Rehabilitation Programme Testimonials

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for your support, kindness and mentoring in helping me with Oscar. Without your training (of me) I don't think I would have been where I am today with Oscars fitness and education. As my vet said, Rome wasn't built in a day and I musnt forget that! I'm not very good at being patient and it's all too easy to compare yourself to others and to feel like you're not achieving quickly enough. 

 

The most important thing you've taught me is that Oscar needs time, and the slower you take it the more longevity you'll have. Your walking fitness plan of only riding him twice a week initially was hard for me to accept as I was so excited to be riding him again after his 5 months off. Once we built up to 3 times a week plus a day in hand he was starting to feel stronger. Regular check ups with you at my yard and at the gallops reassured me that we were heading in the right direction, albeit slower than I'd envisaged as I was so keen to do more. 

 

What you have taught me is that the key element in a fitness training plan are the rest days. And boy has he benefited from alternate work days. He is the fittest and strongest he has ever been (of course he is only 6 so he is in the best condition of his whole life!) He is improving all the time with his flat work and willingness to go forward. 

 

Only a couple of months ago he didnt have the stamina to trot and canter for the duration of a flatwork lesson and we would both be puffing after 15 minutes. He can now manage his canter transitions when asked and remain in canter for a few circles round the arena without breaking into trot, and he wants to do it!! No grumpy faces once he gets going! He has started to do a little bit of jumping now his canter is stronger but Id like to establish it a bit more on the flat before we think about jumping anything bigger than mouse size jumps!  I'm hoping this winter we can build on our partnership and try some training meets with the South Downs Bloodhounds. We have some hound puppy exercise booked so I'll see how that goes! 

 

We have also been to a camp where he jumped his first course of small jumps, did cross country schooling for the first time and also completed his first prelim dressage test! Im so looking forward to see how he progresses but I just have to remind myself to not get carried away and to give him the rest he needs in between. Thank you Maggie  xx