Sunday, in particular, was a very emotional day, it was the day I was to compete Two Sox for the final time. He did a great Grand Prix Freestyle, finishing at the top of his game. I had to put the occasion totally out of my mind for the test itself and bite onto my lip quite hard for his farewell lap of honour. I am so grateful to the organisers Kelvin Bywater and Caroline Griffith for the opportunity to celebrate his career and share this with everyone at the Championships. Also thanks to Winnie Murphy who helped with the commentary. It was a perfect moment, celebrating his 10 years of competing at the Championships themselves, 7 of which have been at Grand Prix level. The standing ovation was overwhelming and I'm sure that he was thinking he must have done a pretty awesome test as he stopped to admire the applause! The rain even held off- it was raining all around and then a rainbow appeared, it was very magical.
Who could not have imagined what was to happen next, we had some lovely sunshine following the Champs so I wasted no time with introducing Two Sox to his much deserved turnout, he had always been hand grazed so was used to the grass. We have an ideal paddock which is next to the outdoor arena, level and secure. I cornered it off so it wasn't too big and stood with him while he grazed alone, having already hacked out beforehand he appeared very happy and settled. He enjoyed the following days in the same way, I always made sure he went out when we were there to keep an eye on him, we would often be riding on the arena and he would look up as if to say "good job, keep going." Then only a few days later when going to bring him in it became apparent that he was in acute pain and not wanting to take any weight on the left front leg. We immediately called the vet and had an x ray taken, his pastern bone showed three distinct fractures. There was no real explanation, he was quiet, he had protective leg wear on, no marks anywhere - the bone just seemed to give way. With no realistic chance of a full recovery we had to make that awful decision within minutes to say goodbye to him. I was just coming to terms with his retirement with no idea that just two weeks later I was going to have to say goodbye to him for good.
People have been so kind, I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for their kind messages and support, it means a lot. The great horse that he was with a wonderful attitude and big heart seems to have touched so many. Perhaps he wasn't meant to retire and thinking back to the rainbow at the National Championships during his farewell lap of honour, perhaps he was chosen to go early. I know it would have happened at some time, I just didn't expect it to happen so soon xxx
