2024

Somehow last year has flew by. I haven't blogged much, mostly things have just been ticking along in the background. 

Last year feels like the year I have competed the least I have since I got into eventing. My drive all but dried up and I decided to step back and try some new things instead. My confidence jumping has been really low, and my priorities have been more focussed at home. While it means my horse life isn't as exciting as it used to be, I feel better. I am enjoying my horses just as much, if not more and I feel like I have some balance in my life. I don't feel defined by horses any more and I think that's probably very healthy!

Last year also started with a drought that was very stressful.

I have found last year I had been really missing eventing. I think I miss the camaraderie I had with my group of friends, the camping and the buzz, rather than competition itself. I do think next year I will try and get to an event, to scratch that itch, though tings have changed a bit since I last evented! 

Lettuce Entrée

This year my big focus has been on just enjoying it. Finding the fun outside of competing. I have been going to dressage club and making some great progress in our flatwork. I have had a few jumping lessons and the jumps have gradually gotten a bit bigger. I have competed a little and found confidence over small jumps. I have loved trying endurance and team penning. 

Chased some cows around. a few cows are acceptable, more than that are a bit scary for Hen!

Proof we went to at least one competition! We even won some ribbons

Just loving being out with my orange pony

Bakers Hill Endurance 

The discovery of endurance has been true highlight for me this year. I have thoroughly enjoyed the three rides I have done. I have met some lovely people and it has changed my outlook a whole lot. I loved how it was so horse focussed, that I spent quality, fun time with my horse, that I met new people and  I very seriously considered getting an endurance horse and selling Henry. I can't believe how close I got to doing that. Instead I will just continue doing it with Coolie and maybe brave taking Henry one day. Truthfully I think Henry would love it though he might find vetting a little challenging. 

Prior to our first ride 

Dwellingup Endurance 

The snuggliest, kindest horse, who loves the small person

Trying team penning was fun, even though it was a big deal for Henry. He tried his heart out and was getting the hang of the game, even though he wasn't very confidant. Henry and I did a little bit of show jumping and dressage but mostly just did a lot of trails. 

This year I have really appreciated my horses for who they are, they are both gentle and kind. henry in particular is such a lovely fellow to have around, he just wants to be your friend. He loves Samuel and will follow him around the place, getting into mischief (especially where the hay shed in concerned!). He will come over and say hi anytime and chooses to spend time with me when I am poo picking, or doing other jobs in the paddock. 

They are both super cute!

Family picnic

Henry and I conquered the beach in 2024, which is a big deal for a horse who is quite concerned about that much water. He gained confidence every time we went and became quite good about the water, but found the whole environment very challenging. After 3 visits, I have decided not to take him back again. I think the last trip he found too stressful and it's not worth making him so upset. 

Looking worried, but getting wet!

Coolie had the rest of his incisors out this year and is hopefully feeling better for it. He will be 22 in January and still very full of life. He enjoyed the three endurance rides we did this year, and we won best managed horse at our last ride, which I was so chuffed with. I try really hard to make him my priority, especially as he ages. I was him to be around for a long time and so keeping him sound and happy is my number 1 priority. He has slowed down a bit this year, though I'm not sure if it's because his fitness has dropped off towards the end of the year, or if it's old age, or if there is another issue. I am monitoring him closely and have a plan to fitten and strengthen him over the summer then re-evaluate if nothing obvious comes up (and I'll get him vetted once he is a bit fitter).  

Looking very well!

Coolie did get kicked and had to have some time off and staples which was a first for my horse ownership. He was ok and had a little holiday before finishing the year with his last endurance ride, where he cruised around the track over taking all the other horses and crossing the line in third because we were overtaken in the last 100m (not that winning is the game, I hadn't a clue until those two caught up with us and I realised that we had were ahead of everyone!). 

That was an excellent hole!

Our prizes for best managed horse

We have finished the year at the vet, Henry went a little bit off, then went downhill quickly, loosing topline and weight, with a bit of lameness thrown in for good measure. Seems that he has arthritis in his hocks and probably ulcers, but he gets scoped next week to find out for sure. Once we know whats going on and he os treated, he will go for a spell somewhere with lots of grass to try and get condition back on him before he gets rehabed. 

Before he went downhill, still looking fit and strong. 

Over all we have had a nice year this year. Nothing exciting has happened and thats ok. Life looks different now but I love it and am quite happy to just keep plodding on doing my own thing!

Our own thing is peaceful!