The week began with a quiet cup of coffee and a sense of excitement for the day ahead. I couldn’t wait to see Riley’s new Childeric saddle fitted, and meet with Helen Dunning from Orange Horse Consultants — it felt like the start of a special day.
Red flag
But by mid-morning, that joyful anticipation dimmed. Around 10 a.m., Laura, the livery yard owner, called to say she was concerned about Riley. He wasn’t himself and had barely touched his breakfast — an immediate red flag. Anyone who knows Riley knows how much he loves his food; if there’s even a trampled wisp of hay on the ground, he’ll eagerly hoover it up. So when he turns down a meal, it’s never a good sign. We quickly agreed that the vet should come out to check on him.
In an instant, the direction of the day had changed, and whilst I was still looking forward to his saddle being fitted, the excitement had faded and was replaced by that familiar knot of worry every horse owner knows too well. His health concerned me more.
When I arrived at the yard I could immediately tell he was off colour. He seemed a little withdrawn and not his usual happy to see me self. By this time, the vet had already been out to see him. She wasn’t overly concerned and felt that no treatment was needed just yet, advising us instead to keep a close eye on him and see how things developed.
We weren’t going to win any prizes for turnout
Next, it was time for Helen to fit Riley’s new saddle. He was, however, looking rather muddy, so I did my best to make him presentable — though I knew we weren’t going to win any prizes for turnout that day, unless there happened to be extra points for muddy manes.
Once Helen had checked the fit, we popped his bridle on. I’ll admit, I felt a pang of guilt about riding him, but we’d already agreed that just a short, gentle session would be enough. I kept things light, without any pressure. After only five minutes, he was back in his stable, enjoying a well-earned rest.
Blackjack didn’t need a saddle check, but he was definitely in need of a good groom — though that’s putting it mildly. He was absolutely caked in mud, and despite the efforts of the two of us brushing him, we didn’t quite manage to get him gleaming before he decided he’d had enough. Restless and bored, he made it very clear that grooming time was over.
A huge relief
After saying goodbye to Riley and Blackjack, we left the yard still worried about Riley but hopeful that he would soon perk up. Thankfully, a few hours later, Laura sent me a photo of him happily munching his hay and looking much brighter — a huge relief and a reminder of just how resilient he can be.
Despite feeling very lucky to have a new saddle and one that has been custom made for Riley — designed with his comfort in mind — what I was most grateful for that day was seeing him back to doing what he does best: eating!