Para Power: Laura Gulliver, Part Three

We even managed an outing to a clinic at our local venue Bury Farm and I can report she was as cool as a cucumber and good as gold.

Since the ulcers have healed she is extremely calm to deal with, which is not only a great sign that she is happy and feeling 100% better but also that we seem to have it right with our current  feeding and management.

My plan now is to continue with our training and build on some low key outings over winter.

I myself have been suffering with flare ups of my R.A so things have been a bit of a struggle. My consultant was not too pleased on my visit this week and that’s resulted in a change of drug for one of my injections. Always a major concern as a rider 1st thought help – quick Google of Global DRO to check the FEI prohibited list (few o.k.!) and 2nd thought how the earth am I to manage the side effects of this one round my schedule.

Thankfully my trainer Simon Battram is fantastic at working horses from the ground and he has put in sessions with Natalia working on suppleness and responsiveness. I am able to watch as proud mummy while she runs through lateral work and has started working towards half steps.

My mum has also been lunging focusing on stretching her and I’ve also managed on my bad days to get her to warm her up for me.

I’m really grateful to have this support as it has meant my dream of training to G.P myself without anyone else riding her has not been compromised. Although some day’s things may not look pretty if I keep my fingers crossed I will hopefully stay in good enough health that I won’t have to ever admit defeat.

We have a lovely pony named Jack on our yard and he really is the ultimate rock, his many roles include nanny, escort, companion, babysitter ,counsellor, shoulder to cry on, peace keeper and strimmer in fact I think the only job (much to his annoyance and waist line) he doesn’t do is lawn mowing.

During the spring/ summer Jack spends much of his time in a grazing muzzle which sadly wore his moustache off, However  I am pleased to announce that just in time for Movember he has managed to join the army of men across the country sporting extra facial hair and has grown back the best moustache ever!!!