OAKLEA GROOVER
Where is he now?
"The trail from elite athlete to a wounded soldier..........will there be another glory????"
2006..........FLASH BACK!
Groover and I were certain to be selected to represent Australia at the "World Equestrian Games" in Arcchen Germany. But the road became full of bumps and the wheels started to come loose on the "Groove-machine". After a couple of uncharacteristic performances at events, Groover was summons by the vet and sent to Randwick Equine Centre, to find out the problem.
Groover was given a full body examination and the diagnosis given was severe damage to his "Sacroiliac Region". Prognosis was 6-8 months paddock rest and no "WEG" for us!!!
2007..........RECOVERED SOLDIER!
Groover was brought back into work at a very gradual pace, as he had lost a lot of muscle tone due to his lengthy paddock rest. We managed to compete at a few events around the middle of the year, sticking to our mapped out rout on the road to Adelaide International 3 Day Event.
Our Road became more than bumpy, it came to a dead end!! Signs said "No through Road" and "Road Closed"!!! Groover had fractured his femur boner, near side.........prognosis given....after recovery was RETIREMENT!!!!!
"He will never be that horse that took you to the Olympic games....AGAIN!!!" Those words echoed in my mind, as I drove my FATALLY wounded solider from the Vets.....once again!!!
2008..........HELL, LETS GIVE IT A GO!!!
Twelve months had passed, Groover had survived a summer, naked, with only a fly veil on, and a winter with only one heavy rug on. He grew a mane down to his shoulders and a coat that could have filled several doona, he was bare foot, and looked as if he were a brood mare ready to foal.
Retirement was not becoming of him!! Groover would watch me everyday catch horses and bring them up to be ridden, his ears were pricked in hope I was to catch him next, I knew he was bored as well.
This is a horse that had had love and attention everyday of the week, in the 10 years we have been together. Groover wanted to be ridden, as much as I wanted to ride him. We started with 2 weeks walking out. I spent every moment that I am riding him reminiscing about all that we have accomplished together.
Groovers progress has been Slow, but we are up to 5/10 minutes trotting, with a few long sides of canter. To finish off 2008, Groover did 2 clean Flying changes, probably would have scored an 8, at least!!
"STAGES"..........IN OUR ROAD TO G.L.O.R.Y..........2009
STAGE "G"
"GRADUAL" - My main aim for the 1st 6 months of this year, is to gradually lengthen Groovers work load, so that his body slowly strengthens and builds up muscle again.
Heres cheers to recovery and reminiscing, I'll let you guys know how the big fellas progress is going!!!
Bye for now,
Rebel
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