Nice thread idea Lauren. Wishing you and everyone more highs than lows for 2020!
On New Year’s Eve 2018 I moved with my partner into our own house, so we’ve been here a year now. It’s wonderful and I feel very lucky.
Taking stock of my time and finances and realising I could start looking for my next horse was a high. I thought it wouldn’t ever be possible for me.
Meeting Levi was a huge high at the time, and seeing him sail through his vetting was super. Getting my little box and going to pick him up in it was a bit terrifying but also a dream come true.
I’ve had plenty of lows with Levi since though! Him getting an infection after his castration, which was horrid for him and worrying for me. It also took away my opportunity to bring him back into work and get to know him properly before moving to a new yard. Then he moved, lost weight, developed his tack/back problem, had thrush, and then this mystery illness that caused his legs to swell. Spending time with him is a pleasure, but of course it’s upsetting too when he isn’t right, and I’m wondering when and where this is all going to end.
I also had my last ride on my old horse in 2019. He felt electric, doing a trec clinic that he loved, passaging through the clover leaf and cantering on the spot in the control of paces. But he has changed shape drastically now and I don’t believe he has the muscle tone to support a rider, so I think that really will be my last little sit on him. He loves his work and I don’t want him to struggle. He is well and happy in himself still, and 22 years riding him has been a privilege.
So I’ve had some very high highs, but horse-wise there were a few big lows to balance them out. It’s been a bittersweet year in horsey terms.