Jasper

Jasper

1988 - 2010

And then he was gone.

A friend of mine, asked me “why the tears, he was just a horse, and he wasn't even yours”. Words spoken by someone, who although meaning well, has never experienced the unconditional love of an animal or the noble and generous nature of a horse who allows us to ride on it's back, making use of its speed and strength for our pleasure and purposes.

I met Jasper, or Jessie Boy as he was fondly known, one Friday afternoon in September 2007 and fell in love with him immediately. Having just signed up for an eight day horseback trek, crossing from Argentina and Chile, I set out to take lessons. My instructor came highly recommended and was lucky enough to be fit into his busy schedule. Throughout our brief phone conversation I advised him that I was a complete beginner, and my horse riding was limited to a couple of hacks at a riding school. “No, problem, you will be fine on Jasper” he reassured me.

Training for the Trans Andes Horseback Trek on Jasper, Maghtab 2007

And I was. I felt safe on the back of this gentle and patient horse with kind eyes. I had a couple of tumbles but they usually my fault. Although an intelligent animal, there was no malice in Jasper. He did his utmost for all the riders that took lessons or rode him in equestrian competitions.

I will never forget our first show jumping competition. Organised by the La Vallette Riding Club, it meant that he had to journey by van from Maghtab to Marsa, and spend a day in a field devoid of the luxury of his own stable. Moreover, he had to wait for the other horses, he travelled with, to be ready from their competitions before he could go back to his stable. My nerves at competing for the first time in a class full of seasoned riders were calmed by the fact that I could trust Jasper. Tackling the course, keeping in my the techniques learnt combined with some vocal encouragement from my part we managed a clear round. Since, two other riders were clear there would be a jump off for first, second and third place. The activity of the day, took its toll on Jasper and our time saw us place third. However I was ecstatic. I knew that Jasper had given his 110%, in the true generous nature of the horse he gave it his all.

Just after the showjumping competition in Marsa, Jasper is on the right. Marsa 2008

Some people mistakenly believe that horses are devoid of emotions and thus incapable of forming a bond. These people would have you believe that horses are not capable of feeling the same emotions that we humans feel. How wrong they are. Horses desire companionship just as much as we do. A clear example of this was Jasper's bond with Tuta, my instructor's other horse. Their stables and paddocks were next to each other and you could see him look out for her if she was out in the field and he left on his own in the paddock. He would call out to her when he would hear her walking into the stables. So close was his bond with her, that if they both were in the field at the same time he would do his utmost to follow her.

Walking through the stables, early in the morning, smelling the fresh hay, the sound of horses munching contentedly and the sight of them acknowledging my presence as I walk in gives me a sense of peace. Alas, Jasper is now no longer there to welcome me, but his hoof print is clearly embedded in my heart, just as much as it is embedded in the heart of all the riders that have ridden Jasper over the years.

Rest well, Jasper, you will be sorely missed.

Rollercoaster Ride

As 2009 starts ebbing away, giving way to the start of a new decade, there is no better comparison that can be given to an eventful year other than that of a rollercoaster ride.

Those of you who, like me, love roller coasters fully understand the thrill of such an experience. As we experience the upside-down turns and dizzying heights whilst going through the course of the coaster at high speeds, a varying degree of sensations are experienced. Weightlessness from plummeting in a downward spiral, giddy from reaching heights when looping the loop and the exhilaration as the speed increases making our hearts race, blood pump faster heart dropping as we twist and turn. Similar to life, this one minute adventure can be a stomach churning experience filled with heart dropping sensations. Turning our world upside down for a few seconds but filling us with a sense of optimism as we soar up and look towards the sky.

I am sure that every time we celebrate the start of a new year, we are all filled with a sense of optimism. Wiping the slate, we look forward to what hopefully will be a good year ahead. Nine days into 2009, my optimism took a blow. A horse riding accident was not exactly how I had envisaged 2009 to start. Having been knocked unconscious, suffering concussion after falling off my horse whilst training for a jumping competition I was lucky enough to be left relatively unscathed. However, my confidence levels plummeted to a free fall. It would have been easy for me to close shop. Sell my horse and never set foot in the stables again. But I was not going to give up a lifelong dream so easily. It was a case of literally getting back onto the saddle. I had to start afresh to regain my badly shaken confidence. My determination combined with my instructor’s patience paid off and I started jumping again within a matter of weeks.

