Time has no regulations, it comes and goes, leaving us to clatter about among its detritus.
I haven’t been out but a handful of times. The weather has been shite. Mud everywhere, floods, gales and dank dark days. Now, the days are beginning to show signs of lengthening, darkness being pushed back, lovely to see the portents of Spring rising from Mother Earth. Daffodils, Snowdrops and the loud urgent noises of birds.
Toby, when he was three, when saddled and in hand, suddenly went down, front legs splayed, he went right down on his stomach.
I managed to pull on the lead rope, and he came back up, since then nothing, however about six months ago, he started doing it again. He’d be trailered to a ride, saddled and ready to go? And then down he’d go. I caught him by tugging the lead rope, he came back up immediately.
Two weeks ago,he did this same thing and I didn’t catch him in time, he cut his knees and went down on his side.
Now despite all this he never goes down when ridden. We have done some long rides and his transitions are great, walk trot canter all good.
So today, I went to the best vet in our area, and laid out the case. After examination and tests, in the final analysis Toby has a neurological problem.
He does not have any musculature issues, no skeletal issues, or sight issues, no back problems, or anything else. It appears that when he goes backwards, this is where the disconnect is with his brain and his back legs.
I can live with this, as he can, we will manage it, and as there is nothing we can do, we will get on with rides.
My vets final words were, ” take him home ride him.”
So, we will avoid backups and stuff, anyway who needs to reverse!
Sunday 14th May 2023, I awoke to a sun bright day. Stunning start, my friend and I travelled to Kershope Forest, and without much ado, we were off.
The dogs were in fine firm, scurrying here and there, sniffing and snorting in every bush, grass tussock and beck.
The horses felt the spring, and responded by being agile and full of go, it was great to feel the response.
We covered a good 15 miles, the temperature rose to a delightful 72 degrees, warmest it’s been since last year.
I for one thoroughly enjoyed our ride, Lynne smiled the whole way round, we finished with hot coffee and sandwiches. Freshly brewed coffee!
Great day.
The weather has finally broken. So it was Boots and Saddles, and off to begin again, the fittening of both horses. It’s quite shocking what three weeks standing in a field, will do.
Despite the previous months of rain, now that we have an Easy wind, the ground will soon dry.
Just eight miles, dogs an’all, a fantastic rude, loads of hills and dales.
Just love these horses.
Been a while, anyway it’s just a catch up.
Taken while filming in Scotland, way back in 2019. Love that photo.
Casey had his first Trail Ride today, his company was Toby. Just a short 9 miles, Casey did well. Toby was just Toby, calm and tranquil.
We had a great four days filming up in Scotland, near Loch Muick,just a few miles from Breamar. It was the backend of September 2019, the weather was exceptional, and the company was just cool!…. TOGG did her usual stuff performing for the cameras. This Old Man, loved it, what can you say?
Old Man and a Horse 