In the last few months, major things happened.
Where should I start?
At the beginning of December 2017, Silver Oaks Equestrian Centre had their annual Pony Camp where the older kids (that’s my besties and me) see if we can give my instructor some grey hair before the year ends.
It started out as lots of fun. We had a quick session on the basic anatomy of the horses. The session was unplanned because it rained cats and dogs. When the rain finally stopped, we had our first riding lesson. It was absolute torture for me. Not only was Mythical extremely fresh but also my instructor’s eldest son gave the lesson. He really knows how to teach because he had experience from learning from top instructors all over the country. We trotted for what felt like 3 hours and barely jumped, skipping one of my favourite parts of horse riding – Jumping.
Later the afternoon we played a game called “Colours”. Bareback. That’s where my trouble started. Not with the game, but with the bareback. I didn’t immediately realise that something was wrong. I realised it only after my friend rode Mythical Music.
Mythical was fine during the game. I reached most of the final rounds. After the game, everybody rode other horses, including me. As I dismounted, I could see that Mythical was jittery. I thought that maybe I touched a sensitive spot as I dismounted. I know he has a sensitive back, but it was never so sensitive that he wouldn’t allow anyone on his back. My instructor examined his back and said that it was way too sensitive. I had to give Mythical the rest of the day off.
The vet came out the next day to sedate another horse for the dentist, and fortunately had time to examine Mythical as well. She gave him an injection to reduce the inflammation. Needless to say, I couldn’t work Mythical at all during the rest of pony camp, which was heartbreaking.
Lucky for me, I have the sweetest friends. My best friend offered his horse, Black Jack, and he rode another one. I was quite happy with myself, for I thought I rode rather well, especially after some of the other kids told me how strong Black Jack could be.
In January, when I started working Mythical again, he felt much better. My first show of the year was a training show at Fourways. I placed 2nd in 80cm jumping. The next weekend at SANESA was a different story. I rode 3 classes and got eliminated in all 3 due to refusals. It was odd for me, for I have not known Mythical as a horse that would refuse, but I thought it was only due to the venue not being up to standard.
With the following SANESA, almost exactly the same happened. Again I entered in 3 classes and was eliminated in 2 of them. During my last jumping class Mythical and I were more relaxed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a clear round. I had one refusal and a time penalty, but it was a welcome improvement.
We decided that a chiropractor might be needed. I was supposed to ride a lesson the day the chiro came out. Again my amazing friend offered me his horse, Black Jack. The chiropractor recommended x-rays because it seemed as if Mythical might have kissing spine.
We took Mythical in for x-rays last week. The vet said it isn’t kissing spine yet, but without treatment, it could develop into kissing spine. She injected him with cortisone and recommended a 4-week training program which entails the following: the first week of only hand walking; the second week of light lunging; then a week of 10-minute lunging in a trot, and light-seat cantering; and lastly, a week of light riding.
Fortunately, I now have the opportunity to bond with Mythical Music. I think this will boost our relationship and understanding for one another.
Me jumping Black Jack
Horses and their riders from the left: Kyla riding Mythical Music, Me (Suzaan) riding Black Jack, and Jacques riding Jet Blaster.