Hare n Hounds Christmas Show

Freddie and I went to the Hare n Hounds Christmas Show yesterday, our last show of the year.  Quite a few hadn't made it because of the snow, but there was still a good turn out.

Freddie's first run (graded 1-2 agility) had both me and the judge stood laughing in the ring.  I was a little worried as there was a brush fence and a wall, both of which Freddie hadn't seen before, so maybe I was a little distracted because after the first 2 fences Freddie decided just to do his own thing - went for wander through the tunnel and over a fence or two before coming back to me!  But once he was concentrating he did the rest of the course fine including jumping the brush and the wall without hesitating.

We picked up another couple of E's, but close ones with only small mistakes.  Then in graded 1-3 jumping he did a fabulous clear round.  It wasn't an easy course but Fred really concentrated and he was fast too!  His clear round earned 2nd place, our best yet, and only 1.5 seconds slower than the winner!  Well done Freddie Bear.

Hare n Hounds, Halloween Show

I realise I didn't post about the Halloween Show.  Hmmm, maybe because it's one I'd rather forget!  It was Freddie's first indoor show, and I hadn't anticipated his cocker spaniel nose coming to the fore in amongst the horse muck layden floor.  So on the first day we managed 4 runs and 4 Es.

I was determined to do better on the second day, and filled my pockets with Freddie's favourite treats.  On his first run he went of sniffing again, and another E.

But I was full of optimism on his second run - there were no weaves so I was very hopeful of a good fast run with no sniffing.  And it was, but unfortunately half way round I felt a 'pop' in my left calf and instant pain.  I hobbled round the rest of the course, sending Freddie wide of a jump and picking up 5 faults.  Then hobbled to the car to put Freddie in and went to find the first aider...  And what a lovely lady she is though I can't remember her name.  She sorted me out with an ice pack for my leg and a cup of tea for me and I sat a while before heading home and for the hospital.  The hospital confirmed I had a torn calf muscle with the only treatment being rest.  How long would I be out???

I limped badly for the next couple of weeks, with poor Freddie sat crying at the door on training nights.  But thankfully it mustn't have been a bad tear as we were back at training two weeks later, and ok for the Christmas show.

So at least this show taught me a lesson - warm up!  I will always make sure to stretch out before setting off in future.