Fun Free Style dressage competition

                                               

 Beth Hobbs my trainer and friend decided to have a small in house freestyle dressage competition at the yard, giving the younger ones and their ponies the chance to ride a small test to music. I decided to have a go as well, I was sure to win being the only one in my class… the para dressage class!!!  

The girls practiced all week but then after finding it actually quite hard to work out a piece of music to ride to, and make it the correct length,  My daughter Stella and Mia decided to do a pairs ride. Jade rode on her own on her pony misty.

On the day before I had a trial run through, well let’s just say I had to do a cross country course to even get in the arena. As I have mentioned before our hoist is mounted on the back of the lorry, which is parked in the car park at the yard. This is actually quite a way from the arena, so in its self makes it quite a challenge just getting into the arena. Hence why I actually haven’t ridden in there yet. Conquering another first for me, I was actually quite scared as the ride to the arena for me now would be like taking on a cross country course.

Well I mounted Flynn and the journey began, we walked with side walkers out of the field, over a small step/ramp on to the yard, Flynn took all this very steady as he could probably tell I was petrified about how I am going to stay on while we walk up the small ramp and step. All I could think was look up, brace and hold on!! Well we made it over this and turned onto the yard, only to find that Ian Beth’s dad was running the generator, cement mixer and tractor, there was an electrical lead, running across the yard, through a puddle to where he was working!!

You’ve actually gotta laugh, with all the noise and obstacles it certainly tested mine and Flynn’s trust and balance. We stood still for the moment while we waited for him to make the area we were walking through safe! Once past these obstacles we turned a tight corner past the barn towards the arena, again I had a small step/ramp to contend with, but this time it was going downhill. I was more scared to go down a little ramp than up. I just dropped the reins and held on to the Oh Crap strap!! We made it. I had to take a minuet to gather myself as this in itself was a huge achievement. The first time in the arena!!! Yayyyy.

I had chosen a piece of music by Vanessa Mae the violinist; I will always love you instrumental which is 4.5mins in length. We practiced a small routine I had prepared which involved  entering the arena, proceeding down the centre line and turning right onto a 20 meter circle, we were all getting use to the process and Flynn was a little unsure who was giving him instructions as there was quite a lot of Walk on!! Good boy, from everyone walking next to him and me. His ears were moving all over the place as he was taking in the directions and instructions asked of him.

I was able to see my position in the mirrors that are placed in the arena and I manage quite a straight position. We do the whole free-style test in walk. Which includes a change of rein (I even put in a long walk on a free rein!! Ha ha), 3 more 20 meter circles, on both reins and a halt salute. My walking test took about 8 minutes as Flynn kept stopping. We will need to take all this on board as we are learning so much together. I know we need to start using 2 whips as aids. But we haven’t done this yet. Beth Has been riding Flynn with whips and trying not to use leg aids and give the aid with the whip but we are only just starting this. I know that Beth is so proud of Flynn as he is taking all this in his stride. We are taking things really slow so that any progress is positive and we don’t get any setbacks.

I am elated I can’t quite believe what I have just achieved! My first lesson in the arena, being on board Flynn as I’ve said before is the most amazing feeling ever, I feel totally able, and by that I mean not disabled, being out of the confines of my wheelchair feels great. The amount of effort this takes is huge, as the whole time I’ve had to concentrate and engage my core and balance on top of this moving animal. I am so amazed at what I can do just after 3 months of getting on for the first time.  

I actually didn’t want it to be over; well actually I wanted to get off in the school, as I didn’t want to have to run the gauntlet again across the yard!! Oh but guess what I can’t just dismount here and have to go back through the yard to the lorry and hoist. I can remember taking a deep breath and thinking look up... As before Flynn was so steady, slowly moving himself up and down over the ramps/step. We made it back to the lorry and hoisted me back into my chair... I now couldn’t wait till the following day to do it all again.

We had an early start the next morning as the dressage was going to start at 9am and I was to go first. Obviously I was going to take this seriously and turned up in my competition gear!! My daughter will tell you that it took 30 minutes plus to get my boots on. These are things that having a spinal injury make difficult, due to foot drop and tone, it make it nearly impossible to get my old boots on... time for some new bespoke ones me thinks.. Well we did exactly the same as the day before, but this time we didn’t have to dodge electric cables and there was no generator going! It felt better today in the saddle, not as wobbly as the day before, and I was much more confident going up and over the yard into the arena, as Flynn looked after me so well. I would absolutely love to be able to ride more frequently as I reckon that the improvements would be fantastic.

I have 3 walkers, a leader and 2 side walkers, we start the music and off we go. We are able to get through the short test and at the halt and salute; I am so happy I shed a tear as it is very emotional for me. As I said at the beginning, I actually came first of the para class!!! (Being the only one in it) me and Flynn wait for the next one...Mia, Jade and Stella went through there tests and it was obvious they had worked really hard and putting together a routine to music and performing it really well. You could tell by the smiles that they all enjoyed the fun free style dressage morning. Thanks to Beth and all the helpers who helped with me and the hoist as without them this wouldn’t be possible.   

   

Stella, Mia and Jade

Dressage divas Spot, Ginge and Misty!!!

