Fun run - but not all fun

[duckles]

I went on a fun run yesterday with Cori. I haven't been on this particular one for about 5 years although I used to go fairly reguluraly before that. It was great for fittening horses for hunting - as its 2-3hours of fields, jumps, ditches, coffins, hills etc. Most of the jumps are optional and are 70cm to 1m - but some jumps (and coffins) you need to do unless you want to go around by the road. You do some stuff on a x country cross as well. Usually the first time is a little as there are a lot of horses, quite excited, some very green etc. Although I have had more of my fair share of good and bad days in the past, the last time I went, I went on my own with Cori, who was fit and well behaved from eventing and totally excellent.

Yesterday was more like going back in time. I had terrible difficulties loading (its always 2 steps forward 3 back). I then met up with a friend and loaded him on to her lorry and we all travelled together which was fun. I was expecting bucks and excitment in the warm up and first few fields and was riding strong and a bit defensively. Actually, he was fine, strong but very keen (which is nice) - he got very fast and I left the jumps in a few fields as he was just too fast but then he settled a bit and did some lovely jumps (really showing off). We did a load of banks, coffins etc and I was begining to relax - off down a field with 4 or so nice straightforward jumps - we bombed along and then, just over the jump when I was off his back and hands forward, he saw his oppertunity and threw in a few big bucks. He got me off at the second and as we were going at speed, I had a nasty fall. I was sore!!Strangely, I wasn't nervous, just annoyed at myself for taking my eye off the ball and annoyed with him for being so mean. One of the organisers didn't want me to get on again but I was ok and I didn't want to let my friend down - we had only gone half way at this stage. SO I got back on and continued. He did try it again but I was ready for him so I was ok. I avoided all the optional jumps (much to my grief and his too I think) but there was a few I had to do - but I rode very upright and with minimum rein giving I'm afraid. I was easier on him on the coffins and banks and was even proud of him at times as he gave some impressive leads. I allowed him race near the end and although he is not built for it, he overtook everyone. But he was still full of frisk and trotted on the bit on the road back.

I'm disappointed that he is still bucking especially a sneay one like that - he was trying to get me off. But I am pleased he was so fit and eager and it was nice for him to have some challange. My friend really enjoyed it (she planned it really) and we will do more. But I have to work on respect (for loading and riding) and I might go back to the pelhem for a while. If only I didn't have a day job

My shoulder was really sore yesterday and it was hard to change gear (in the car) but its loads better now so I'm fine I think.

[solomon]

The ups and downs of horses eh? It really is a roller coaster, he was brilliant and naughty as they so often are! Sounds like lots of fun initially, why we keep going back for more. Then really terrifying! I am not sure what I would do if i hurt myself. I think you are very brave. Hope the shoulder esettles down soon.

[racaille]

Bad luck Duckles, sounds like a nasty fall and I hope you are on the mend. You know the Dr Rac treatment: wine and choccies ;D

Horses can be really sneaky at times, can't they? Mean of him to have bucked like that, although it does sound to me that he was overwhelmed with excitement. Even the gent that Paco is will throw a few bucks when his blood's up, although he does settle down quite quickly.

I think you are right to do some more with him - once he starts to get a bit blasé again I'm sure he'll stop he nonsense. And as for loading, well, who knows why they suddenly take against? You'll get him into the swing with more practice though.

Good luck hun - and well done for getting back on. You've got guts!

[fleabitten]

That sounds like a horrible fall, i dont blame you for coming off. Well done for getting back on and completing it - thats a good achievement

I bet your yoga classes have played a big part in your recovery from the fall; i would have been as stiff as a board getting back on, i think im stiff enough anyway lol!

Where was the fun run? Was it run by a hunt or was it at a centre?

Great to hear a report from you duckles, maybe some pics next time? ;D

[duckles]

Flea - its called the McKen run - its near Dublin - its not run by any one hunt but they are all hunting people (Wards, Meaths, Fingals and Taras) Its really great for young horses as they get used to all the kinds of things you meet out hunting plus getting used to the excitement etc. (Which makes it even more galling that my experienced horse behaves like a lunatic).

You are right of course Racaille- it was excitment and the desire to overtake everyone - he will settle with a few more outings. Unlike Paco though, Cori is more a rogue than a gent- when he is working with you, you couldn't look for a better horse but he often has his own agenda!!

Thanks for your comments re my getting up but honestly no bravery required - I always would remount - and Im glad I did go on even though my shoulder was pretty sore.

And another silver lining: my arm was so sore on Sunday and Monday that I thought I better go to physio rather than leave if fester as I usually do with injuries. Ended up going to a chiro instead. He said the shoulder joint was fine and just rest it but he checked out my neck which has been giving my trouble for years and claims he can fix it. (a year of physio couldn't). Time will tell if his manipulations will cure it but it would be wonderful to be pain free. He also said that he treats a lot of riders and they are very conscious of misalignments in themselves more so than other sports people.

[brigadier]

Gosh Duckles, he was a bit mean to throw in those bucks, is that his style normally? Good on you for giving it a go and coming out on top. I think you did great! Hope the neck gets sorted, those sort of injuries creep up and get worse if we leave them so its good it can be worked on. Onwards and uwards!

[dannyboy]

Only catching up with this Duckles. I hope you are feeling a little less stiff and sore. I don't know how you girls do it - I'm in complete admiration of your nerves of steel - Well done

[zara]

Hope you are feeling better Duckles, well done for getting back on and carrying on - me thinks goldfish would be less painful ! Zx

[fleabitten]

thats interesting about the chiro duckles. mum went to a chiro for ages a year or 2 ago and she was trying to hoke out exercises for me to do but we couldnt find them.

[duckles]

Brig- Cori does use bucking to get his own way - he can be a really nice civilized horse but he can also be a big bully and he's smart enough to pick his time - I did look up the buck strap ages ago but you can't use it jumping. So I think I will go back to the pelhem for a bit, it just helps me prevent his lowering his head to buck. It might give me a bit of confidence to ride him more strongely. To be honest, I love him dearly but I kind of like a horse to work with me, to meet me half way rather than always having to think 3 steps ahead of him but I have to accept him the way he is and just try and be more consistantly firm and strong. (not my best natural gifts).

Thanks for the good wishes and nice comments everyone - I'd have a swelled head if I believed you - I'm not particularly brave but I guess I've had a bit of practise in hitting the deck!