I’ve been doing well on
Flynn with weekly lessons and always keep an eye on the British dressage
training clinics that when I saw a date and a venue really close to me I jumped
at the opportunity to see if we could coordinate attending. I spoke to Beth and
due to the session being para and senior we decided to take Chelsie our youngster
out for the day trip as well. Beth would ride Chelsie first and warm Flynn up
and then I would ride. As I have mentioned before when I do anything it’s with
an entourage!!! This means that Lynn (Beth’s Mum) was asked to drive the lorry,
I miss not having my lorry and being able to go places when you want, obviously
this injury has stopped that and I sold my 7.5 lorry, due to old persons rights
I was able to drive my 7.5t without a test. This is why Beth’s mum Lynn has to
drive it as Beth is too young and needs to do her HGV test.
The lorry, Flynn and Chelsie
were loaded up in old Sodbury and Lynn drove to the venue at Leyland court
about 30-45 mins away from the yard. http://www.leylandcourt.co.uk The venue is about 10 minutes away from my
house so it was really good for me, I had to drive myself. So just for today we
had my daughter Stella Lynn, Beth Jennie, Rowena, and my Friend Louise came to
watch. It takes 6 people to help me safely. Thank goodness I have some very
kind and helpful friends. I really appreciate their help as without it I
couldn’t ride. To be honest I didn’t realise how big a deal this was, leaving
the comfort of the yard, where I am use to everything and where Flynn takes
everything in his stride. It was a very steep learning curve.
Beth Rode Chelsie first, we
had an instructor Called Nina Venables, She is a coach to the world class
development para equestrian dressage squad. She is highly recommended in
working with para and senior riders. She was very laid back and once Beth
started warming up Chelsie who is 5 and not been out to much Nina wanted the
session to be very much directed by you. Obviously Beth knew what she wanted to
achieve out of her session, working with Chelsie to develop she straightness
and strength also to confirm what Beth does and encourage Chelsie to accept the
aids. While we were watching Beth I was getting more and more nervous as it was
soon to be my turn. Beth looked amazing riding Chelsie, I haven’t seen her ride
Chelsie before, and it’s always very different riding away from home. Leyland court
has a new large indoor arena and lots for Chelsie to look at. She was a little star
as it’s all new to her. After her session she looked absolutely exhausted, she
had tried so hard today.
Leyland court is a very big
equestrian centre and there is lots of activity going on. Once Beth’s session
had finished she quickly popped on Flynn to warm him up. Flynn has only ever
been in an indoor arena once. So he grew quite a lot!! Well then it was my turn
to mount. This was the first time we have used the hoist away from home and it
is fantastic that it gives you the opportunity to access other venues and get
on. Well we did what we normally do and have my 4 helpers at the ready.(2
leading at the front and 2 side walkers). I positioned myself to be hoisted up
and as we were getting sorted the heavens opened and the rain came down, there
were people coming in off the cross country course and a horse turning itself
inside out neighing continually in a pen!! Well all I can say is what a baptism
of fire, if I can do this now I can do anything. Flynn had taken no notice of
all this going on and in the meantime I had landed on his back and was being
lead into the arena. The rain noise on the roof was so loud and Flynn was
walking so fast or it felt fast and he was really taking it all in I actually
think I forgot to breath. I was so tense and obviously this was being
transferred to Flynn. He must have thought OMG what’s up with the pilot!!! Nina
Probably thought what on earth have we here. We slowly managed to gain
composure and by talking my breathing seemed to settle and then Flynn started
to settle. Nina said just take you time and hold on to the oh crap strap!!
Both Beth and I wanted to have some guidance
to help us realise what we are doing at home is correct, we wanted Nina to tell
us, do this, this works, try that?/ that’s what others do!! But instead she
said do what works for you, try new
things and see what develops. By which
she obviously means, there is no right or wrong in para riding, I am a grade 2
so will be expected to walk and trot. Flynn and I have to create a strong
bond/partnership and we will develop together, Flynn will learn to trust me and
understand my aids and I will learn to trust him. This is going to be a mammoth
journey.
All of a sudden I felt reality kick in. seeing
this journey starting to unfold. It is so much harder than I ever thought it
would be. Flynn had started to relax and I was starting to enjoy the session.
Then Nina said did I want to trot!! Is she mad?? I was just about managing to
balance in the walk. I think I had lost confidence when I had fallen off and
due to one thing and another I actually hadn’t ridden Flynn for about 4 weeks
so trotting I don’t think so!!! Hahahha I know we have to bite the bullet at some
point. I can’t imagine how other para riders do it. But today was not the day!!
I asked Nina about a
specialised saddle, leg straps, Velcro and knee rolls on the saddle, I think it
does depend on what you have on your classification card, so whatever you ride
with at home you need to ensure its on your classification card for when you
compete or you may find you turn up to a competition and can’t use your aids,
so we need to make a conscious effort to look into this, I need to find a
saddle company to sponsor me a new deep saddle and we need to get the
confidence to try the trot!!
Today was a huge step, I
actually cried as the emotional energy that it took for me to achieve this really
took it out of me today, it was huge, this was my first ride away from home,
Flynn was an absolute star and I was a wreck!! We need to practice going away
from home more often, but I am aware that the whole team have to help and
that’s huge! People have to give up their time voluntary and this is a big
ask. I feel really helpless at times,
that I just have to rock up and get on and the amount of work that goes on
behind the scenes to make this happen is phenomenal. I have the best support
from the lone oak para team it so amazing. Can’t wait for our next outing and
next time I will know what to expect.
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