The Loan Oak para team

Julia Mottram meets Super Flynn

Flynn’s first meeting with Julia Mottram

Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist

 I am extremely lucky to have Julia Mottram sponsoring me and Flynn. Julia represents the veterinary division within Keystone Physiotherapy, enabling them to provide all round physiotherapy care. Keystone Physio specialises in equine, canine and human patients they provide domiciliary visits, so they can treat owner and animal in a familiar surrounding. By doing this it enables Julia to develop an understanding of your needs and helps to develop a bespoke exercise plan. Julia understands that there is a holistic relationship between horse and rider and because Julia is qualified in both equine and human, she is able to assess me and Flynn. This will mean we will get an all-round assessment that will bring out the best in us both working together.

I am so excited to see how we can work together and hopefully get the best out of me and my position riding Flynn. I have known Julia for about 3 years, I was lucky enough to meet her before my injury when she had started treating my horse Oubles. She uses to come every 6-8 weeks and treat Oubels. Equine physiotherapy can be defined as the use of physical techniques for the treatment on soft tissues and movement by manual therapy. Physiotherapy is a complimentary therapy, not an alternative to veterinary care, but can be particular helpful in preventing injury by reducing muscle tightness and increasing flexibility and strength.

 Apparently dressage horses can present with the biggest problems, due to the repetitive compressed movements which result in what are effectively repetitive strain injuries.  Flynn is only 7 and has only once before had an equine therapy, so hopefully it will be something he will enjoy. He isn’t a pure dressage horse, as he has competed with Beth Hobbs (his owner) at BD Eventing, Side-saddle and dressage. So by him having a regular treatment as mentioned above will  hopefully help to keep him injury free.

So on Monday 11^th September, Julia came out to meet Flynn, before treating any horse, Julia must get consent to treat from the registered vet. This was established and in she goes!!! Julia treated Flynn in the stable, Flynn wasn’t sure at first and was a bit fidgety, but as the session went on he seemed to relax into it. Julia talked a lot about what she was doing and why, and she was able to explain the importance of the treatment. (I wish I could remember everything) We have  been given some home -work in the form of stretches, which I can do with carrots. I am to sit near to his girth, facing the same direction as the horse. By using the carrots as bait, this will encourage the horse to stretch down to the level of the knee or chest to help with flexion of the neck. The horse should bend evenly through the head and neck to both sides. I am sure Flynn will be good at this as he loves carrots ….

Flynn had the next day off and is now being regularly exercised again by Beth and the team at Loan Oak... We are now waiting patiently for a date for the next session with Julia, as this one will be a mounted session, so she can assess me, my core balance and how we work together. I am excited to see how this partnership will develop and I glad we Have such and amazing equine physio helping us towards our dream of riding Para Dressage.keystonephysiotherapy.co.uk As always thanks so much to Beth Hobbs my amazing trainer, friend and inspiration.

Time for an update in the life of an inspiring para dressage rider

Time for an update in the life of a para rider!!

Lots have been happening since I last blogged, mainly lots of exciting things with my personal/ family life. Back at the beginning of June I attended a ball in Cardiff for a Spinal Injuries charity. A few special friends and family went and it’s always a good excuse to get dressed up for a night and to have a few drinks... We had a great night; the food at the Cardiff Meurcie was amazing. The fun and frolics continued into the early hours of the morning... As I had driven over and someone else was driving my car back, This was in an attempt to save money as the price of the hotel rooms was really expensive, I was very shocked to receive a motoring offense fine for £70 as I had been photographed driving in a bus lane!!!! Ffs I was actually looking for the hotel and thought I was in a filter lane going off left round the back of the hotel to the car park! So the plan of saving me money didn’t work!!!

My son Harry has been taking his GCSE exams so the house has been quite tense with all the stress of revising and exams, luckily he survived and it’s now all over and he has officially left school. I am so very proud of him, as he has coped so well with the upheaval of the changes in home life since my accident and spinal injury. I think he now needs a summer job as he and his friends are loitering around eating me out of house and home. I’ve got loads of things he could be doing, but funny when I ask him to do anything he’s always busy!!

Harry my clever gorgeous son xx 

Stella my daughter is still at school for another couple of weeks till the end of July when they break up for summer. She loves spending time at the yard with me riding her horse she has on full loan called SPOT. They are really are getting a special bond now and its lovely to see them coming along as a great little team. Spot is so tolerant of me wheeling around her trying to help Stella with Grooming, tacking up, putting rugs on... she is fab and I can’t wait to see their little partnership develop over the summer. We have been out for loads of family Hacks where I go on the batec and take Alfie the dog up to the common. We have a great time racing and laughing. I love this special time we spend together. Once I got stuck in a ditch and Stella had to dismount to help push me out, once out and Stella back in the saddle I got stuck again!!! We laughed so much, poor Spot and Alfie they probably think I am a nutter… they may be right!

Out and about hacking!

Meet Spot Stella horse she has no full loan, She is gorgeous and so patient !!

I’ve also had more challenges this month, I went to an interview.  I was in there for about 3 hours; this was quite a massive achievement for me as I haven’t had an interview for a good few years, especially now being in a wheelchair and having to cope with that too.  I am so excited to be able to say I have been offered the job of Continence Nurse Advisor for a company called Wellspect. This is such a great opportunity for me to continue with my nursing and develop a new role within a massive company providing training, education and support to colleagues and clients. I am hoping this will develop into something enjoyable for me to get my teeth into. Obviously I am a little anxious as I have been with the NHS for 25 years... but time for a change now going onto private business will be a huge learning curve but one am defiantly ready for, I can’t wait.  

