Just a spoon full of sugar.....

OK so as promised this is a quick little update on Romy as we eagerly await the Dressage National Championships in Ireland later this month. I thought this day would never come but ROMY SMASHED THE 70% BARRIER recently and he did it at advanced medium, no less. So proud of my gorgeous big gent and I was a bit teary about it too because he’s come so far this year, in the face of adversity. 

The show was at our relatively local GORGEOUS venue, Redhills. The sun was shining, we had fabulous, encouraging, smiling judges and as always the team who work the 12 hours days at Redhills were friendly, smiley and encouraging too. It makes such a huge difference when you get a positive vibe with constructive comments from the judges, even if the score isn’t great. But this time we got good comments from both judges and they were accompanied with two good scores of 68% and 70% and first place (insert smug face). We also managed to get a training session with Judy Reynolds in and we looked at changes, which were fine, but STRAIGHT changes which leave a lot to be desired so I’m practicing them down the centre line now! A few clips of our second test are below. Clever donkey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0fovYYCaDK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

So it’s all set us up well for nationals now. I know there will be quite a few professionals in my class because we’re now in the category 3 (or gold category if you’re BD) due to the level, which is a pity as we’re a true amateur combination, but all I can do is my best and hope that Romy is feeling up to it on the day. If we finish top 6 in the company of so many professionals I’ll be over the moon. I TRY not to let the competitive streak in me take over, I really do...I know it’s the getting there that counts, blah blah blah. But I want a jaysis frilly to take home and frame! 

Earlier in the month Romy was showing a little off so I got him checked and low and behold he had a small tear in his shoulder muscle which had resulted in some scar tissue forming in the area. I’ve been treating it with daily massage and he has an arc equine but we also tried something a little different this time. A lady at my yard has a cryonic neurocryostimulation device. Taken from the website (www.esms.ie), carbon dioxide at -78°C and 50 bar pressure enable a drop in cutaneous temperature from 32°C to 4°C within 30 seconds. 

Physiological effects include;

• The technique acts on the body's enzymes, vascular and lymphatic systems, and stimulates the cutaneous receptors

• Relieves pain immediately

• Stops inflammation

• Drains haematomas and oedema due to its vasomotor effect

• Triggers immediate muscular relaxation

I must admit the initial swelling reduced pretty much overnight and with a few more treatments, along with the other treatments mentioned above, Romy is feeling tip top again and ready to flick his toes in all directions! 

If anyone would like to find out more info on treatment in Ireland you can visit www.facebook.com/esms.ie/

As an added prep for nationals I’ve been considering a few energy supplements to give him a little boost. Three days of tests are a lot for my big man who wouldn’t ordinarily have two days schooling in a row so I’ve decided to give this product a go to see if it aids his energy and recovery https://www.globalmedics.be/animal-healthcare/en/product/hemachol/ . Without going into the nitty gritty of it too much, the minerals should help transport oxygen around his blood and the vitamins should help increase energy and accelerate recovery. It might help Romy find his wings ;-) 

Here’s hoping my next post heralds more good news for my overgrown chocolate Labrador of a horse! 

V & R x