It’s been 8 months since I have stopped to write and fill in the world about my Andy Pandy. I think I was at breaking point back in November, but looking at it now… it was only the beginning of what is proving to be a very long journey indeed.
December, January and February brought short days, rain and cold. Thinking back it was the best time for Andy to be stuck on box rest. Our routine was relentless: muck out, hay nets, change water, grooming, stretches, muscle stims, “controlled exercise”, more stretches, treat balls, likits, head torches, bedding, rugs, physio treatments, feed, vet visits, more stretching, more exercise… It was never ending, monotonous and draining. I’m sad to say that Andy was becoming a chore rather than an enjoyment, my rope burned hands could only take so much. Life as a whole was becoming very stressful. I was putting so much into a horse who was giving me very little in return. So a turning point was needed!
In January I left a very stressful job situation, it was both an uplifting and terrifying feeling- but my family was there to support me until I figured things out. So what better thing is there to do, than go on Holiday! My mum and I packed our bags and set off to Thailand to see my brother and have some family time.
Upon my return, everything took a turn for the best. I got the all clear to start riding! Although only walking, this was the biggest milestone Andy and I had hit. I also found a new job which was and still is an absolute dream.
So everyday once I’d plodded through Andys lengthy list of chores, I finally got to sit on my boy. Only 10 minutes at first, but soon 20, soon 30 soon an hour. After 8 weeks of dedicated walking fitness he was ready to trot and both the physio and vet gave him the all clear to do so. I felt Andy getting stronger every day and within 4 week he was telling me he was ready for the C word. After being given the go ahead that blissful day came. Just me and Andy, the fields ahead of us and I left him run. It wasn’t the canter I was used to, that of a small but fast thoroughbred, this canter was strong and powerful- I felt privileged to be riding such an amazing horse. As much as we both wanted to, we managed to contain things to a slow and steady pace and all too quickly we had reached the end of the field.
I’m so proud of Andy and how he continues to defy the odds. I decided it was time to bring him home, where he belonged. With a little bit of sleepy juice to take off the edge Andy and Orion finally met again among the grassy fields at home- and I haven’t separated them since! I was so excited, too excited to have Andy back home with me and couldn’t wait to jump on board- my first mistake…
Andy back home where he belongs!
I think Andy’s excitement equaled my own and lets say our first ride ended with us parting ways. I trust Andy, so much… I would jump on him bareback in the field and gallop him home and all of a sudden he had let me down, broken that trust. I couldn’t forgive him and with exams around the corner I turned him out and looked away for several weeks. I’m angry with myself for loosing my nerve, and its frustrating that its still in the back of my mind when I’m working with him today. After a few weeks in the field Andy came back in and we’ve started work again, slowly and from the beginning. He has been a star and foot perfect, I know we’ll be okay- but I just need a little bit of time..
I could never have imagined being at this point, back in the depths of winter it seemed like an impossible dream.. But here we are so who knows where we’ll be in another 6 months. You don’t need a New Year to make a fresh start and change the things you don’t like in life. You just need to be brave, know it will all work out and a beautiful sunrise…
A beautiful sunrise on Ko Yao Noi Island, Thailand
EquiMemories 