I’ve also had letters of disappointment from the South Gloucestershire CCG turning down the funding for my bladder treatment of Botox, so I have now to go to appeal, I have written to both my consultants at Salisbury and had no response, it’s actually quite rude considering I took the time and effort to contact them about the situation, I just hope no news is good news and things are happening behind the scenes!! As if…… well I am on it and have now contacted the PALS service (patient advice and liaison service) to see where I stand. As apparently it’s a post code lottery as to where you live, that determines whether or not you get funding for treatment… well my postcode area “SAYS NO”….

 I continue to be challenged by my physio; I still go weekly to sessions in the gym with the broken babes, which is a lot of fun and obviously hard work! Seona is amazing at helping me balance and the work I’ve been doing in the gym is actually fantastic, the positions I get into are hysterical, but as with any exercise it lifts your mood and is great for a burst of endorphins. The classes are so funny; the one good thing is that I am treated just like one of the team. I can do a lot of the same exercises that the others do..!! Well nearly…    I have now stated standing in the stand frame I have at home. This has taken me nearly a year to be able to stand, first it was a difficult decision as to who was going to pay for the stand frame, either Salisbury of South Glos medical trust. Once sorted, ordered and delivered, and it wouldn’t fit through the door!! Ha ha... In the new office.. So my dad and Harry had to take the stand frame apart and rebuild it. I hope that they have put it back together correctly as it’s now holding my weight…which is a lot these days!!!

 Apparently the research says you should stand 3 days a week for up to 1 hour, this will be beneficially for increasing bone density and this will help present the risk of fractures, it also helps enhance blood pressure and circulation. Standing also aids digestion, bowel function and bladder drainage,  and it also can help with stretching the muscles preventing the onset of contractures, its known to  improve respiration, voice control, wellbeing, alertness and sleeping patterns. One of the main benefits is that standing also helps improve skin integrity by relieving pressure resulting from sitting for prolonged periods. So with this long list of benefits, all I need to do now is find the time to do it….  One thing that surprised me on standing next to my son was how much he had grown in the last 18 months of me sitting down, lazy cow I am sat down all the time!! Harry towers above me now… Even the dog has to get involved in the act…

I now go weekly to the Avon RDA, I absolutely love this, it is an amazing feeling to be in a safe environment a be riding the simulator, we work on core strengthening and balance all while going up and own through the paces from halt, to walk, trot, fast trot, canter and now this last couple of weeks have added fast canter!!! OMG this really puts the pressure on...  I have to concentrate so much to stay balanced, but I just go with the motion...  I love what it’s doing for my mental health, I feel so free from the confines of my wheelchair and the list of befits you get from standing also relates to exercise and this form of exercise is amazing for me as a para… we are working up to getting on the real thing at the RDA and experiencing the facilities there of their hoist, I have been told that even at the RDA not all horse as hoist trained. But I am working towards this, I Can’t wait to see where this goes. Hopefully I will be able to get on a real horse there soon, fingers crossed.

Super Flynn taking it all in his stride!!

up up and away!! Amazing hoist by  Dolphin mobility  

I haven’t been riding on Super Flynn lately, but we have done a few hoist desensitizing exercise sessions but the weather the last week has been so hot and so many horse fly’s around that I think any horse that could stand still in that would deserve a medal. We did give it ago one day last week and Flynn was really good, but he seemed to be moving a lot faster than normal and was quite fidgety due to the horse flies. But we still manged a short walk!! I absolutely love the feeling I get from being back in the saddle. I can’t wait to be able to have more sessions, but it is difficult to try and get enough people there at the yard to help, as it’s obvious I can’t have these hoist sessions without help from the para team at loan oaks...  

I am also luck to be selected as a leg up for talent star on the sponsor me direct social media programme, this uses the platform social media such as Facebook, I am required and supported to obtain 10 sponsors, with the backing of the programme it helps to advertise yourself as a up and coming rider, I am still waiting for my classification assessment, which seems to be taking ages, but also I may be able to be assessed at the RDA. Hopefully fingers crossed I am working with a few individuals to be my first supported businesses. I can’t wait and hope these come off. The idea is the companies or individuals, support me by donating in kind something of value to me to be useful for the horse and rider and yard environment, or cash so that build up so it pays for lessons, competitions, training days or things I need for the horse. www.legupfortalent.com

At the moment I am getting use to blogging every day as this is what I will need to do for the sponsor me direct I can blog for you programme. It’s a way of advertising for the companies that support me. I am use to blogging as still do  “Your Horse” magazine once a month and my own blog which is amazingly being followed and to date viewed by people from all over the world. 12,286 have read my blog which is amazing; I love the fact that people are interested in my journey from the start when I was injured almost 20 months ago. I’ve been to hell and back and am now defiantly on the up up!  I am still looking for local companies/businesses that could get involved and support me. If anyone knows of anybody that would like to be involved supporting me to get started please get in touch. I will consider most opportunities. myparajourney.blogspot.co.uk

I am certainly working very hard at this new venture, spending lots of time contacting many local firms and businesses to see if they would like to support me for 12 months, I think just today I have emailed about 7 companies... It feels like a full time job!! Ha. The things that motivate me is being able to fund this expensive adventure, starting at the bottom looks very daunting looking up… but with my goal of  riding at British para dressage I understand that it is a very elitist sport. I have mentioned previously it’s who you know and not what you know… well I now need to know some wealthy people to help in this adventure.

