Day 68 Tuesday
Despite having a twisted ankle I was still determined to train regardless. As it was Joe's first day and ride out, Ashley and I took him through the camps giving him a tour of the farm and also so he could get the feel of riding barefoot and bitless. Joe rode "Pocket Rocket" Liberty, Ash with Mercury and me on Neptune. Nothing better then a pleasant ride in the sun working the three gaits and having a good chat, even with a painful ankle.
That afternoon Joe and I departed for a trip around Red Valley with Kandahar and Nile. A jog around Red Valley seeing some different scenery and hearing the baboons call then it was back to the farm.
Day 69 Wednesday
Determined to carry on as normal and just improve my pain threshold I went out training. As Blakeridge was coming up that weekend Ash and I took Mercury and Liberty for a spin around the circuit, FAST! We rode about 10kms of fast canter and trying to get Liberty's competitive side to come out by training her head to head with Mercury.
Next to ride Obelix! Was this a good idea to ride a youngster with a twisted ankle, when you can't apply your leg properly........ oh well! The last time I had ridden Obelix we'd had some issues as to who was in charge. Off we went out the yard and down to river camp WITHOUT napping! We did a loop around the circuit testing all three gaits, going past some scary cows and encountered next doors stallion as it ran the fence line. No napping, no rearing, no bucking Obelix what has happened to you. Finally seems to have hidden his stubborness and is obeying his rider.
That afternoon Joe and I rode out up the road with Ochre and Nile. We only went a short distance due to Ochre being in foal. Nile tested Joe by not walking in a straight line and although obeying the commands of paces not putting any effort in whatsoever. And Ochre was just being well Ochre, i.e. stubborn so my leg was on firmly despite the pain. This mare will probably be turned out with the broodmares this week.
Day 70 Thursday
First horse of the day to ride; Mabruk. Only a quick dash around the circuit as he would be ridden in the 80km at the weekend. Not long into my ride and I remembered that this horse causes the right leg to move (something to do with the way he goes). Hmmm.... this could be painful on my ankle. Warming up in trot was the worst, having not had any painkillers at all I was in agony riding once in canter however it was far better. We did two loops of the circuit at canter, flying past Laura and Joe whilst they were riding. I was glad to get back to the yard and not be riding this horse longer. I think I was definitely limping more after riding Mabruk than when I started.
That afternoon instead of riding, to give my ankle a bit of a break, I gathered up most of what would need to be packed for the weekend. Although did run it all by Ashley to make sure I was not forgetting anything when he'd returned from his training ride, just incase.