Air Ambulance

Today Buddy and I headed off to Geldeston for the BRC SJ Qualifiers.

After making the Champs last year by turning up (when the rest of the team were amazing), I was determined to do better this year. We’ve been working so hard on our jumping and are definitely seeing improvements.

On arrival, I heard the ground was hard, slippery and causing some issues. Walked the course and it felt firm but there was still a bit of spring in it. It seemed a really nice course. This team competition is run over two rounds. The first round was 80cm. The second one at 85cm and had 4 more jumps. I was feeling confident as we warmed up.

My confidence was well founded. Buddy stormed round the course for a super clear. I brought him back to trot for the bit that seemed the most slippy. Came out with a huge smile.

Then the day took a sad turn when one of my team mates had a nasty fall. The competitions were suspended while we waited for first an ambulance, then the air ambulance.

With Buddy safely back at the Buddymobile and munching away, I went back to check on her. I sat with her for over an hours stroking her hair and doing my best to keep her calm. She was in a lot of pain.

Thankfully when the air ambulance arrived, they gave her serious sedation so she could be transported. We did feel that it was a bit ironic when as a riding club we are raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. This is why!

After she was safely on her way to the N&N, the competition recommenced. I wanted to do the second round. I felt I had to. So warmed Buddy up again. There had been a number of withdrawals so didn’t have too much time to think about it before it was our turn.

It wasn’t the best round we’ve ever done. Halfway round, the previous 1.5 hours hit me. Buddy had switched off a bit in the break too and I know I didn’t ride very well. I burst into tears as I left the Arena.

Christ knows how but, we ended up with 6th place individually.

We all know the risk we take when we ride a horse. The love, enjoyment and partnership built outweighs that risk. But days like today remind me how it can go. So I’m focusing on the wonderful clear round we had, the camaraderie shown and the amazing support from our emergency services.