Jack - Petplan Equine Ambassador
The end of the eventing season has been busy for Jack with success at West Wilts with lots of rides.
We certainly finished the season with a bang but probably not the kind I had hoped for…
I was definitely kept busy in the final few months of the eventing season. I went to both West Wilts 2 and 3 which were very successful. For West Wilts 2 in August I took Tambourine Man (Jerry), Grouse and April Moondtanze (RT). Jerry was outstanding and finished on his dressage score to have our first win together! Grouse also finished on his exceptional dressage score to finish in 2nd place in our first event together. Five year old RT did a very good test, clear show jumping and great cross country until jumping the penultimate fence when the bit broke! Luckily we pulled up quickly and safely but it was very frustrating as it’s we were in sight of the finish line. So close to a perfect weekend eventing!
Tambourine Man (Jerry) at West Wilts show jumping
I took Jerry and RT to West Wilts 3 in September. Jerry once again went beautifully and finished in 3rd place in the open. RT rode a great test and show jumping round. He is a very exciting young horse so we chose not to run him cross country as he is for sale. Calmsden is another event I ran at both the July and October events due to it being only 15 minutes away from home. I only took Jerry to both of these, where he stayed on form, being Mr. Consistent coming home with a 4th and 9th place.
Success at West Wilts with a win for Tambourine Man (Jerry)
Lastly, it was onto the final event of the season at Broadway with Jerry. Well that’s when we went a little off plan! Jerry began the day with a lovely dressage test and then it was onto the show jumping. Jerry was jumping very well until we jumped into a double; it was a long one stride and Jerry was unsure whether to try and jump, stop or chip a second stride in at the second part. I think he tried to do all three. But unfortunately the pole went between his front legs and I went full speed into the ground, head and shoulder first! Riding lots of horses for a career, you fall off a lot and mostly dust yourself off and get back on. On this occasion I knew instantly I’d hit the ground hard and I’d broken something! I was whizzed off to the paramedics and it became very clear I had broken my collarbone. I then had to spend the afternoon in A&E awaiting x-rays; not quite how I planned the last event of the season!
It’s safe to say I’m a bad patient. I’ve been told I will take six to eight weeks to recover, which didn’t go down too well with me! I guess the only good part is that it’s the end of the season, although there is never a good time with horses to be injured. Jerry was completely fine as he didn’t fall, but as planned he’s had his shoes taken off for a six week holiday. I have had to get used to watching from the side line and after what felt like years I did have a sit on Rocco for a short one handed hack down the road as I 100% trust Rocco. I am hoping to be fully healed and fit enough to start riding soon!
I have a new “cheeky” face in my stables in the shape of The Royal Jester (Pumbaa) who Sarah O’Donnell and I own. I had only ridden him twice before getting injured, but Hannah who helps exercise our horses has stepped up and has been bringing him on. It’s been frustrating staying on the ground and not riding myself but I’ve been able to see huge improvements in him. I can’t wait to get back on board and we’ll be aiming to start eventing next season.
The Royal Jester (Pumbaa) - Jack’s new horse
In November I was invited to the West Wilts and Style International Awards evening, myself and Jerry picked up top placing’s at all three of the West Wilts Horse Trials this season so we won the second most points over every competitor this year so were awarded with free entries for next season. We missed out on first place by one point! I’ve had my best season to date this year, I’ve had more horses to compete than ever before and have been incredibly lucky to be trusted with owner’s horses. I’ve also been very proud to have flown the Petplan Equine Ambassador flag for another year and very much looking forward to 2018.