Last week I had an appointment with the doctor and they took the big green cast off. It was just in time for the Larkin Hill Horse Trials the coming weekend!
At the doctor’s office I had my cast removed. My doctor told me “This doesn’t look good, it looks great!” This felt great to hear. The scar is healing nicely and the hardware is still intact. I left the building with instructions to walk on my heel in the boot I had just before the surgery. It was a bittersweet feeling. I was hoping to be able to use full weight and to be allowed to drive…but the doctor still said no to driving. On the plus side he said I’m allowed to start walking on it after 2-3 weeks. But it’s to remain in the boot only up until the next surgery (to remove screws). He also told me I should remain working from home until after the surgery, which was a relief. Now I know that I can slowly get my strength back before stressing my foot out with the drive and walking around so much.
Now that I’ve been walking on my heel for a week I can say this is giving me MUCH more freedom and I’m now so happy about it. While I was non-weightbearing I had to get my peg on just to go anywhere. It wasn’t bad at all but it still took some time to get on and off and I needed a lot of help. Now I can get in and out of the car without help and best of all…I can shower without help!
Things are looking up!
Since I still can’t drive my friend picked me up on her way to Larkin Hill for their September Horse Trials. We love this venue and as Wahbee’s Woodworking I was a sponsor of the show, giving them 6 totes to give to recipients in each division. Looking at the program I had a full page ad!
The forecast looked ominous for this event, and we were hoping and praying for good weather. The incredible amount of rain we’ve received this year caused Larkin Hill to cancel their June Trials. As the days approached Chatham was hit hard Thursday and they lost power for a couple of days. The power was restored Saturday and the forecast started to clear up JUST ENOUGH for them to continue to run the show. Within 24 hours the forecast called for rain, then it was pushed back to 2pm, and the morning of the forecast called for 6pm.
There were a lot of scratches but the beginner novice divisions were still quite full. Suzanne was in a division of 14 riders. Her and Tiger rode dressage around 10am. It wasn’t their best ride…there were a few moments where he braced and came above the contact. His free walk was After dressage they came out with a 29.5.
I sat with Tiger while Suzanne walked her course. We had a couple hours before getting ready for the next 2 phases.
At abut 1:30pm we tacked up and walked over to the stadium ring. Stadium was held on the grass. As we watched we noticed that the third fence was routinely being knocked. It was set slightly downhill, and maybe on an odd angle because horses kept getting deep to it and it fell easily. I maybe saw only 2 horses leave it up.
Tiger and Suzanne were no exceptions. They got to the fence just barely too deep and down the rail came. The rest of the course rode very well.
As soon as the finished stadium I left the pair to find a place to stand for cross country. It began to sprinkle. I had hoped for it to hold off until AFTER her XC round, but was just thankful it wasn’t raining hard.
I watched as Tiger and Suzanne left the start box and cruised over the 1st fence. A great start. They cantered past me, over a coup, and disappeared over the hill.
There was a jump at the crest of the hill where I fell and got hurt in June. They took it easily and slowly came down the hill. I could see them move into the next field, take some clean jumps and disappear into the back field.
When they emerged not too long later they made for the next jump, cruised through the water, and sailed over a roll-top. They came towards me and into the front field…over the last two jumps.
They finished with 1 second to spare under optimum time.
I rested my leg back at the trailed while Tiger happily enjoyed a sponge bath, protein shake, and getting his legs poultice and wrapped. The boy lives for the pampering.
We waited for the show to pin the division.
Suzanne returned to the trailer holding TWO ribbons. She took 2nd of 14 in her division. This placing qualifies her for Area I championships next fall at Genesee Valley. She also brought home TIP (Thoroughbred Incentive Program) Champion, qualifying her for TIP championships next year in Aiken, SC.
I am elated. Not only am I proud of my best friend but I’m also proud of my boy. Together they make the perfect team. It’s been so rewarding to watch them grow together.
This coming weekend they are getting some needed downtime and going camping. Tiger loves shows but he also enjoys unwinding on a no-stress camping trip. The trails where they are going are well maintained and very peaceful.
The Green Horseman 
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