Where it all Began... Abbey

When thinking of what topic my first blog would be on, it was always going to be about my first horse...

She was 4 years old, I was 11,

A ‘Chestnut Mare’ (we all know the rumours!!!),

She was a 16.3hh Irish Draught (did I mention I was only 11?!),

She failed the vetting.

We were strongly advised not to buy her,

But!!!!

We knew she was far from typical...

She was the horse who gave me 20 years of good memories,

The horse who taught so many how to ride,

The horse who gave me a love of Cross Country,

The horse who started it all...

Abbey.

Our Abbey xxx

We learned together, and to say she looked after me is an understatement. We did so much & never, not even once, did we part ways!

She took me around some amazing cross country courses, including Milverton and so many more. I did my first Open Singles with her too. I thought I was a real professional after that!!!

The buzz we got from XC has obviously stayed with me and now I'm one of those "crazy eventers"! Thanks Babso!

Milverton HT

Abbey also took Mum around Milverton... and she really did "take" her.

Mum just pointed and stayed on, Abbey took care of her but couldn't understand why when Mum dismounted, she looked a little green! Mum was never a fan of roller coasters!!!

Believe it or not, Dad also hunter trialed with her!! However, while Mum & I had a zero fall record with her... him? not so much! One day out hacking, they came across a combine... Abbey wasn't having any of it and insisted they head home. Dad disagreed and so they went home separately! Whoops! She knew better Dad!!!

When Elebert Equine began, it was Abbey that was 'my go to' for lessons. Adult or child, she had great patience... except in front of a fence! When she saw a long one, you better be ready to go with her!

E.E Show Day 10th April 2012

Also, everyone loved to practice her 'party piece'...walk to canter. She did it perfectly on the aids and the truth is, it was probably our only successful bit of dressage training! In my defence, she wasn't bred with dressage in mind!!!

Abbey was known for her ability to hop a 6 bar gate from two strides away. I was perfectly aware that she only stayed in a field if SHE wanted to. If the 'grass was greener on the other side', she'd meet you there!!!

She then retired. Two years ago, she was diagnosed as having Cushings Disease with secondary laminitis, She lost condition and we thought we would have to put her to sleep.

I kept saying, she will tell me when she's ready and one particular night, I thought that was it. I'd make the decision in the morning.

However that morning, she trotted up to me and devoured her breakfast!

From there she thrived! Her medication worked, she gained back all the condition and I was able to give her the retirement she deserved, out in the field, grazing, for as long as she wanted. Happy.

Abbey & Mum xxx (I mean, just how gorgeous are they?!!!)

In the end, at 24 years old, she took the decision from me and for that, I am grateful.

My head was prepared, my heart was not.

I have laughed and cried while writing this but it has actually helped me.

Going back through our memories and sharing them, actually feels like a good, very real way to start my blogging. Very bitter sweet.

So thank you Abbey, Our horse of a lifetime.

Forever missed, Never forgotten, RIP.

xxx