Yesterday was the 8 year anniversary of owning Scottie. I find it so hard to believe that I have had him that long already! Although, thanks to Covid, the last 2 years have passed really quickly! Scottie is my first horse of my own and having him has allowed me to do so many great things over the years.
Some Highlights
Some of my favourite moments with Scottie have been brand new experiences for me:
- Beach rides & holidays
- Cross country schooling
- Riding camps
- Lessons with international riders
But there have also been so many smaller things what have really meant a lot to me:
- Placing at our first show
- The first time we got our correct canter leads
- The first time Scottie started softening and working over his back
- How happy he always is to see me
Some Hard Times
As with everything, it can’t always be good times. We have had our fair share of hard times too…
- My knee injury
- Scottie’s stifle wound
- Scottie’s loss of use tendon injury leading to semi retirement
- Scottie developing arthritis
Our Future
Unfortunately, with Scottie’s semi retirement, a lot of the best bits of our time together won’t be possible anymore. We can’t go jumping, we probably won’t go to camp. But when Scottie is good, he is incredible! So I am confident we might be able to go to the occasional show for a bit or dressage or showing.
After all his time off and various injuries, Scottie actually feels stronger than ever. I also don’t feel any pressure to keep uping the work load. I try to keep him moving as much as possible. He is currently turned out for about 12 hours a day and I am trying to ride at least twice a week, even if it’s just a walk for 30 mins. I am really enjoying strengthening him up without the pressure of wanted to get out and compete.
My life is also very different to how it was 8 years ago. While I wouldn’t have chosen for him to be semi retired already, just keeping him ticking over with low level work a few times a week actually fits into my life better than schooling for 40+ mins 5 times a week! It also means that every ride is just for the fun of it. If it’s hot or I’m not in the mood, I can just plod for 30mins and that movement still benefits us both.
Here’s to another 8 years!
Last Updated on 05/08/2022