Well at the moment we are preparing to go away on a family holiday, I can’t wait to go away; we have decided to go on a cruise, the ship looks enormous and I can safely say I hope that my sea legs kick in!! As in the past I’ve suffered being sea sick but everyone who has cruised before tells me you don’t feel the waves. I hope their right.  Well we are frantically packing  and trying to get organised, as it’s amazing how much stuff I need to take, it  literally is everything but the kitchen sink!! No and it’s not that I am taking too many pairs of shoes, ha ha. My daughter packed as soon as I told her about the holiday as she is so excited, but I keep finding her taking out clothes from her case and wearing them, them putting them away on the FLOOR in her room like normal..  Anyone who knows me, knows I love washing NOT , but I am running out of time to get organised!! And things take slightly longer now am in this bloody chair.

I have loads of things to look forward to in the near future; hopefully I will be able to announce some official sponsors on my leg up for talent program soon. I am going back to hospital as have to have some more tests, but I am not really looking forward to this! I have my new job to contend with, which should be exciting and also more riding at the RDA. I am chasing up the classification application form as this seems to be taking ages, may be its got lost along with my consultants reply!!

Keep following my progress as I reach for my dream of getting back in the saddle and riding at the BD para dressage.

Buzz (light year) best pony on the yard ever!! so cute

               

  

  

      

 

Emotional tears :- My first time back in the saddle

Super Flynn and the para hoist.

Well now we have the para hoist up and working (it’s all been paid for from kind donations from, Downend round table, Pearce brothers mobility and Severn vale riding club) the hard work begins. We have been training Super Flynn to get use to the hoist. The first time we did this we made sure we had plenty of carrots!!!

Beth is getting quite good at setting up the hoist now; we are actually like the McLaren team… I sit and supervise while Beth stands on a chair and puts it all together. I do wish I could be of more help and I find it very frustrating that I have to watch! Well it doesn’t take long now and once we have it all attached and a with a pocket full of carrots it’s time for the unveiling.

My daughter Stella is in charge of bringing Flynn round the corner of the lorry while Beth is sitting in the hoist, What an absolute star Flynn was, He is a 7 year old Connemara with such a big heart.. He walked round and waked up to the hoist and just stood there. We moved Beth in the hoist up, down, round and round. The hoist is very quiet and doesn’t make any noise, so  we could swing her round and let Flynn see what’s it’s all about. Once we had Beth up alongside, Flynn gets carrots… Nom nom nom.. He is so interested in the carrots he doesn’t even seem to care that Beth is swinging around his head. We moved the hoist up into the highest position and let Beth dangle, Stella then walked Flynn underneath Beth in the hoist and back round, we did this a few times and I don’t know if it was beginners luck but Super Flynn was truly super, he never batted an eye lid!!!!!!

So on she went. We moved Flynn underneath and lowered Beth down…  I think we could change Flynn’s status from super to statue!! (No we won’t he is super we all know that!!!) Flynn didn’t move, Beth mounted and sat, we lifted her up and walked Flynn through, making sure we knocked him gently with the hoist, on his head, ears, back and tail and did the whole process again. I am happy to say that for his first lesson, he made amazing progress.

A few days later we did the whole thing again, as before Flynn (the statue) was a star, he just wondered where the carrots were!! Up her Flynn in the hoist Beth says as she’s waving them over his head... “Oh up there, what you doing up there mummy” Flynn says!!!! Ha hah ha-ha he’s so cute. This time Caroline was in charge of steering Flynn around and under the hoist. It was great to see that Flynn still wasn’t fazed by the whole thing. This time I was thinking oh get off Beth and let me have a go!! (most people who know me well know that I am not the most patient  person in the world, so for me to wait till 2^nd time that’s fantastic)

My mouth must have engaged and instead of thinking it I said it “oh let me have a go” I was so excited, Beth dismounted and it was my turn. I positioned myself in the hoist and Beth was in charge of the controls, Up I went and Caroline walked Flynn up to me in the hoist, carrots at the ready then Flynn’s head was in-between the hoist sling and me  and he’s thinking “well when I come here everyone tells me I’m a good boy and gives me treats where are the carrots”!!!”

Then it’s my turn to be hoisted up and Caroline walked Flynn underneath... Beth lowers me down and I’ve landed. It was a really hot sunny day, thank god for wearing ray bans!! The tears came flooding out, I can’t believe it, well after 18 months since my accident I get my first sit back on a real horse. It couldn’t have been more perfect to sit on Flynn. Beth was crying too!!! It was overwhelming to have such a special moment mounting a horse and sitting there, I stayed in the hoist and just went up and down a few times. This was enough for the first time, I know it doesn’t sound like hard work, but believe you me… I had to work so hard at balance and concentration my body aches and my brain!!

