I threw away a bouquet of flowers that a friend gave me the day Jazz died today, and it made me very sad. I have really missed him this morning. I miss having a horse in the yard who is utterly convinced that he's the most important thing in the universe. He demanded to be loved. Ace asks nicely and Radar isn't that fussed, but Jazz was just "it's all about me!", all the time. I miss riding him terribly. His canter to walk was awesome. Flying changes were such fun. He was so muscular, so powerful and self-contained. I had never ridden a horse like him and I doubt if I ever will again, he wasn't exactly "normal" in any way, was he?
On the bright side, Radar and I have had a nice hack, and Ace is so improved that I am not quite sure whether I can see any lameness on the lunge at all. He is sound on a trot-up on the road, too. The antibiotics finished last night, so provided he gets through the next couple of days with no backsliding, I will be riding him soon. I hope he is a quicker learner than Jazz, who took three years to get a single flying change consistently (but we now know why!). I'm not going to push him faster than he can go, but he will now be my main focus.
I'm almost feeling positive enough to look up when our first dressage competition might be.
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Very pleased to read Ace is doing well..
ReplyDeleteRe the one that knew he was the centre of the universe I have one of those.. but funnily when she was a youngster she was more like Radar.. Now she is apparently throwing strops when I am away and visibly goes off in a huff if I am in any way distracted from her royal highness .. oh what have I created???
But I bet you love her!
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And there will be more days when you revisit your old friend. "Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Not sure where that quote came from or even if it's correct but it's the right idea.
ReplyDeleteAce sounds really good now. You will be very happy to ride him again I am sure.
I wouldn't not have had him, though in retrospect of course we would never have bought him if we had known. But we saw a magnificent chestnut beast with 4 white legs and a huge opinion of himself and it was love at first sight for me!
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I can so remember all your original frustrations with Jazz and how you persevered as little by little, he won your heart. I think that made him even more special to you, and to all of us. Your heartache will ease as time passes, but those memories of all his power, self-importance, and willingness will always bring a smile into your life. You were both blessed to have shared time together.
ReplyDeleteEach horse, like each person in the world, is a unique individual. We learn to love and appreciate each one for the gifts they give us. Jazz taught you so much--including those elusive flying changes. Just think how much fun it's going to be riding them on Ace with Jazz's spirit cheering you both on.
I hope Ace learns them more easily than he did - on the other hand I could never get Tetley to do one at all - he always insisted on one trot stride in the middle :-)
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