Island Prospero (Mr Dink) completed his first 50kms yesterday with Totally Trained team member Daniel Videla at a speed of 14kms per hour at Cranwell. His recovered to a pulse of 46 after only a few minutes so we presented him quite quickly as we were only looking for a completion to fast track him. He completed with Daniels Argentinian saddle, which has been getting some comments and funny looks – I have to say his back is perfect this morning. Apart from his shying (a bit like his big brother!) he behaved like a seasoned trooper.
Well done to Totally Trained team member Shelby France and Magi on their Grade1 at Berkshire Downs in the 78kms class and 3rd place in the Performance Formula.
Updated 27th April
Java Sunlight arrived home on Friday night!
After the roller coaster ride we had with her over the last 14 days we still cannot believe she is home and in her stable. Even last Monday and Tuesday there were still concerns about her progress as every time fluids or drugs were taken away from her she took turns for the worse. Then last Wednesday she appeared to have turned a corner and was taken out of ICU. We still waited for the relapse and dared not get our hopes up at all in case she went backwards again. I then got a phone call at work on Friday saying if the vets were happy when they checked at lunchtime we could fetch her Friday evening.
Beccy and I really would like to say a huge thank you to Oakham Vet Centre and particularly John Abbott for performing the colic surgery and her immediate after care, Alex Knott for never giving up on her despite having to tube her every 4-6 hours for several days, all the vet nurses who cared for and supported her during her stay and Neal Ashton for explaining things patiently and answering our questions. Also a mention has to go to Derek Grantham who was consistently up beat and positive, even when we were in our depths of despair. His support was unfailing. Also to Rachel Gundrun of Park Hall Vets whose emergency treatment and administering of fluids enabled us to get Java to Oakham as comfortably as possible. And of course thank you to all her fan club of well wishers!
We are still not clear what the damage is to her small intestines or why they appeared so diseased. We are also not sure what the long term prognosis is but at the moment we are just happy – no ecstatic – to have her home with us. It is still not over as we have to monitor her at home carefully and she is still taking her medicine. We have to take bloods and she will return to Oakham in 8 weeks for re-assessment and to have her staples out. At the moment she is being hand walked to graze and she is to have 8 weeks box rest.
I will never, ever complain about poo picking again!!!!!
Sue and Beccy
Updated 22nd April 2008.
Island Prospero gained a Grade 2 in his first 40kms at VOB. Well done to Daniel and Mr Dink!
Beccy is now a qualified Equine Massage and Remedial Therapist and is now taking on new clients please refer to Clinics page for more details and testimonials. She is now taking bookings – please use the email link from this website to book a consultation.
Updated April 18th 2008.
Java Sunlight was taken to Oakham Vet Centre on Saturday 12th April for emergency colic surgery. When they opened her up they found massive small intestine damage, which they believed to be a tumour. The biopsy has now returned and it is not a tumour, however now they are even more baffled. She is fighting but is still very poorly and needs all your positive thoughts. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of goodwill and support, it is very appreciated.
Island Prospero is entered for his second novice competition on Sunday with Daniel Videla at the Vale of Belvoir ride.
Murmansk is now available for natural service – see At Stud also link to www.Stallionsatstud.com
Congratulations to Totally Trained Jeni Gilbert and Flurie for their 2nd place in the 110kms National ER at the Haywood Oaks FEI ride this weekend (12th). Competing at a speed of 14.89 kms per hour.
Also to Totally Trained Sue Headland and her horse LTF Kalisha in the National 80 kms ER at the same ride. They came 3rd at a speed of 14.30kms per hour.
For other results and photos http://www.ponies.me.uk/haywoodoaks/
UPDATED March 2008
Island Prospero (Mr Dink) completed his first competitive ride on Sunday at Major Oak. Thank you to Daniel Videla for riding him so well and to everyone who has had a hand in getting this horse to where he is now! Especially Mickey Gavin of True Horsemanship.
Total Training Day – Use Your Intelligence – see clinics page – Sunday 18th May at the Northern Horse Racing School, Bawtry.
22/03/08
Beccy attended the Strictly Energised Ball in Bristol in aid of Cancer Research. Kim Ingleby of Energised Performance was on the Andes trek with Beccy.
UPDATED FEB 2008
Beccy has just returned from a month in Argentina riding and working with real life gauchos. It had seemed a remote plan when last summer Daniel Videla had talked about his farm in Argentina and his horses and how would Beccy like to go over in the winter with Fiona Fairhurst and be involved in the Princes Trust Challenge ride for charity. Suddenly it was Christmas and flights were booked, clothing bought and a whole chemist shop raided for a variety of medicines - just in case – were bought. The kit bag was packed – amazingly under weight – and the adventure began.
Riding all day over rugged terrain and over high mountain passes from Argentina to Chile at altitudes of over 4,800 metres Beccy rode over 600kms in 12 days and had many adventures. After the first trek the gauchos were a man down and offered Beccy the opportunity to go on a second trek, this time for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Beccy disappeared back into the mountains whilst Fiona and her mum returned home.
Beccy eventually returned home last weekend and is now busy preparing horses for competition this summer.
Photos can be viewed on http://daniel-videlahorseexpeditions.blogspot.com/