The next week we arrange another hoist session, this time my friend Michelle has the pleasure of assisting me, the one thing I keep saying is that I need a big team of supporters; I can’t do any of this para horse stuff alone. Hopefully the para team at lone oak stables will grow in strength. I think we will call ourselves “Lone Oak para team” it has a ring to it… we still need sponsorship and am still looking for help and support with this, I have an amazing sponsorship offer from Julia Mottram. Keystone physiotherapy that provides human and veterinary physiotherapy. Julia has offered to work with me and Flynn when we start out riding together, some of this will be sponsored by her and some will need to be funded, these are all things which are so important to horse and rider to be able to work together in harmony. 

Well the second mount was just as exciting as the first. This time we ended up with a bigger audience, nine people were at the yard today, mostly pulling my leg and spinning me round and taking the micky (Ian)… all good practice for Flynn and me to get use to!!! a big audience, (especially when we attend an Olympic stadium!! Ha ha)

Again we started with Beth in the Hoist, up and down, round and round on and off!! And again super Flynn stood there so well behaved waiting for the carrots!! So I got into the hoist and went up and down round and round and round…. And finally settled on top of Flynn. It feels so high I can’t tell you and I don’t look down. Well this time I detached myself from the safety of the hoist and I feel like I am leaning to the left, it feels like a Weston donkey as all I want to do is hold on to the saddle. How vulnerable do I feel, I had two leaders and 2 side walkers around me, I am using no stirrups so my legs dangle and my core holds me up... thank god for seona and the Frampton Fitness sessions.

Sit up and look up, that’s what I tell myself, my concentration is working overtime now, I want to kick to go forward, but remember I can’t move my leg!!  Doh!! ”Walk on” I say and try to move my seat and hips. Flynn just stands there. “Walk on Flynn” I say he just stands there.. The leaders are actively pulling him now, he takes some slow steps and begins to walk forward, all of a sudden I think how on earth I will ever be able to ride forward, stay on top and steer all in one go on my own. I feel so dependent on everyone. Well we carry on walking and all then it dawns on me we need to turn!! OMG go round a corner how will I stay on to do that…

I shout to Beth which way are we going she says to the right, WIDE RIGHT… really WIDE! I am chatting to Claire and before I know it we are back at the lorry… I actually can’t quite believe it myself; I’ve just had my first ride. Overwhelming or what. Baby steps and I will get there.. Time to attach the hoist and get off. Super Flynn just stands there and we all fuss about sorting the hoist and lifting me up and off.. I think I need the carrots  now not Flynn!!!

Back on the yard and I am bloody glad I am still wearing my beautiful new riding hat, as Lin and Beth were looking at one of the other horses who has an infected bite or something, I lean over to see what they’re both looking at and the next thing I am going up in the air in my wheelchair and then bumping down head first onto the yard. Straight into a massive muddy puddle, I think I wet myself laughing as well as giving everyone more grey hairs!! Super Flynn who also was leaning over to see what we were all looking at decided to accidently get his lead rope stuck on my wheelchair and when he lifted his head up, he took me with him!!! He probably though “its ok she can fly, she’s always up in the air anyway my new pilot!!! Let’s see her fly again” Well what a noise I made; none of the horse batted an eyelid as I went flying across the yard and landing in a heap underneath spot!!

Lucky Lin and Ian (Beth’s mum and dad) go to the gym as they certainly had a work out that day lifting me back up into my chair... wet and muddy and still laughing...  Note to self must check up on my insurance policy as realize I am quite a liability to have around.

My weekly riding lessons on the simulator at the Avon riding centre continue and I absolutely love it. I have realised this week that I need to change the position I think is straight because it actually is leaning back and I need to sit more forward with my shoulders, This is a huge challenge as it feels so wrong and unbalanced, I need to start to sit more forward and engage other muscles, I need to work more on my balance ball at home and the equi-trainer I have to push myself a bit more on my core.

I had a setback this week as needing another cortisone injection into my wrists for my carpel tunnel. My hands are really painful with pins and needles and this affects everything that I do, as I use my hands for everything. I also have a urine infection and am now on another course of antibiotics. I had some bad news from the south glos CCG saying my application for Botox in my bladder has been turned down for the second time and I have 28 days to appeal and an argument with wheelchair services about them cancelling my appointment and then them telling me I did not attend!!! Wt fudge… so cross!!!!!

Well I also had good news; I had an amazing phone call with Ann Dunham OBE, para rider, who has given me some advice and her expertise. I recently enjoyed watching her para display at Badminton Horse trials 2017, (This was the first time ever para riders have ridden at Badminton, how amazing and what on achievement) in addition I have an interview next week... So will tell you more as it evolves as I would love to secure a stable nursing position. I think I am ready for a change. Even though more time in the saddle is where I want to be!!!  But I am taking things slow and steady. I also have applied for the leg up for talent apprentice program, so all the individuals who have followed my blog please look me up on Face book and ask for a friend request, find me at…

Sallyanne Louise Haigh

I’ve had over 8,647 hits and views since my blog started!  Worldwide, so there has to be people out there who can help me achieve my goals of 2000 equestrian/ friends and potential sponsorship???  Spread the word!!!! please help Me.

Looking forward to continuing my training with Super Flynn

Looking forward to continuing my lessons at the Avon RDA

Looking forward to working with Beth towards achieving Loan Oak para team

Excited as to what Legupfortalent.com will develop into

Hoping to stay healthy, as too busy to be ill…..

