Privileges & Tribulations

 

Let’s rewind, July 3rd was the day all of my horses were back out as a team. It was amazing and everything went to plan, all four jumping their socks off and picking up double clears. I was incredibly happy to have my sassy little Diva back in the ring after an extended break, she didn’t batt an eyelid and really showed me how much she loves to compete. Paris, Pixie and Rocco all continued the trend and we were thrilled to go home with 4/4 clears. These are the days we work so hard for. The following week we went to Coilog again, it was a really hot Saturday and hard work with four to jump in a short space of time. I thought we were starting a trend with the first three all clear, however my cockiness was levelled, when I heard the first pole roll off with a dull thud. The first and last are always rider error.  Pole aside, Pixie, jumped her heart out for me as per usual. We recently changed her bit back to a gag, I had used this with her before but tend to swap and change with her regular snaffle. The poll pressure from the gag has really helped with Pixies training and helps to bring her head off the floor and remove the motorbike effect when we sometimes coast around corners with zero control. Coilog have recently upgraded their surface and I really noticed the difference in the dry weather, the enhancements have resulted in the surface withstanding a lot of jumping and remaining spongey under the horses, no looseness which is brilliant and a credit to Chris and his team. A lot of the jumps have been restored or replaced too, and work is underway on a new walkway to link both of the large arenas. It’s great to see one of central centres looking so well. 

 

Here comes the speed bump, we ended up with transport issues and stuck on the motorway with four horses on a busy Saturday afternoon! As a drama queen and a worrier this is my worst nightmare. Luckily all of my horses remained calm, we are so fortunate to have good people in our lives, I called Padraic, who immediately had a recovery truck on the way, our friend Wesley was also close by to take home two horses. Dad called Ger, who was also able to get to us in no time and take home my second two horses. I’m sure the motorway maintenance man, was relieved to see the back of me, after I suggested we call the guards and have the section of the road closed. Ops. Thankfully I didn’t cause a traffic jam and my frantic ways were kept in check. It really takes a village and I’m so thankful to all of the people who helped get everyone home safe. 

The following day Paris decided to come in from the field with a big leg, I’m not sure if she got a kick or injured herself. She tends to zone out and float around on another planet, so anything is possible. The first product I reached for was Leucillin anti bacterial spray, it’s the ultimate product for any first aid kit. Not only does it flush out any dirt but also reduces healing times, we use it on accident prone people too and I can confirm it does not sting. Next I dived into the huge box of Top vet products David kindly gifted me to test. Kastanovy gel was well and truly tested, it does exactly as describes and reduces swelling, while also healing and regenerating the skin. It gets a thumbs up for me. I was worried Paris would be out for an extended period but thankfully with the help of these top products her leg was back to normal in no time. I link Leucillin below this really is a must have! 

 

 

 

As I mentioned above, I have been testing top vet products. There is a huge range, sprays to gels, supplements to add to their feed. One of my favourite products to date is the hoof oil spray! When I first got the bottle I was wondering how will this work, but it’s really a genius idea, no more looking for brushes and getting down on the ground to paint hooves. It’s so efficient and essential in this heat to keep hooves from drying out. A few quick sprays and lovely hooves. I have noticed a huge change in Rocco and Divas hooves, they tend to be on the dry side, even the colour looks better. My farrier will be wondering what happened when he calls. It’s also idiot proof - if you hold the bottle backwards and spray yourself in the eye, there will be no damage! Mast na kuzi has also become part of Paris daily routine, she has sweet itch so this combined with the top vet biotin in her feed is really helping to keep her coat in good condition and as itch free as possible. I still have lots more products to try and some I am seeing good results from, keep an eye out for more updates.

 

 

 

Red hair and freckles do not agree with the temperatures we have had over the last few weeks, I am one of those annoying people who was glad to see the return of clouds. Most days it was 28/29 degrees here and no breeze. I was worried about the toll this would have on my horses and gave them some time off from hard work and shows. Today, Thursday, we went back to Coilog. We could only bring two. My two homebreds were thrilled to be back in the ring and both jumper super. Yesterday while having a small jump at home I felt so rusty but we all got out of the right side of the bed/stable and found a nice even rhythm in the ring and had two confidence boosting rounds. I was recently surprised to notice my clear round face doesn’t look overly excited but on the inside I’m smiling, I promise! 

 

 

 

Although the super hot temperatures have subsided it’s still warm and very humid don’t forget to add some electrolytes to your horses feed to keep them feeling in top form. There is two options available on the website. The flies have also been intense and I wouldn’t be happy to turn my horses out without some spray. I use extra strength day, Carr and Martin and botanica fly spray. The website has loads of choice depending on your personal preference. 

 

 

 

 

Equestrian world of maynooth have to be the biggest supporters of grass roots riders, I may be biased but the facts speak for themselves. Not only has David sponsored riders like myself, Jacqui and Sara, the Leinster awards for a number of years. In addition to pony leagues from Coilog to Milstreet and everywhere in between. Now he is looking for two under 10s to trial Sophie g breeches with the optimum amount of bling. If they are half as good as my Sophie g leggings they will be fab! So if your under 10 and want to try an incredible product contact equestrian world. You won’t regret it! 

 

Happy Jumping,

 

Jade