I've thought about this post for almost 48 hours now...so I hope I do it justice. For those of you that have seen this 🐴 around these parts before, you know that the journey has been anything but easy. We spent almost 3 years at Training and First level, just trying get down the centerline. He is afraid of his own shadow, causing anything new or unusual to result in rearing, fighting, running backwards... but I thought 2021 would be different, and it was....kinda. In the early spring we had to suddenly stop to avoid killing the person in front of us that stopped short, which resulted in 3 weeks of intensive Vet, chiro & Physio care for Ham as he was so stiff he couldn't turn his head. Followed by a sudden bilateral HQ lameness which resulted in a diagnosis of Lyme AND EPM...#doublewhammy . So it wasn't until late summer where we were able to get back out there with all of you! To this weekend...HAAAM finished not 1 but 2, Second Level test 3 tests with a number...AND placed in the top of his classes. Filled with some stiff competition!! It was our first time doing this test, and I couldn't not be more proud of him, the effort he put in, and our growth together. He has earned some time off!!! Thank you to All of you for your messages when things got hard, or for checking in on Ham this spring. And thank you to @drrayne for keeping him happy and stunning, @mk_equestrian1779 for your eyes and tutelage, @mystequineproducts for his glow and muscle relaxation, @topline_equine_bodywork for the rekindled friendship and body work, @bays4dayscrochet , @jmullins95 ...and SOOO MANY more that have been venting outlets and friends when I needed them the most!! Onto 2022!!! #ottbofinstagram #dressageyoungster #dressagehorse #dressagetraining #equestriandreams #horsesaremylife (at Pennsylvania, USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWVuML4rLCo/?utm_medium=tumblr
