Dressage ready!

The past couple of months have been extremely busy, trying to balance both my university and riding commitments.

Since the release of my first blog, Aarmani and I have competed in the Wagga Wagga Show as well as the Leeton District Dressage Competition. Whilst primarily an eventer, this year I have chosen to focus on Aarmani’s dressage, as it is his biggest weakness of the 3 disciplines. By taking him out and about to more dressage competitions, I was hoping to get him more used to the atmosphere and gradually more relaxed. Whilst he was quite worked up at Wagga Wagga Show due to the nearby rides and whip-cracking, I was very pleased that he felt calmer at Leeton Dressage Competition. Despite not having scored his best marks, I was just happy to see and feel an improvement in his overall attitude and mentation. If he continues to become more relaxed, I have no doubt the scores he is capable of, will follow.

When not competing, I spent a lot of time riding whenever I could get the chance. I am usually able to ride 5-6 times a week, however, with this degree, there is no such thing as an ‘average’ week. This is mainly due to commencing internal rotations this semester, which involves varying contact hours and assessments each week. This can make it difficult to plan ahead and fit riding in, particularly when after-hours commitments are required, such as when on surgical or equine clinic rotations. Nevertheless, this variation keeps the Veterinary Science degree so interesting and provides me with the unique opportunity to learn from some of the best veterinarians and specialists in Australia.

With the added commitment of internal rotations this semester, I was very grateful to have an indoor arena to use, which avoids having to sacrifice riding due to an early start or a late finish.

Avoiding the heat in the indoor arena at CSU Equine Centre.

In addition to riding and competing, Aarmani recently underwent a gastric scoping, saddle fit and a routine dental, much to my bank account’s dismay. However, due to the anxious behaviour he can sometimes display, particularly when out competing, I wanted to rule out some possible health-related causes. Much to my relief, both the gastric scope and the dental revealed a clean bill of health, with no obvious signs or causes of discomfort. The saddle fit showed that my dressage saddle fit well, whilst a few minor adjustments had to be made to my jump saddle. Undergoing these procedures has given me great peace of mind and I am relieved that no major problems were found.

Aarmani very relaxed after his gastric scope.

Meanwhile, end of year exams were fast approaching. Previous experience of 7 exams periods had taught me that it is near impossible for me to balance riding with intense study. With very limited time and the constant distraction of studying for 5 exams, I made the decision to give Aarmani a break for the duration of my exam period. Aarmani is a horse that usually requires every ounce of concentration I can muster, so riding him whilst being preoccupied could have disastrous consequences. Although I missed riding for the 2 weeks, it was the right decision as it gave Aarmani a well-deserved break and allowed me to successfully pass all of my 4th year exams!

Whilst classes are officially over until next February, with the Veterinary Science degree also comes the commitment to undertake veterinary clinical placement in my own time.  This Summer, I have 6 weeks of placement in addition to still trying to maintain my riding and a full-time job… the balancing act continues!

Immediately after exams, I undertook my first placement in Queensland, extending Aarmani’s holiday an additional week. Since returning from Queensland, I have spent my time at our farm in the Snowy Mountains, which has allowed me to ride amongst some beautiful scenery and gradually bring Aarmani back into full work again.

Early morning rides at home.

I look forward to spending the rest of the year working, riding and competing in local show jumping and agricultural shows, before finishing the rest of my placement in January/February next year.

Aarmani back in work again.

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