If there is one thing that I have learnt in 2009, it must be the fact that one does not have to take years of knowing a person for them to have an impact on one’s life. Cases in point were Cliff Micallef and Jenny Psaila, who passed away tragically this summer, within days of each other. I became friends with Cliff and Jenny whilst practicing the same sporting disciplines – cycling and equestrian sports. Both were enthusiastic about their sports, professional in their approach and always willing to give a helping hand to newcomers like me. Their loss, just before leaving for Lifecycle in the first week of August, was a bitter pill to swallow. I guess one could be forgiven for wanting to give up practicising their disciplines after these tragedies. We can easily cocoon ourselves into a comfort zone, taking little or no risks. But then, would we really love our sports as much as we claim to do if we gave up? No, not really.

Disappointment stemming from being let down by people we trust or have faith in is an emotion that I guess all of us have been through at some point in our lives. When such trust is broken, the relationship, be it a working relationship, a family connection or a friendship, suffers. The trail of hurt caused by these people, intentionally or not causes, most likely than not, irrevocable damage. Thankfully, I am strong enough not to let such actions turn me into a cynical, bitter person. Whilst I will find it hard to be trusting of such people again, I look at those steadfast friends, who are there for me through thick and thin and am grateful for their presence in my life.

Steep hills covering innumerable kilometres, late nights cycling in the dark, lack of food at the end of the day, swollen knees and sores deriving from long hours on the saddles were few of the horror stories recounted by friends who participated in the grueling Lifecycle Challenge. Such visual descriptions were enough for me to deem this a crazy feet which I never really showed interest in. But in recent years, I sort of recanted especially when meeting some seasoned Lifecyclists who keep on returning for more. There must be something that keeps them going and early in 2009 I figured that I should find out for myself.

8^th August 2009 saw me, and seventeen other cyclists, cross the Bosphorous Bridge in Istanbul Turkey starting off an eleven day adventure that would take us through the Asian side of Turkey into the Syrian border towards Damascus. Covering 2000 kilometers we faced never ending straight roads, with nothing in sight for miles, interminable uphills reaching inclines of 18%, swollen knees and inflamed ankle tendons.

But throughout the duration of the Challenge we were taken care of by a great back up team who ensured that we were safe, well fed and taken care of. The cherry on the cake would be at the end of each day when, irrespective of the time we got to our accommodation, we were greeted with cheers, enthusiasm and delicious hot meals.

The horror stories are easily forgotten once the final checkpoint was reached, successfully completing this year’s Challenge.

Not one to stay put at home, I guess my mother has finally resigned herself to the fact that I will never take up knitting or embroidery as a hobby. The adrenaline that was pumping through me upon my return from Lifecycle was definitely not going to let me sit still for more than a day. Although I had finished one of the most grueling challenges I will probably ever participate in, I had itchy feet. I needed another challenge.

What challenge?

Climb a mountain - Kilimanjaro, Rainier, Mont Blanc? Been there, done that

Trek the Andes on horseback, riding into the sunset? Been there done that

Cycle for thousands of kilometres in a foreign land? Had just been there done that.

A good friend and Lifecycle participant suggested, over dinner one evening, triathlon. Echoing the words of another friend of mine, he said triathlon is a great to remain in shape and working on three disciplines for one race, swimming, cycling and running, would prevent me from getting bored and keeping focused. For someone who gets easily bored it sounded very enticing. But there were two problems. Running was a sport that always eluded me. Admittedly I got a slight twinge of interest when taking photos of my friends during the February’s half marathon but the twinge was slight and never felt again. Swimming for me equates to a day at the beach in summer and jumping into the water to cool down. My Lifecycle friend suggested that I have a chat with Dermot Galea, Malta’s Triathlon Champion. It only took a five minute chat with Dermot to get me convinced to start training. The first goal would be the Half Marathon in February. Although months away, I had a long way to go seeing that I never ran or jogged in my life. Taking slow steps, building my pace gradually, I took part in the Mdina to Spinola race – 17 kilometres, mostly downhill which I completed in 1hour 50 minutes. Not bad for someone who started running a few weeks before.

The writer Paul Tournier describes the real meaning of travel as being the discovery of one self through contact with other people. Ever since I tasted my first trip abroad, my wanderlust has deepened, fuelled by the geography lessons I sat for in school. My TripAdvisor application on Facebook shows that I have visited 181 cities in 36 countries covering almost all continents - Europe, America, South America, Africa and Asia. My passion has taken me to far flung corners of the world. Roughing it up Cuba and splashing out in New York were my trips for this year. Ironically, one is the antithesis of capitalism and the other the hub of it all.