Looking forward to seeing what happens next.  

     

  

        

Leg up for talent

Leg up for talent

Hi everyone who follows my blog. I have an opportunity to be accepted on an apprentice program for leg up for talent. This is to help  and support me achieve my goal of riding for BD para dressage. It works by supporting through sponsorship. For this to be successful for me I need to ask everyone who follows my blog to become a friend on my Facebook page look me up at….

Sallyanne Louise Haigh

Friend request me, Then you will be able to follow my daily lifestyle posts as it happens.

Traditionally, sponsorship is available only to a limited few professionals at the top of our sport, who are able to provide sufficient media exposure to satisfy sponsorship investment. Even at this level, due to the restrictive coverage of the mainstream media, sponsorship has never been in line with the phenomenal achievements of our top riders. At grassroots level, sponsorship is even more difficult to secure, being mainly based on the generosity and good will of companies or passionate individuals. Yet, it is particularly at this level that funding is essential if the early interest of young talent is to be embraced and ability nurtured; so that with continued commitment, passion and ambition they can one day represent their country.

The LegUpforTalent SponsorMeDirect Programme introduces a unique and dynamic partnership between selected LegUpforTalent Stars and their Sponsors in which, through consistent and monitored social media activities, an extremely high return on sponsorship investment can be obtained to the mutual benefit of both parties.

Thanks for taking the time to read and support me!! don't forget to be my FB friend 😃!!!

My RDA simulator sessions begins

My RDA simulator sessions begin

My RDA simulator sessions begin

You wouldn’t believe how happy I am! Well after all MY hard work and keeping on to the right people I have eventually started my riding simulator sessions at the Avon Riding centre in Henbury Bristol(avonridingcentre.org.uk) I have now attended three sessions. The first was an assessment which my Para team mate Julie came too. We were both taken back with the set up. It looks an amazing facility. I was assessed and measured up and hoisted up up and away!!!! The hoist went up quite high I can tell you.  I am actually quite scared of heights, and when I went to New York being on top of the rock made me feel quite sick!!  But this was another amazing wonder of the world to me.. I am getting nearer my dream of getting back on top and riding for the para Olympics!! So I don’t have time to feel sick now!! (Set you sights high that’s what I say. Obviously I have set myself much smaller goals to achieve in the short term :)  

I have attached lots of pictures of me in my first session, I have booked 6 weeks of lessons and we are galloping through loads of amazing goals already. Basically getting hoisted on to the horse simulator is fairly easy, a bit of swinging but all very controlled. Once up on top for the first time I had my feet in the stirrups. I had to balance myself and do loads of exercises, bending down as far as I could this might sound easy but when you have no core balance this is extremely difficult (I was wondering at this point why the room with the simulator in is not padded with a foam pit just case I fall off), also twist side to side and learning to balance with your eyes shut. I have to learn to engage my core from my pelvis up to just under my arms, and try and use my arms and shoulders only to go forward and back, with the pace of the moment… (God knows what will happen when Flynn decides to scratch his leg or eat some grass and pulls the reins…  Ill probably go over the top.. Thank goodness I purchased a hit air air jacket)

On my second lesson I was asked to work without stirrups, this puts my legs in a better position and opens my pelvis, I don’t find this uncomfortable and it actually works quite well. Wow I couldn’t believe I was able to canter today, with no reins or strurrips, I said I feel like Rose on the film “The Titanic” when she’s singing standing on the front of the ship!!!

“Every night in my dreams I see you I feel you, that is how I know you go on

Far across the distance and spaces between us, you have come to show you go on

Near far wherever you are I believe that the heart does…..

 My heart will go on, once more you open the door and it feel you in mine heart ll go on !!!”

You know the rest!!! And can picture me on top of the simulator with my arms out to the side balancing singing this. (Obviously very out of tune ha ha ha)

I was given 2 whips to hold this session to practice holding these. The whips act as my legs and back up the instruction to give the horse guidance of where to turn etc.… I found this comfortable and ok so we will continue to work with me holding the whips.  When I am on top I feel happy, so free from the wheelchair, I really do feel on top of the world, it is amazing. I did wonder if I would experience flash backs or trauma from the accident, but this does not seem to be the case, well at the moment I am not moving or going anywhere on  real horse but I believe all the counselling and trauma therapy I have had has helped me overcome this huge event in my life.

Well I wanted to say a massive thank you to long time family friends Pat and Gordon Butters. They have bought me a Charles Owen leather look AYR8 with red and white piping riding hat. I am so lucky to have their amazing support. I can’t wait to wear it…  I absolutely love it. I have decided to go with Navy colours rather than black this time. I will post pictures on FB and the blog of the hat in all its glory.. When I wear it…  This is what it’s like!!!

I am so happy now that I have achieved this massive step closer to my dream of Para Dressage, this has to be one of the hardest things I have done in my life post injury.. I never gave up, even when all the odds were stacked against me. Due to my passion and drive I am able to say that I achieved this only 18 months after this life changing event!!! I have my simulator lessons, which will lead on to mounted riding, I have my lorry hoist , I have the most amazing horse and the best of all the most amazing friends and family in the whole world who have supported me to go after my dream..  What more could I ask for??? (Actually I have a long list) 

Guess what???  I’m getting on.. Who’s coming along on my Journey?   

