Through glassy eyes, and lots of back space on the keyboard and a few months later it has felt like the right time to talk about losing Travis.
For anyone that has followed my blogs, they will know that for over a year we struggled with on and off colic and dangerous behaviour which after many Rossdale visits was finally diagnosed as Colitis. We thought we had reached a breakthrough and we had found a medication that bought him comfort and it really felt like I had my best friend back. I think I allowed myself to get too optimistic as I was back on board and riding my horse like the last year hadn't happened.
The vets had warned me that this medication was not for long term use, and we still needed to see if it had treated his flare ups or was masking his condition. Sadly after the best six weeks back in the saddle, as we weaned the medication down he deteriorated quickly and became colicy again, and I knew in my heart after over a year of doing my absolute best, but knowing he hadn't been totally comfortable, I felt like it was time to stop being selfish and we called the vet out. By the time the vet reached me Travis was actually down in the field and wouldn't get back up. It was the saddest moment to deal with, as I hand on my heart knew he was telling me it was his time, and he couldn't go on anymore. Did it make that moment any easier - no. Was I ready - no. Do I miss him any less – no, but I have been able to take a morsal of comfort from knowing he is now running pain free.
I still haven't been able to face a stable tidy, his name plaque is still up and his tack is still in the tack room, like I could go for a ride any minute, It makes me feel like he is still close, although the view from the kitchen window will never be the same again.
For anyone horsey, or anyone who owns animals, and for someone who has been around horses their whole life, sadly loss is a part of the journey, and yet it never gets any easier when they are such a big part of our lives. Luckily for me I managed to get a photo of my final ride, and the smile on my face says everything about our partnership and friendship that I will treasure in my heart forever.
Once again I threw Arlo in at the deep end, affiliating him purely for the Arena UK second round show, and once again he pulled it out the bag. How lucky am I to have such a wonderful little horse? We haven’t really competed this year. I don’t really compete over the winter, and also my horsebox was away for repairs up until the beginning of June, so I had no transport even if I’d wanted to.
With the dry ground we don’t seem to be having much luck with shoes, as little madam managed to pull both her front shoes off within 12 hours the other day! We entered the arena with two shoes on for a schooling session and left it with one missing (took about an hour to find it). Then that afternoon, as I went to put some hoof ointment on, I looked down and had to double take, thinking I was looking at the wrong hoof. But, no, the other shoe was missing too.
After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.