Controversial and conflicted, Cuba is a nation like no other - rhythmic, colorful, sophisticated and whimsical all in one sumptuous breath. Encapsulated in a time warp, the streets of Cuba are filled with messages revering the 1959 Revolution, with Che Guevara being the most popular revolutionary hero depicted in murals, paintings and sculptures.

Yet Cuba is vibrant in its own way, with youths dancing to the beat of salsa music at almost every corner, whilst old men while away their time slapping down dominoes and smoking chunky Montecristos. Baracoa’s virgin beaches provide the perfect location for periods of tranquil isolation, characterised by golden powdery sands and the turquoise waves of the Caribbean.

On the other hand New York is the quintessential metropolis. Chaotic and glamorous, New York can be anything you want it to be. When faced with adversity it has been capable of bouncing back – the Great Depression, the Wall Street Crash and more recently 9/11. Exerting its powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment there is never a dull moment spent in New York. New York can boggle the mind. It is easy to feel overwhelmed as the visitor is spoilt for choice. Watching famous actors like Daniel Craig, Hugh Jackman, Catherine Zeta Jones, or Jude Law thread the boards on Broadway. Hitting the shops for some retail therapy at Tiffany’s, FAO Swartz, Macy’s or NikeTown and if the therapy proves to be too expensive, one can always savour the fresh air with a walk in Central Park.

In the city that never sleeps, there is plenty of time for dining and unlimited options to choose from. Considered to be a culinary capital, the foodie can find everything from sushi and dim sum to hot dogs and donuts. My favourite eateries being the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park where it is easy to forget you are in a bustling city. Frankie and Johnnie’s steakhouse began as a speakeasy in the 1920’s at the height of the Prohibition. Carnivores like me can sink their teeth into amazingly huge steaks cooked to perfection. Yes, New York might not be Fidel Castro’s favourite city but it is certainly mine. My visit to this city, in December certainly rekindled the glow of Christmas and with it the hope that a New Year brings with it.

Some people have described 2009 as an annus horribilis. Yes. 2009 was not an easy year. Just like a rollercoaster, it has caused us to twist and turn, plummeting into a free fall and rising up towards the sky giving us a degree of optimism that all will be all right. But in a couple of hours, I wil be raising my Champagne glass, toasting the end of a difficult year, that has made me stronger and welcoming 2010 full of renewed optimism.

2010 will be the start of a new Chapter.

Photo copyright Maria Vella-Galea, excluding Lifecycle related shots copyright of Ray Pace

The Road to Damascus

The flight to Istanbul from Damascus took exactly 1 hour 30 minutes. A bat of an eyelid compared to the 11 days it took us to cycle the same distance. This year’s Lifecycle Challenge saw 18 cyclists cover 2000kms in what was, as the Committee put it, one of the toughest challenges ever.

Being my first experience as a Lifecyclist, I didn’t really know what I was going to face, even though friends of mine, who took part in previous editions of the Challenge, warned me that this was going to be tough!.

This year’s Challenge, started on Saturday 7th August at 7am and saw us crossing the Bosphorous Bridge in Istanbul. An extremely special event as cycling is not allowed on this Bridge. Supported by the Maltese Consul and a Police escort we took off, battling heavy rainfall that was to see us through most of the day.

As the Challenge progressed we battled strong winds and faced extreme temperatures which rose up to approximate 43 degrees. Fatigue set in as day after day we cycled for long hours, up steep and never ending inclines. The roads were considerably in a better state than ours, but the tarmac grip was a nightmare as it made us have to cycle hard even in the downhills.

Turkish hospitality was amazing. I must admit I had some reservations about cycling in Turkey but I was proven so wrong. Although cycling is not a widely practiced sport there, drivers showed us great respect, keeping their distance and ensuring our safety. At times we were even escorted by traffic police who were friendly and happy to help whenever we had a puncture – and that was quite often. A perfect example of such hospitality was the time a police officer offered me an apple, which is not exactly the easiest thing to eat on a bicycle. Having politely refused his offer, he came back a few minutes later, with the apple neatly cut in small pieces. To ensure that I eat all the apple without risking falling off, the officer passed on the small pieces, patiently waiting for me to eat each piece slowly whilst cycling.

