Time is flying by and it looks like winter is going to be a long one. We may not get snow as I have ordered snow tyres this year as I don't want to be caught out again or feel unsafe. The biggest bug bear will be the school freezing. There must be an invention somewhere that can prevent this! Maybe I will think up one and make my millions by the end of this year.
There is a serious topic about vaccinations on BD. I have not broached it for ages as the wounds are still raw. Reactions to these beastly jabs are on the up and are causing suffering and worry for both horses and riders. Despite reporting these reactions it appears that the fat cats in the pharmaceutical companies couldn't care less. Our governing bodies dictate that to compete we must have up to date vaccinations. Do riders have a yearly flu jab? Do people get vaccinated for tetanus on a yearly basis? Tetanus in horses is a hidious desease but they are protected for up to 5 years with one vaccination, so cut the cost and the interaction between 2 vaccinations and ask for a seperate flu jab. Turning out on grass after the flu jab can have dire effects ie. laminitis as I found out to my cost. Helios is a well known homeopathic manufacturer who will make up rememdies for horses prior to having the toxin injected into their bodies and will also make up remedies to remove the toxins after the vaccination. I have found doing this does prevent the reactions although I would rather not vaccinate at all or at least not yearly. So if you are having problems, please, make a noise, a very big noise!
Nationals this coming week. Im off to do JLCs judges course and look forward to her sharp observation and quick wit. There are a lot of stands I want to visit. Centaur biomechanics have a new jacket that is said to help with riders position so I will be sampling that. Patey's Hats will get a visit from me to show support for their long term sponsorship of our sport which now will probably end, sadly. The Equestrian Film is showing a preview so that to will be on the card as well as the usual shopping spree! My enthusiasm however is a little dampened this year so I may restrict myself to one visit only. I do think it is time that the classes at the nationals are re-thought. Do we really need Preliminary and Novice restricted? I would rather have a longer master class or a bigger GP. Next year are we going to see air jackets being worn in these classes along with the skid lids? If the forum and H&H are anything to go by we surely will. Elegance will be a thing of the past as Mr Blobby takes to dressage! Really, if all these safety gadgets are necessary isn't it time to rethink your sport? Maybe take up golf instead? Horses are and always have been unpredictable but thats the risk you take when getting on one. Limitation of risk should be through thorough training and yes head protection too but also buying the appropriate horse for your skills. Everyone wants a Totilas, Uthopia or Vallegro but not everyone can train or ride these horses. Its no good having WOW movement if you are terrified everytime you get on. Perhaps reinforced underpants and tena ladies will now be a must along with valium and beta blockers.
I too have had my moments on horses that give the feeling of an electric time bomb. I have sat in tears in a lesson as the damned horse won't budge and had to be led by some kind soul around the arena, but he did get better eventually and I didn't resort to an air jacket and actually never came off him in all the time I had him. Would I buy another like him? Not on your nelly!! Not for all the movement in the world! I would much rather have a kind temperament and trainability than WOW factor. Its my enjoyment and my hobby so why add stress to an otherwise already stressful life? Leave that to the professionals who are the future of British Dressage and our Teams. The rest of us will watch in admiration, dream what if, and generally support from below, after all we all know our place dont we?
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