Growing pains
01 March 2016
Of course, when I say 'growing' pains, I mean Zipper growing up and working harder... and the pain that has come with that.
We've had some great moments this month, focusing on our dressage and getting Zip to really use his back, behind the saddle. However, his back isn't used to working like that - this, coupled with a saddle which needs re-flocking, to adapt to his developing physique, has meant a couple of sessions with our resident Chiropractor Catherine McArt. Zipper's just not used to using his back and hind legs properly and he's been a bit sore after our intensive half term blast of dressage. As have I, to be honest... four Osteo sessions later; I should probably have listened to my Osteo a few years ago when he told me the best thing I could do for my - already pretty damaged - back was to stop riding horses. Oops.
We've also finally got all four shoes back on, which some with some very complicated instructions for studs. We're hoping that the winter with no shoes on for a few months, coupled with the extra Pure Organic Seaweed and Total Eclipse, has prepared us for a better set of feet for the season. Fingers crossed!
In terms of competing, we've backed off a bit with him being a bit sore. We managed to squeeze in a Dressage Anywhere test at the start of the month, whilst he was on form and feeling fine (67% again - need to jump up from this, it's my safety zone!). I'm really looking forward to the season starting on 12th March at Tweseldown, followed by Munstead soon after. Following our very 'lively' play at Boomerang, XC schooling, I think it'll be quite exciting! No need for Red Bag Grass Pellets just yet!