Although neighboring countries, Syria was so different to Turkey. As we started approaching the Syrian border, the temperatures started soaring, reaching the 46 degree mark in some instances, making it a nightmare for the backup team to ensure that we had a steady supply of cold water. The traffic in Syria was chaotic, a case of survival of the fittest, having to swerve away from vehicles driving on the wrong side of the road or turning off a junction completely ignoring us. Syrian drivers tend to ignore warnings from traffic police – so imagine the chaos. That we survived Syrian traffic without injury is a miracle.

Apart from all this, I also had to contend with some injuries to my knees and ankle – the latter being the most serious. Although I was injected with pain killers and anti-inflammatory I was warned by the doctor that there was a possibility I might have to stop if the injury got worse. Not something I wanted to hear after all those weeks of training and sacrifice. Luckily the pain subsided and I was able to continue and successfully complete the Challenge finishing in Damascus at 3pm on Tuesday 18th August.

We were lucky to be supported by a fantastic backup team who were there all the time to provide us with all the support we needed. They had their fair share of hassles, some of which I am sure we were and never will be aware of. Edward Mercieca's arrest for spying was something that had all the team worried, and thankfully the ordeal, which lasted nine hours, ended happily, with Edward giving a colourful version of the account once he was back, safely, in our midst. My fears relating to food or the lack of it, were unnecessary as the cooking team were fantastic – dishing up varied, nutritious meals in all the places we went to, even when facilities were not so great. The medical team providing us with all that was necessary even in the remotest of places and the rest of the team who provided us with a laugh and a hug when they were most needed!

The success in completing this Challenge has sort of sunk in now. I did feel lost when it was over. A sensation I never thought I'd have. People have asked me whether I would take part again. Before leaving for Lifecycle the answer was a clear and definite No. But now, a month later.....……who knows!

If you want to know more about this year's edition visit - http://betfairlifecycle2009.blogspot.com/ for a day to day account of my participation in the Lifecycle Challenge!

The Challenge begins!

The dreaded sound of the alarm clock goes off. In reality it doesn’t wake me up as I have been awake for quite some time. A multitude of thoughts run through my mind as I try to fall asleep…..unsuccessfully.

Sunday morning, 19th April. The first official ride of the Betfair Lifecycle Challenge 2009 will take place this morning and will be the start of this year’s training programme, scheduled to last sixteen weeks. Sixteen weeks of progressive training, building and developing our physical and mental fitness to cope with the grueling challenge that awaits us in August.

The Lifecycle Organisation requires no introduction. Since it’s inception in 1999, it has earned a well deserved reputation as being an organisation which organises a tough endurance event that sees dedicated cyclists battle several elements, crossing different countries all over the world averaging around 200 kilometres per day. But the yearly challenge isn’t just about cycling in extreme conditions. The cycling part is a means to an end. Raising funds and awareness about renal disease whilst supporting the Renal Unit at Mater Dei to assist in the upgrading of equipment which will increase the quality of life of patients visiting this unit is a small part of what this organization does.

My thoughts are back on the morning’s planned cycle. 60 kilometres. In all fairness I have cycled that amount of mileage in the past but it was always in a small and relaxed group. This time the group will be much larger. The cyclists’ assessed for their performance. What if I am not up to standard? What if I cannot cope?

Slowly I get out of bed. After having breakfast as instructed by Alan the day before, I put on my cycling gear. Go down to the garage to inspect my bike. Nothing should have changed from last night when I made sure that the tyre pressure was as it should be, the chain was well oiled and spare tube in my pouch. Slowly I set off for our meeting point at the entrance of Mater Dei. Cycling up towards the entrance, I see that the Organising Committee and back-up crew are setting up banners.

Being the first training event, we are having an official send off by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youths and Sport Clyde Puli. Slowly other cyclists start arriving. Some of them have already participated in previous events, others are new and probably feeling a bit lost like me. Although I might not show it I am quite a shy person and it does take me some courage to walk up to someone and introduce myself. But this is part of the Challenge and I start introducing myself to others. I think it is important to start working on building a team spirit from the very start. What if the group doesn’t gel? Team spirit or lack of it can make or break a group.

Getting to know other cyclists


At 9am sharp the Parliamentary Secretary for Youths and Sport Clyde Puli arrives and gives a brief speech. After the speech he goes round speaking to the cyclists, giving words of praise and encouragement and promising his Government’s support.

Lifecycle Deputy Chairman Mario Scerri briefing Parliamentary Secretary for Youths and Sports Clyde Puli on the Challenge and what it stands for

Group photo

It is time to set off on the route set for the day. I am one of the first to start off – mainly so that I can pick up my pace and then keep up as much as I can.