Whats new!! and meet the team and horses

trying out body support

Stella on the equi-tech!!!!!

 What’s new?

Well as those who follow my blog will know, I have decided to tell you what’s new this month and introduce the team at lone oak stables, the horses and the para squad. So much has happened lately I don’t know where to start!! Let’s begin with how things are progressing for me! As we all know it’s all about ME!!! Well after my persistence with following my dream to get back in the saddle,(I was not that impressed when my Spinal consultant from Salisbury hospital wrote a letter to me advising that she does not support me riding because of the risk!!) OMG if only she had a spinal injury then they would understand that every day I take huge risks, Like when I transfer out of bed into the shower, onto my wheelchair into the car, out socializing with friends is one of the main risks when a few prosecco’s are on board as the wheelchair seems to tip up !!! Ha ha-ha . This happens quite a lot as I am always out!! I know about the risks of riding, don’t forget I am an extreme sports woman (well according to the A&E report I am anyway ha hah hhaa)

So after my application was turned down by our RDA (Riding for disabled adults) I set about how I could get a supported second opinion. The head of therapy at the RDA, (notice I always go to the top!!) Put me in touch with a professor of spinal surgery in oxford. So on the 20^th march after a lengthy referral process I eventually got an appointment. It’s funny but as I have said before if you have money and know the right people things start to happen! Well I paid for a private consultation and up to date x-ray and scan. Thank god for sat nav.. My friend Jane came on the day trip to Oxford to keep me company and we drove straight there.

 Following a very through consultation and review of the x-rays, The Professor spent 2 hours chatting to me, assessing ,reviewing, reading the reports he then concluded that. The x-rays show a solid fixation of my spine from T10 down to L3, which apparently means I have 3 mobile segments below and above the fixation which are in good alignment, there is no evidence of any loosening and malalignment of the spine. The L1 fracture has healed up and is solidly fixed. This has been fixed at two levels above and below the fracture. He considers this to be entirely stable and there is no evidence of any loosening or failure. He states a number of times that in his view the fracture is absolutely stable. He has said that if I was to fall off again!!! (Possible) that this part of my back would be stronger now than it was before. He said he sees no concerns with me riding again and competing within the para dressage discipline!!!

Yippiiiiieeeee get in.. I am so excited about this, well worth the second opinion; I could have kissed the professor of spinal surgery… I actually could have!!!!! He was a little bit old for me, but hay ho.. Who worries about age when he has just delivered that amazing news to me… The pictures I have put on are of my fixation, screws and bolts. I had no idea my back looked like a maccano set! As far as the confirmation letter goes from the professor I am going to copy it and send it to the RDA who said I was unable to ride there. I will now try again to get access to ride the simulator horse and this time I swear that if they say no “I’m too disabled to ride I will go to the papers” just because!!!! .

Another bit of really exciting news is that severn vale riding club have donated money towards the lorry hoist….Downend round table have donated money towards the hoist and with the small contribution from Pearce brothers mobility it’s all funded. So on the 27^th March the lovely Ian (Beths dad) drove the lorry to oxford, I offered to follow him and pick him up!! Then he told me he wanted to leave at 6am….. Obviously this is like the middle of the night to me... But I got up early and Beth’s lorry now has the hoist system fitted to the back of it.  We used dolphin mobility to have help with this, they have used unihoist a company in oxford who have installed the hoist and now Dolphin mobility have to organise the actual sling that grabs me safe and allows me to be lifted out of my wheelchair onto the horse!!!! We still have to collect it from oxford and hopefully this is planned for Monday 10^th April... then the fun starts!!! I think we will have to teach Super Flynn to stand very still while the hoist moves over him, I will be looking for volunteers for this as I won’t be mounting till we have cracked this bit!!! Then I need to win the lottery as want to go on a shopping spree to buy a new hat and air jacket and body protector, as mine all ended up in the bin that fateful day on 10^th October 2015 when the paramedics had to cut all my clothes off!!! 

I am hoping to have a big spend at Badminton Horse trials 2017. I and some friends have volunteered to help with Event mobility, the official charity for Badminton 2017. Event mobility makes you mobile at large events by offering you the opportunity to hire a manual wheelchair or electric scooter for the duration of the day, this will enable individuals with mobility or health problems to access the event and enjoy the day… what an amazing opportunity for some people who would otherwise not be able to attend such big events. Event mobility has a great web site at www.eventmobility.org.uk. I am really looking forward to the day as helping others enjoy such a massive event will be great. Fingers crossed the sun shines so we can have a pimms!!!! While enjoying the horses…… and doing our bit to make access possible for others.

My physio sessions are still continuing to challenge me; I have bought a balance cushion to use at home and also an equi trainer. The balance cushion I can sit on and try and hold my core while wobbling about! And the equitrainer is a gadget I won on eBay for £50. This is a bit like being in the saddle as you have to mount on top and sit balanced while the machine goes through a series of settings, from a warm up, up to a top speed like a trot/canter… I obviously haven’t done this setting yet!! its so funny, like a very large vibrator between your legs!!  My daughter Stella has been on it, also friends when they have come round after a few beers have been keen to have a quick go!!! Hopefully these gadgets will help me balance better and are training my core to be strong, which will help when I get back up on top of super Flynn…

I am now writing a monthly blog in your horse magazine as well. My daughter Stella now has a horse on full loan, so this keeps me and her very busy, luckily Stella horse is at Loan oak stables also, so I am spending time on the ground grooming, putting on rugs, doing hay nets, feeding and generally getting super Flynn and the other horses use to me wheeling around them and sometimes screaming as I often feel a little bit stuck in the mud!!! Literally. I am really pleased the weather has now improved as was getting a bit fed up of being wet and muddy all the time, perhaps I could be a fair weather rider?? And one day ride/train in an indoor school?? Well keep dreaming sally and wait for the sponsorship deals to come in!!!

