Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Oh my days, my legs were feeling the past two days this morning. I looked a bit like the love child of John Wayne and the Tin Man walking round! I wasn’t at my usual pace that’s for sure.
But then I rode for the longest I have in some time on Friday. And walked round a huge estate yesterday. Plus lots of driving. It’s kinda understandable why I’m feeling it.
I tried to pick jobs to do today that wouldn’t take much movement. One thing I did need to do was clean out the lorry from Friday. The last few times I’ve cleaned it out, I’ve gotten rather annoyed with my lorry brush. It really isn’t that effective. There’s usually a lot of huffing.
So today, I treated myself to a new lorry broom. I know! I’m just too good to myself.
It works a treat. The label made me laugh. Perfect for removing stubborn debris. Yup that could have been written about Buddy’s poo…
What a fabulous way to spend a Friday afternoon. Wandering through the forest with lovely friends and horses.
It’s been a long time since I came to Little Lodge. Last time was with Murphy so shows how long ago it was. Buddy was very happy to be out and about. Well when we got there. There was a hold up on the A11, so my sat nav rerouted us. Unfortunately it sent me on a magical mystery tour of Thetford Forest. Some very small, windy roads and an equally small bridge to cross. Then I missed the entrance. So after another u-turn, we made it. And to think I thought I would be really early!!
Poor Buddy arrived a bit like a milkshake. And the Buddymobile was very hot and bothered with it all. Thankfully once we got onboard, it was a much calmer affair.
It’s the longest I’ve spent in the saddle for a very long time, so I was feeling it when we got back. Sure Buddy will be feeling it too. At least he gets a day off tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will be walking round Burghley. My legs might be on strike by Sunday.
Today has been V-Day for Buddy. After nearly 5 weeks, he’s still not right. So I took him to a lameness locator clinic being held by my Vets. I was fascinated by the process (mixed with mild panic, heart-racing anxiety and a sick feeling most of the time).
Let’s start with the good news. Buddy has sustained an injury that he will recover from. We will still be able to do the things we were doing. He’s going to need some further treatment, fancy shoes and a lot of rehabilitation.
Now the bad news. It could take 6-8 months for him to recover fully. Now we all know that patience isn’t my strong point. Looks like I going to have to embrace a slower pace with my little boy for the coming months.
Buddy was a model patient. He took it all in his stride. Given he’s had nearly 3 weeks off work, I wasn’t sure what to expect when they lunged him. He was as good as gold. Even in the torrential rain.
When the three sensors he was wearing showed low grade lameness in all 4 legs, my sick feeling turned into nearly vomiting in the corner. More data was needed. So more trotting for Buddy.
We knew his off fore was the issue. The data confirmed this. After 3 nerve blocks, his lameness was improved by 72%! And the hind leg lameness was all but gone.
X-rays were clear. So scans next. They showed an injury to one of his ligaments. It looks like an old injury that had been aggravated. But it was healing so the time out was helping.
It was a very long day. Quite the emotional rollercoaster too. I’m so relieved as I had 101 possible outcomes running through my head.
Basically, Buddy has twisted his ankle and needs time to recover fully before we can get going again.
He has a few more people in his fan club, loved the snacks and got a free Willy wash while he was sedated.
The road to recovery starts tomorrow. Tonight I’m shattered…
I love this tree. Every time I visit Burghley on XC day, I try and find it. It’s very healthy and happy. But the middle is like a little hobbit house.
It was lovely and cool in there too as the temperature certainly climbed today. So did we! You forget how undulating the course is. Having walked round it twice now, my legs are feeling it. There will be some very tired horse legs too. The course was definitely taking no prisoners today.
Burghley is such a wonderful event. The house looks resplendent in the afternoon sunshine.
Having walked the course, we retired to the shade to watch the final horses on the big screen. Jeff was very happy about this. He was so tired towards the end, he needed Auntie Pip to carry him. Well he’s only got very little legs. I think we’ll all be feeling it tomorrow. The trot up is going to be very interesting indeed.
Tales, Tails and Talus 