Heading towards the Birkirara by Pass we pick up a steady speed. Soon cyclists start zooming past me. Am I that slow I think? I look at my GPS and I am clocking 25km/hr. Not too bad I think. I continue with my pace, changing gears when necessary. The training I undertook, on my own, the previous week is beneficial as I could experiment with gears, without disrupting anyone’s pace or timings.

At regular intervals we see the back up crew either showing us the way or ensuring that we are fine. A back up vehicle, recognizable by the Betfair Lifecycle Challenge 2009 poster heads back and forth.

Sometimes other cyclists catch up with me and vice –versa. The pace is just right to have brief introductions but as soon as we get to Burmarrad hill, the downhill is too enticing and the majority of us just pedal faster, clocking 52km/hour and more.

Proceeding towards the Bahar ic-Caghaq coast road we are advised by the Backup team to undertake a couple of laps. I can’t help remembering a Facebook Status update a few days before when I commented on the fact that I had built an excellent relationship with the Coast Road having done a couple of laps there the day before. A comment which Sandro, a fellow cyclist, reminded me of just as he whizzed past me!

Cars are driving past me but I keep on focusing on my breathing, speed and occasionally at the wide open sea. Just before I reach Splash and Fun I am flagged down by Alan who advises me to put my bicycle seat higher. I am not too sure as I do not feel comfortable not being able to put my feet flat on the ground however Alan explains that my current posture on the bike will could lead to potential knee problems. The plan is to gradually increase the height of the seat till I feel comfortable enough. As Alan is busy sorting out my seat I see the other cyclists go past. My first thought is that I am going to lag behind but then this is a legitimate and important stop. If I don’t get the basics right at this stage of the challenge the consequences might be dire.


I start off again, heading up the slight incline towards Splash and Fun, Francesca and the girls flag the cars coming from the opposite direction enabling me to turn back and continue my lap. I start pedaling at a faster speed – my goal is to at least catch-up with the rest. In a couple of minutes, I see Carolina paddling on her gold coloured bike. God Bless her! Her bike is loaned and is not exactly the right kind of wheels to have but she is focused and looks determined. As we start the second lap I notice a fellow cyclist, Nigel, showing some signs of discomfort. The traffic lights are red so I stop next to him. He is suffering from cramps and tells me that he has not had breakfast so he is not feeling too well. I promptly give him one of my energy bars and encourage him to eat it. Making sure he is fine, I continue on my ride.

The sun is getting warmer. A gentle reminder of the weather we are to expect in Turkey and Syria this summer. After approximately 44 kms, we are directed to head towards Msida Bocci Club, going past St. Julian’s and Sliema seafront. The Regional Road tunnels are not an option as they are dangerous and it is illegal to cycle through tunnels. The steady climb up Bahar ic-Caghaq hill towards Pembroke is not easy but I keep focused on the cyclists ahead of me keeping a steady gap between us. Once this hill is over it is basically a constant flat road with some downhills towards Msida Bocci Club.

Reaching the Msida Bocci Club I find the backup team waiting for us. Throughout the whole ride they were there either following us in their cars, slowing down to check on us, to see if we are doing well or guiding us from fixed points, giving us words of encouragement. As I stop I realize that we have pedaled over 50kilometres. Admittedly the first 20 kilometres where the most difficult but once my muscles warmed up and I managed to get a steady pace going it felt good. Francesca, our physiotherapist is going around giving us tips on how to stretch our muscles to ensure minimal soreness or injury.

The first group training session is over. As we discuss our performance with the rest of the team, the magnitude of this event starts sinking in.

I feel proud to wear my Betfair Lifecycle Challenge T-Shirt.


Photos courtesy of Ray Pace

El Silencio

A sombre mood engulfs the otherwise vibrant city of Seville during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Celebrated with great fervour since the 16th century, the importance of Holy Week can immediately be felt by just looking at the Sevillian’s dress code which changes from a normally relaxed attire to more formal dark suite for the men and the mantillas, (lace mantle, stiffened by shell or another material) donned by the ladies, exuding elegance throughout. This custom was revived in the 1980s. The religious aspect of their attire is distinctly visible by the rosary beads that women wear as accessories.




At the heart of Semana Santa are the brotherhoods (Hermandades y Cofradias de Penitencia). The brotherhoods are made up of Catholic lay persons, whose membership is usually a matter of family tradition.




There are approximately fifty nine brotherhoods that make the stations of penance from their affiliated parish church to the Cathedral.



