The difference a year makes
 

I've had my horse for 4 years now, the first 3 we were plagued with injury and illness. (High and low ringbone all 4 feet. Suspensory desmitis near fore. Collateral ligament damage off fore. Liver failure. Lyme disease. Stomach ulcers) We got to the stage where everything physical was as good as it was going to be and the vets advice was to crack on.But by this stage the wheels had really fallen off, every ride I over analysed everything and just couldnt get a tune out of her At all. She went sweetly for 2 other instructors so I knew the issue was me. At the absolute end of my tether I contacted a HHOer who I knew had form for dealing with remedial issues.Well what a difference she has made to us in the last year. Are we where a 9 year old should be now, no. Have we progressed as quickly as if I'd sent her to a pro fully, probably not. But have I learnt alot and can I ride my mare and enjoy her now? Absolutely.We had a wobble coming out of winter where she felt very shut down again, but a couple of lessons helped me see where it was going wrong and we are back to how we were minus a bit of the fitness we had (touch wood)On Wednesday we cantered several circles on the hilly, slightly lumpy field at home on the correct lead each way without bogging off or falling over. A year ago I couldn't even trot a circle in the same area. Yesterday we hacked down the a246 and onto next doors xc course and blasted around having great fun. I am so grateful to have found someone who will think outside the box, come and do gallop training in the p*ssing rain, doesn't mind that you have a fat hairy pony and no school. Very lucky indeed - the best bit is I can now say I love riding my pony- a year ago I could not!I hope this is inspiring for anyone else struggling to see the wood for th trees - goodness knows there is enough post from me previously where I was struggling, and no doubt there will be tricky patches still ahead but for now I'm so happy with where we are (especially when 6 weeks ago I thought everything was ruined again! :o )

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