I’ve continued to socialise a lot and have had some great nights out with my family and friends, and I still like to have the odd prosecco, I feel my tolerance is improving in this area too…. Ha hah… I had a fun couple of days when my friend Mark came to stay... Well too wheelies in a house do cause quite a lot of congestion... I took Mark to my PT instructor Seona at Frampton fitness. Well I nearly wet myself laughing... What fun we had, but I don’t think Seona would say the same!!! Too much alcohol and food consumed, I was bloody glad when you left Mark!! Give my liver a rest! I’ve been for a trail session on the toning tables at the local leisure centre; let’s just say they didn’t work for me... It’s funny when you have to transfer on and off these machines all for 3 minutes of work out; especially when the instructor said just do what feels right!! Bloody hell does she not know I can’t feel my legs!!

Well another room decorated at home, thanks to the help of my dad, Nicky and Alan, I supervised!! Just the flooring to go down now and then soon we will have an office. I have a stand frame I will be able to put up as well so standing will be able to be done at home too! This is all helpful for the rehabilitation with this spinal injury. My house plans and adaptions are on hold at the moment as I am still waiting for quotes to come in that I can actually afford, I would love to be able to adapt the downstairs of my home the plans have been drawn up by my architect, but I may have to scale the extension down... As the prices seem to be sooooo expensive. But knowing me I will get something to help achieve my goal of a lovely family downstairs we can all use.         

Meet the team….

The para team consists of me, my daughter Stella and son Harry (who occasionally comes when he has nothing better to do!), my horsey friends Julie and verity and Beth Hobbs. I have known Beth Hobbs for 6 years; she was my trainer/instructor prior to my accident and now has become a very good friend. One thing I am discovering is that this para dressage lark needs a big team of supporters and a potential large amount of money (I have the team of supporters but not the large budget!!)

Beth has a yard called Loan Oak Stables and concentrates on schooling, Training and teaching. She also has an extensive wealth of experience in riding and competing. She was trained at Tallend and has gone on to develop her skills by running and managing her own yard. (It’s all helped and supported by her lovely family) She currently is competing on her Black diva silky!! In dressage, she rides Flynn in eventing and side saddle and also has some livery horses on the yard as well as her own and horses that come in for a week’s holiday/schooling. Yes I wouldn’t actually call it a holiday!!!! But Beth is so supportive and rides amazingly she’s a pleasure to watch. Beth currently has lessons herself from Carl Hester and Ellen Berchner-Nolan, who put her and the black diva through their paces, and then Beth passes all that knowledge onto her clients.

My daughter Stella is very keen to see me ride again, she supports me in this venture as she knows the love I have for the sport and horses. Stella has not been put off riding or horses in anyway, she still rides herself and has forgotten the events from the day of the accident, perhaps this is her way of dealing with it.  I don’t think Harry is that excited as he is much more sensitive and worries about what could happen to me, and he saw how unwell I was when the accident happened and doesn’t want me to have to go through anything like this again.  Or maybe he doesn’t want to go and have to live with his dad again for another 7 months!! As he’s a home bird and loves being here.

My friends Julie and verity have attended some of the para dressage training days with me, of which I am really grateful, Julie had the pleasure of attending the knockdown day, where we thought we were stars in a hello magazine shoot!! Verity attended Hartpury and she got to be their when I first mounted the simulator Margaret!! Not very dignified way of mounting as was thrown up and over and verity has to make sure I stayed up on top and didn’t go off the other side. I can’t wait now to progress over the summer months and I am looking forward to my first ride!!! I have been successful at mucking out, filling hay nets sweeping the yard. I can take on and off rugs and have even put Flynn’s bridle on,(Well sort of, as when I looked he had one ear stuck under the brow band, he must think oh here she comes again that nutter!!!) I’ve managed to lead Flynn round the yard and get him to walk into his stable and turn around… sometimes he comes straight back out!! “No back, back,” That’s not supposed to happen you’re supposed to stay there Flynn... All this ground work has been invaluable in helping with my confidence around horses on the ground, as they seem even bigger now I am sat down all the time. I am absolutely loving been around the horses at the yard. It makes me feel so happy and I look forward to going, I am sure this is a massive help with the emotional trauma I have been through with the injury, as emotional wellbeing is an enormous part of the rehab. A huge reason to get up in the morning is the challenge and the enjoyment the yard environment gives me.

Well I am looking forward now to working up towards getting on…. Not long now!!!!

In my element !!! super Flynn

Diva Silky

Beth and silky competing at summer house

Beth riding Flynn

Stella and Spot

Sunbathing !!!!

cheese!!!

Stella and spot

" I am a super hero" Neigh !!!!