So... 4 weeks ago I drive to Rockley with the fabulous Marian to keep me company. I love my husband dearly, but I have to say there was a lot more conversation with Marian!!
We arrived Sunday morning where Eager rushed to the front of the stall and whinnied with delight at seeing me :-) No, this is what happened in my head. What she actually did, was look at me slightly suspiciously and carried on eating her haylage.
Marian proceeded to ask all of the questions that I needed to ask and don't.... I have to say Nic was a bit bristly to start. I think she had a pretty bad week, I know her dog had died. But it was a bit weird and not entirely necessary. There was a tense moment when Marian asked if Eager was 'Sound' to which we got a 2 minute dialogue as to what did sound actually mean and it was all subjective..... I thought it was a fairly inoffensive question when you are paying £180 a week to get your horse using its foot correctly.... to enable it to become.... urm sound. But, I think we decided to let bygones be bygones on that. It improved after that and I think Nic actually ended up giving Marian some pretty sound (excuse the pun) advise on what to try next with Archie's footyness. I think we have to accept that some people are just not made for the people business and that is why she deals with horses. I have no problem with that!!!
What was very clear was the difference in her hoof. Both the texture and the angle. Here is the link she posted just after I went http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/eagers-6-week-update.html
I again asked what is it that creates such a dramatic change. Again the answer diet, surfaces and movement. I have come to the conclusion there is no rocket science to it. I don't believe Nic is being evasive or trying to protect her business. It is just really just this simple.... Saying that I'm sure there is some Rockley magic (Nic's huge experience) involved.
After all that, still feeling no more enlightened about Rockley than I did 8 weeks ago. I got on!!!
Off we toddled up the road and back. She started a bit tottery but her stride soon opened up and she felt much more her usual old self. I occasionally asked her to work a bit and she seemed to remember how, but found it quite difficult. Nic commented they normally just ride on the buckle. Which was great to hear to be honest. I didn't really want anyone messing with her schooling.
(yes, I am the one with the purple tit)
I then took her in the school and asked her to so a few circuits in trot. She was very, very lazy and it was hard work. But she ended up feeling pretty good and definitely SOUND.... In my opinion LOL.
But God it was hard work!! LOL for us both.
I came away feeling a little numb if I'm honest. But looking back now, I have such faith in Nic and Rockley. It never occurred to me that it wouldn't work. So, me riding her and her being better was no surprise.
It again is very clear what needs to happen when she gets home. Hacking on the buckle and then hacking work. Then schooling will start hopefully in about April.
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