 25 mile pleasure ride in Eastern MA with no
problem. This weekend we tried our first 25 mile, ECTRA sanctioned
ride (In Eastern MA). I was so proud. He did so well. We rode with
a seasoned rider/horse. We had to canter to keep up, our extended
trot is still developing. We did the first 5 miles in about 30-35
min to keep up (our partners set the pace). We were good at the lunch
break (P&R 44/16). It startes to rain for the last 10 miles. Got in
to camp and put a cooler on the horse and got him under as much shelter
as I could. Waited FOREVER for P&R. They are supposed to be done
within 20 min but due to some confusion (maybe it was the pouring
rain?) it took 45 min to get someone to do our P&R. The poor ponies
had to stand in the rain (so did we). We were afraid to walk them or
anything since P&R were due any moment. Did well (40/12) but got
called to trot off just as P&R person was done. No chance to walk
a little. He troted off and the judge/vet called us on lameness. He
was short-striding on his right hind. I was so upset. The vet/judge
did not explain at all. I thought my horse was dead lame and was very
upset. Thought it was my fault and he was dead lame and i hadn't even
noticed due to inexperience. I just wanted to die. My partner,
however , and another vet rider watched and said not to worry, he was
only slightly off and it was not a "real" problem.. I will say that,
although the judge/vet was fair, she could have been a little more
sensitive. I wasn't wearing a scarlet "R" for rookie but I know
it was on my sheet. She was rather curt. I don't know and don't want
to condemn. We all have bad days and no one was enjoying the rain.
Still, a kind word or explanation to a newbe would have been nice. I
really do try very hard.
Anyway, I had a wonderful time riding, even in the rain. My horse was
soooo good. I thought for a rookie horse he did excellently. Others
said the judge was very strict (I was not the only one pulled). I
did not get a completion. I did not officially "do" the 25 miles.
All of that is not why I am upset. What worries me is my horse. I
had him checked when I got back to be safe and he has no swelling
on his legs at all. The muscles in his stifle area were sore. That's
it. I've been told he'll be fine in a few days, just work him lightly.
What did I do wrong? Is he just not meant for this sport? I won't
ask him to do it if it isn't safe for him. He really takes care of
me. Never leaves me if I fall. Never goes too fast if he feels me
as uncertain. He's a wonderful horse, I love him and don't want to
hurt him. He'd do it for me if I sak. He's all heart. I'm schduled
for several more rides this season but I don't know if I should
pull or not. Did he get too cold? Was it the borium on his back
shoes? Should I ride alone so I can set a slower pace (since we ride
alone a lot, I know he'd do it for me)? How do I strengthen that
muscle without injurying him? I'm not sure what to do at this point.
Mostly I need to decide whether it is fair for me to ask him to do
this sport or whether he has an underlying weakness that makes the
sport unsafe for him. I am so bummed and yet, I am really thrilled
with the fact that we did (as far as I am concerned ) finish 25 miles.
I didn't fall off. I felt fine and could have gone on. He seemed
fine yesterday. I worked him lightly. He short-strided a little
at the trot at first but seemed fine later. He wanted to move and I
had to work to keep him at a walk/trot. (Yes, of course we were
riding alone in the woods but I do carry a cell phone and wear a
helmet) Any suggestions?
Libbie and her arab Jamil who is no longer afraid of the butterflies
and who could now drink a lake dry. At least we have accomplished
something :-(
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