248. From running backwards to running forwards...?!

Today i decided it was time to hack Spice out all by herself and i am still shocked at how well it went. Not once did Spice try to spin around, run backwards or stop. All she did do when she was scared was trot forward a few steps but boy do i prefer that than the rearing spinning around and running backwards! Can't quite believe how well behaved she was...by far the best ride i've ever had on her in terms of obedience...just need to keep at it and never ever let her win a battle should she choose to pick one. :) Feeling very proud of myself today. :)

247. Spice grazing in the sun...

I took advantage of the amazing weather we are having today and took Spice out for a lovely ride who even though in season was better behaved than ever. Calm and quiet as can be. Think the time she has had off over the winter has done her the world of good. I feel so blessed that she has made a full recovery from her bone infection.

Although a little porky she has maintained her condition well over the winter period so i just need to start exercising her regularly to build up her fitness level.

I feel as though i should thank Kin the vet who treated Spice who although ridiculously expensive and somewhat 'cold' without a doubt saved Spices life with her wisdom and knowledge. And then there's Jenny who for want of a better way to put it 'lashed out' at me when i was at my wits end and very close to considering putting Spice down after 3 months of her being on antibiotics and there being next to no improvement and last but not least Yvonne, the livery yard owner who every night for nine weeks including christmas day and new years day injected Spice with her antibiotics which at times proved to be very testing. Were it not for each and every one of these people the pictures above would not exist....

246. Belgian horse meat...

Someone on facebook posted this video on my wall and although i found it to be one of the most difficult videos i've watched on the subject i felt it necessary to re-post it to help create awareness of these appalling practices...Please do the same.

245. Riding again...at long last...

After 3 months of not riding Spice, i finally rode her out again and boy did it feel good. She was so well behaved which given the length of time she has had off was amazing and she is still 100% sound which is an enormous relief. I'm planning on riding her out 3 times a week from now on so that hopefully by the summer she will be back in shape and we can go for long summer hacks. All the horses are being turned out 24/7 now too which is great. Can't wait till we get an arena so i can start doing some schooling/jumping. :)

244. Sound as a pound :)

Today i took Spice out for another 45 minute walk around the village and i am pleased to say that she is still 100% sound in both walk and trot :) It's now been 3.5 weeks since she came off of her antibiotics so i think it's pretty fair to assume that she is in the clear. Not sure how much all her treatment has cost me but she's worth every penny. I'm so pleased she's recovered. It's been a journey that i never ever want to go through again and hope that no other horse owner has to go through but in a way i think its made me appreciate her even more than i did before. With any luck i might even be able to get a cheeky ride in by the end of the week. :)

243. Rehab for me and Spice!

Today i took Spice out on a 45 minute walk around the village and she was as good as gold. I was almost scared that she might have forgotten my commands and that i'd have to start from scratch but she remembers everything :)

242. Perfect hooves for a perfect horse...

Walking across gravel.