Sophie's mostly all healed with just a few small bald spots and some flaky skin left, so I think we're good to get back at it and I have a ride scheduled for tonight. Yay!
However, I'm not sure if I ever updated anything on the Bridget front. TLDR: over the past year or so, we had some mystery lameness, followed by a bout of heaves. Vet came, we got the heaves sorted, I was super excited and happy. Then, after a few light rides, pony was back to being off behind again. Shockingly, the antihistamines didn't stop the huffing and puffing of an out of shape pony, either ;)
I've now had time to wrap my head around things and make a plan of action. I've waffled all over the place on this blog over what to do with Ms Bridget and how she fits into my available time and riding goals (or not) and I think I'm finally at peace with a decision.
Don't beat me up too much over this, please, because my plan of action doesn't contain much action and is essentially just a continuation of what I've been doing for a year now :)
Basically, she's just going to be retired from anything demanding. She's only 12, I know. I know there are injections and lotions and potions and vet procedures and I myself could be putting more strength and fitness building miles on her. I know this could be viewed as giving up without really trying, but I think any of you that have been here for a while know how much work and effort has gone into making my non-sporty pony somewhat athletic and using her body better. Long time readers might remember my virtual ride where I tracked miles all the way to Mexico, all in the name of having a pony fit enough to event...at starter level..where she still needed a trot break at the last water and had so much time, lol.
 |
| Accurate depiction of Bridget's level of interest in horse shows |
You might even remember all the times I came here to say "I give up, I just can't with this pony." Or the million different ways she drove me nuts by offering up absolutely nothing for free. In short, she's not missing having a job, and I'm probably crazy to be missing those rides, lol.
The vet has looked, is not super concerned given her current lifestyle, but was in agreement further diagnostics and a plan would likely be needed should I want to do more. But, you know what, it's past time to put it our there that I don't think I do. I think she's happy and sound hanging out in the field and going for the odd hack around the neighbourhood. I think it's reasonable she stays in light work to keep her moving and moderately fit, but if she's showing signs of wear and tear now, I feel like the right thing to do is to not add too many more hard or unnecessary miles.
I hesitate to describe how I've been feeling about things and haven't blogged too much about it, because I realize I'm very lucky to have a happy, somewhat sound Bridget that I can afford to keep as a second semi retired horse. But I do really, really miss her, if that makes sense. Even though she drove me crazy with her lack of work ethic and I get to see her happy and thriving in the field every day, it still feels like I've lost something. Something really big, to be honest. I'm sure some of you will know what I'm talking about when I say when I hop on her it's 'home' and as such I had hoped we'd have a lot more competitions and adventures ahead of us.
 |
| Looking so good right now if I do say so myself |
At the risk of sounding REALLY spoiled, I should out myself and admit that as much as I absolutely love Sophie, I miss my chunky cob pony and so my motivation with Sophie hasn't quite been what it should be. My increased habit of trawling through the internet looking for chunky sporty ponies for sale should also be something I admit to.
So, I think it's well past time I take a deep breath, appreciate what I have, and move on to embrace the opportunities I am given moving forward. So let's start here, by posting this blog entry.
(And heading out to my lesson tonight on Sophie :)
 |
| She'd very much like to be a bigger part of my riding adventures. |
I understand this 100%. I went through this a little with Subi (plus some other stuff). The thing is, she's young and you never know. You can let her be and maybe in time she'll be able to handle more. Or maybe not. After several years, I look at Subi and wonder if I should try and put him into light work. And then I realize he owes me nothing and he probably couldn't handle it. But, time sometimes does make them stronger. Either way, she's very lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Agreed, you never know!
DeleteNo judgement here. I think you could spend a lot of money and cry a lot of tears and end up in exactly the same place a year or two down the road. It will take time for Sophie to feel like home but the more you do with her the more your partnership is sure to grow. I think you are being very sensible FWIW.
ReplyDeleteInvesting money and emotion only to end up in the same spot...exactly what the vet said. I'm honestly still conflicted and feel guilty, but she's 100% fine as is with a lighter schedule, I'm unlikely to 'need' her to be competition ready so it makes sense :)
DeleteSophie is a star and I know I just need to give it time.
My OTTB is currently 25 and has been essentially retired since he was about 15 -- he still comes out for the occasional bareback hack, but mostly he just lords his superiority over the other horses while eating me out of house and home. I'm sure it was a difficult decision to come to, but at least you can retire her at home and continue to enjoy her in your life ♥️♥️ and you'll have so many adventures with Sophie!
ReplyDeleteThey really do make the best pets and mobile sofas, though, don't they? :D
Deletelove Bridget so much. I am sure she doesnt mind being sidelined a bit and glad you can do it for her. Sophie is so cute you will be on fire about her soon I hope! PS doesnt everyone troll through the internet looking for chunky sport ponies? Just us? HAHAHHA
ReplyDeleteI'm so far down the chunky pony rabbit hole it's ridiculous. I've had to do a self intervention and tell everyone in my life to remind me how much work 2 horses are and that NO I CANNOT HAVE ANOTHER :)
DeleteI'm pretty well at the same point with Phantom. She's going in for a lameness check next week to see why she hasn't been quite right for a while but I don't know how far down the hole I'm willing to search.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this decision will allow you to focus on Sophie. Two horses to ride take up so much time!
Aww, I hope Phantom is feeling better soon.
DeleteGah, what a double-edged sword.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate where you are coming from, esp because like you said - you could run all of these diagnostics and still end up in the same place. I was actually reading something the other day on Horse Vet Corner on FB (if you don't know about it, it is a group where owners can post problems and real Vets respond with advice) and one of the Vets had made a post about how sometimes, owners spend $$$$ and the source of the lameness still remains elusive. She posted about how sometimes, the best course of action is "benign neglect therapy" (ie. turn 'em out and leave 'em for a year or two). It was enlightening. I mean, I understand every situation is different but sometimes you just need to let the body repair itself.
I am sorry you had to make this decision, but at the same time, who knows - maybe down the road you'll be able to return to more "difficult" work once again. Thinking of you <3
I think if it had have been one thing or another I would have dug deeper...but with the allergies/heaves to manage AND an off/on mystery lameness AND a general lack of enjoyment in the job...I think she's saying loud and clear she'd love to be my back up pony instead. Which I struggle with still. Last night I had a lesson with Sophie and she worked hard and despite some sass and opinions, not once did she quit trying or really struggle with anything asked. That helped me see things a bit clearer too.
DeleteI think you are making a great decision for both of you. I am sure that B will be thrilled to have her career goals finally met. :) I wouldn't go too far down the rabbit hole of diagnostics either. I echo the benign neglect part.
ReplyDeleteRight? She's living her best life these days, sad but true this is the moment she's been waiting for!
DeleteHugs to you for making this difficult decision <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteI think with time you'll find your groove with Sophie. I didn't know if I could bond with another horse after I lost my first one, who I had 18 years. I still miss her like crazy, and how easy a lot things were with her (though we never tried dressage!) but I can't imagine not having Cupid now.
I feel this post so much! When I made the decision to retire my saddlebred at the ripe old age of 12 (aka give him to my mom to use as her trail horse) it sucked. He is such a fun horse to ride and while my mom's horse was totally fine it just wasn't the same and I missed riding my saddlebred. Like others have said time may help resolve the weird lameness or it may not. I had all the same feelings when I made a similar decision.
ReplyDeleteI vaguely remember your virtual miles on her - what year was that? Or maybe I'm remembering you photoshopping her into vacation places lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's never easy to retire a horse but you just gotta do what is right for you!~