Equilibrium

I bought Buddy a present at Hickstead. Not sure he totally deserved it after our poor showing, but it’s been on the list for a while now. They had a show offer on, so I saved nearly 25% on it. So technically it was a bargain. Horse girl maths at full play there!

He is such a pampered pony. Totally worth it though. Anything to help him feel at his best. He will still have his regular treatments. This is to keep him loose in between. After Hickstead, I was tempted to wrap it round me too. Definitely feeling all those steps back and forth. It’s a huge site!

Buddy seemed to be enjoying it. He was drifting off at times. I wish I could do that when I’m having a massage. I clearly talk too much…

Bruiser

Buddy chose to show his appreciation to me for paying for his massage today in a rather unusual way. No, he didn’t shower me with love and affection. He threw his head about and smacked me on the bridge of my nose! Ouch!!

My poor nose has been battered a few times now. The first time was horse related, the second was NHS related and the third was cat related.

The NHS straightened my rather broken nose after I came off a horse and shattered the bridge of my nose. In fact it was straighter than before. You could say I got a free nose job.

The third time was more embarrassing as I accidentally head butted my cat Lister. It was one of those unrepeatable things. We just clashed! Unfortunately, I was in London the next day to meet my new boss. I guess turning up with two black eyes was a bit of an icebreaker!!

Let’s hope that I don’t have the same look tomorrow…

Puzzle pieces

Buddy had a saddle fitting today. It was really interesting to see the difference in him since he’s been on rehab.

The last time he had his saddle checked was before his injury diagnosis. Then the back of his saddle needed attention. This time, his back has come up more and it was the front that needed adjusting.

Shows that the strengthening work I’ve been doing as part of his rehab is working. And all the treatments he’s been receiving.

Speaking of treatments, he also got a massage today. Again, the differences were marked. His muscles are so much softer and mailable.

I can’t help but wonder if these changes show just how much he was compensating for his injury. And if it was grumbling for a while before it really showed itself. Not beating myself up for that. Hindsight is 20/20
for a reason.

The good news is that he’s making great progesss. And I have more information and puzzle pieces. I know he will come back stronger than ever from this.

Squished

Operation get Buddy right took another step forward today. Auntie Sam came to see Buddy. Found quite a few tight spots. Include the one that Buddy forced her into! He was so busy eating, he wouldn’t move over, so she had to squish in by the rug rack.

Whatever’s going on with him, it’s not affected his appetite.

Farrier has checked him. Sam has checked him. Chiro and vet to go. I am praying to ALL the gods right now. Good news is that he’s so much better than he was. More rest for you Buddy Boy. Well kinda. Tomorrow I’m back to taking my oversized Labrador for walkies.

Doesn’t he look well though?!

Embers

The twig burner has been lit. My goodness there’s been a change in the weather. Yesterday it was warm, today it’s been cold. So it was time to light the fire and snuggle under the blanket.

Broke out Buddy’s thicker rug too. Typical when he was clipped yesterday that the temperature drops a few degrees. He’ll be snug tonight. And nice and loose after a rubdown from Auntie Sam.

Spookily I had a rundown today as well. Mine was definitely well overdue! There were a lot of tight bits. Let’s just say I’m less expressive than Buddy when it comes to tight bits. He definitely tells you where it’s tight!

Uni-corn

Today is a bit of an exciting day. It’s the day the maize is harvested. As much as I love the maize, it gets so high that it nearly engulfs us when we’re riding by it.

Buddy will be pleased when he sees it’s gone. Of course he’ll be weirded out to start off with.

I didn’t get to show him today. But I drove past it a few times today. I’ve perfected the triangle between home, the yard and my dog sitting duties.

Buddy was very pleased to see Auntie Sam for his massage. He had quite a few tight spots so hopefully he’s feeling looser now. It had been a while since his last appointment.

Hopefully he’ll be nice and refreshed when I get back from my next adventure. More on that tomorrow.

Birthday nibbles

It’s Buddy’s birthday. He’s a teenager now at the ripe old age of 13! Let’s hope we get more maturity and he doesn’t embrace his inner ‘Kevin’.

I got him a massage for his birthday. Auntie Sam came to see him. I also got him some birthday nibbles. He was very appreciative of the nibbles and his massage. Well apart from his rather tight hamstrings.

Given the amount of work and travelling he’s done recently, I’m hardly surprised. I was expecting more tight spots. I’m pretty sure I have a few more than he does.

Knots

I had my first massage of 2023. today. Don’t worry I won’t be doing a post on every first for the year. This was the first massage that I’ve had since October, it was very much needed! My knots had knots, on top of knots!!

Practically floated out!

Spa day

Buddy had a spa day today. He started the day with a sports massage. And finished with a pedicure. Honestly, he’s such a pampered boy. But he’s totally worth it!

He definitely has a bigger support team as I do! It’s working as he’s looking amazing right now.

Release

Auntie Sam came to see Buddy today. It’s the first time she’s been to see him since she’s been on some new training. She now does Myofascial Release too. Well Buddy sure released!!

It was fascinating watching him process everything and then releasing. He had a lot of tight spots. Weirdly exactly where I thought they’d be. So shows how in tune we’re getting.

I know how good I feel after a treatment. Hoping Buddy feels the same.