Well, I’m definitely on the mend! The specialist is happy with the way my collar bone is healing and I’m undergoing physio’ on my shoulder, so I should be back in action next week! I haven’t been allowed to rest on my laurels though as I’ve had a lot of consultations, clinics and lessons to keep me busy, not to mention an ‘Australian Horsemanship’ taster morning today! It has been tricky not being able to demonstrate techniques but it has taught me how to express myself better even if it means me ‘cantering’ around on foot and pulling imaginary reins!
I have also been able to do a fair bit of polocrosse coaching – something that I am finding less time for nowadays, but which I really enjoy. It was the Arden polocrosse tournament last weekend and I got the opportunity to coach the UK U16 team who are training for a Test Match against New South Wales on 24/25 July. They are a lovely, talented group and they did really well against adult competition. The NSW team also played and they look very handy, but I still think the UK kids are in with a shout!
We had eight of our horses playing in various grades and they all improved over the weekend. Chris Dunlop from Perth, Australia, won Best No 3 on my top horse, Banjo, and Dan Rohan, who works for me, has got a lovely tune out of Diva, a young TB mare, and he also won a playing award. Perhaps I should just stay on the ground and let everyone else play!
My Mum and Dad also arrived from Australia today and it is so good to see them. My Dad is a real ‘old school’ Aussie and has been very influential in everything I do, and I admit to having a tear in my eye when they gave me a brand new Scott Welsh Australian stock saddle on their arrival. It is so beautifully made and even has my initials on it – I am a very lucky boy!
On the stud side of things, Diesel’s crop of 2010 foals are being born which is very exciting. The latest addition is Lucy Shell’s lovely mare, Maude, giving birth to a filly yesterday! Pics coming soon....