Dressed in their habits, having a distinticve pointed hood, brotherhood members march in pairs and in silence, often barefooted, holding a candle, which is only lit at night.



Others hold incense whilst those known as penitentes carry wooden crosses a sign of public penance. Whilst they wear the habit of the brotherhood, their hood is not pointed.



The earliest known brotherhood (Primitiva Hermandad de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, known as El Silencio - The Silence) was founded in the mid 14th century. El Silencio, as the name implies, is followed by the watching crowd in silence in the early hours of Good Friday. This procession has a great following, with people thronging the area hours before the start to secure a good place. The very thought of trying to squeeze in is unheard of, and the looks such “invaders” get are enough to silence anyone!





Processions are elaborate affairs. The entire scene, although sombre is at the same time alive with colour and sound. Marching bands of bugles and drums play music, known as the marcha procesiónal - which influences the pace and action of the pasos (religious statues). Some processions, such as El Silencio, march in silence and without music. In key locations the procession stops for a Saeta – a very emotional flamenco solo mournful song sung acappella from balconies. The Saeta echoes through the streets making people feel the solemnity of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord.





Each procession starts with the Cruz de Guía – (Guiding Cross). The Cross marks the way for the rest of the procession which sees members of the various brotherhoods carrying various effigies of Christ on the Cross, the Virgin Mary and other floats representing the stages of the Passion.









The early hours of Good Friday constitute the most important time of the Seville Easter week celebrations. That night, some of the most venerated statues make their way through the streets, such as Jesús del Gran Poder, la Macarena, el Cristo de los Gitanos and La Esperanza de Triana which is sees the Virgen de la Esperanza which is the most adored and revered Virgin of the city of Seville.




Whether out of piety or curiosity, Semana Santa is a centuries old tradition, bringing people from different religions and parts of the world to experience the ambience and aura of such an occasion.

From exercising restraint from hitting the loud tourist who just pushed you off your precarious piece of pavement, or the deep breath you take when somebody stands on your foot with their pointed stiletto to the smell of orange blossoms, incense and candle wax and despite the fact that Malta has a good tradition of Good Friday processions, Seville’s Semana Santa is one thing that should be on your list of things to do before you die.

Photos copyright Maria Vella-Galea 2008

Getting back on the saddle

Holding the reins in my left hand, I gingerly put my left foot into the stirrup and swing my right leg over Daffyd's back. Gently I settle into the saddle.

Daffyd makes no movement, waiting till I gently nudge his girth with my calves, signalling that I want him to start walking, making our way out of the stables, slowly, onto the road that leads to the practice arena.

It has been three weeks since I entered that very same arena on Daffyd's back. Three weeks since I flew off, knocking myself unconscious, causing the most unpleasant headache which led to three weeks of rest at home.

My doctor has now given me the all clear. I can start riding slowly again. No jumping for the time being. I won't beat around the bush and say that I am not apprehensive. There is no such thing as a fearless person, fear is one of the most basic human emotions and it serves us well protecting us from danger. In our society admitting to fear is tantamount to showing weakness. But in reality it is not. It is a responsible and sensible way of limiting danger to ourselves and potentially those around us.

Closing the school gate behind me, Tommy, my instructor, advises me to take things slowly. At my own pace. There is no deadline. There is no pressure to prove anything. At the first instance of discomfort I must stop. Things will fall into place, he reassures me whilst I head for the Dressage arena.

Steering Daffyd around the arena a couple of times, I gently progress into a rising trot, achieving an immediate rhythm which Tommy is very pleased with. Slowly we start working on some basic dressage exercises – twenty metre circles in different directions and areas of the school, changing rein, practising a square halt – which requires the horse to bring his fore and hind legs in such a way that when viewed from the side the legs are perfectly in line.

Seeing the direction the training session is taking, Tommy encourages me to undertake a preliminary dressage test. Upon completion, although requiring some fine tuning, the result was very satisfactory and saw me with a grin as big as that of a Cheshire cat. My lesson is over and we slowly head back to the stables.

In equestrian sports, most of the physical work is carried out by the horse but it is the mental attitude of the rider that defines one's limits. Being confined indoors for three weeks, with little to do, gives growth to a number of negative thoughts. It gives you time to start creating a number of “what if” scenarios. Couple that with comments from well meaning friends who give a very graphical example of what could have happened is not conducive to gaining back the mental conditioning required. Ultimately, we need to confront our fears but we must do it in our way and speed. I am just going to do that.

Having stiff muscles from riding again is a great feeling!