THE DAY IT ALL CAME CRASHING DOWN

Not the eventing vlog I hoped to share with Jammy, but that’s the reality of horses. We set off to Ascott Under Wychwood after Winnie’s success just a few days earlier, ready for Jam’s first event back since the Badminton Horse Trials. Unfortunately, things started to go wrong from the beginning when our lorry broke down en route, making for a very stressful start. The challenges continued throughout the day, but as always, I’m keeping it real and showing you everything.
Even though it wasn’t the day we had planned, there were still important lessons to be learned and moments of growth. Watch as we navigate through the ups and downs, and see how we handle the unexpected hurdles. It’s all part of the journey, and I’m grateful for the support of my amazing community. Onwards and upwards!
I hope you enjoy the vlog, and please remember to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our adventures. Let’s keep rooting for Jammy and look forward to better days ahead.
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Instagrams: @elphick.event.ponies @adventures.of.hobbit
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[@feichannel]

As you said, one of those days 🙂 It's a privilege to follow all the ups and downs with you! 👏

[@HorseEditz11]

Hi fei ❤

[@silverrealm]

If FEI has confidence in you, you should have confidence in you. You are both living breathing creatures and even if Jammy had an off day, or was a bit tired, you listened to her, and that is what equestrian sports are about. The partnership and working together. I have every confidence you will make the right decision and you will progress up to 1-star when the time comes!

[@RosaFinnFifiFillyDotty]

Sad to hear jammy isnt feeling herself, props to you as the rider for retiring her. Great how you notice every little thing, hope she feels better soon 💗

[@wc3624]

It was so wonderful to watch how you handled her refusal. No flapping and whipping, just faith in your horse to be honest and listening to her. You're a good horse person and an excellent example for us all.

[@BethBArtz]

Well done, Meg. You know Jam to the core, and if something doesn't feel right, you're going to know. I'm proud of you!

[@Spimenim]

wouldnt expect anything different from such an amazing rider understanding her horse enough to make decisions no one wants to make but we have to in the end its amazing seeing you understand the problems while theyre unnoticeable and keeping them into consideration love watching and learning from you and with you meg!

[@sophieadams9339]

The name of this vlog gave me heart palpitations 😮

[@joant0675]

Its so good that you decided to retire. In the first few jumps you can see that Jammy doenst pick up her front feet up high enough, if you would’ve gone through with the course, she might’ve tripped over a jump and flipped over. You’re such an amazing and responsible rider Meg! I’m sure you guys are going to rock that one star, this was just a bad day. You can do it !!! 🥰🥰❤️❤️

[@THEOFFICIALEQ123]

Oh no! Very disappointed to hear Jam bam isn’t feeling herself! It’s amazing how you know exactly how Jam is feeling! I hope she feels better soon!!

[@vikkineish5790]

Meg I totally agree with you Jam just didn’t have her sparkle. She is such a genuine pony she was trying to do her job. Jam has such expressive ears and today they were not. Meg you truly know this beautiful girl, and did the best for her.

[@CHARL380]

It happens Meg ❤ Good on you for knowing your horses so well and listening to her rather than pushing on. It really shows just how much you care for their welfare!! I hope Jam is okay, we'll all be here to support you for that 1* whether it's this year or next. You've got this!!

[@evecory8946]

Good call Meg, we dont always feel 100% and Jammy is super lucky to have a mummy like you who can read her like a book. She certainly didnt look her usual self but you did the best thing and listened. Im sure its just her muscles feeling tight after her outstanding run at Badders. Muscles take a long time to recover and rebuild. Xx

[@IRL-pony]

It’s not like Jammy to refuse on the course! She kept having those little strides in front of every jump, almost like she wanted to be deep to it. I would definitely get her feet checked, maybe something is making her uncomfortable for her to jump a bit longer!

[@AlexandriaAndrews3]

Hope everything is well with Jam. You know her so well, you could tell she was a bit off from the start. I noticed that you said that she was still going to camp with you, but from insta I saw that Wilma went instead (or maybe I just missed where you said both were there). Best wishes to you and Jammy. Hopefully just a small hiccup and she'll be back to normal soon!

[@sippe9013]

I noticed this too and it's a little worrying 😟

[@april5666]

Unfortunate day, Meg. But amazing that you know Jam so well, that you didn't push her into something she didn't want to do. Fingers and all crossed there isn't something wrong with her. Please up date us on Jam's soundness when you know. As long as she is all right, you can just forget today. Jam would not just say "no" for naughtiness.

[@LindaBell-eo6io]

I love when I see a rider who is so in tune with their horse that they feel when they are off. You are correct that she could be a little laminitic from the grass. I appreciate that you show the reality of horses, this is what happens and it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Hope it’s nothing other than an off day, hugs to you and Jammy and hope she is back to her old self soon!! 🙏🏻♥️

[@anubisblueNK]

It's all a learning curve, Meg, and you trusted your gut and your horse. Jammy isn't one to say no as far as we've seen, so I think you were very sensible. Much love to you both

[@Lilee177]

Anita is incredible! She's travelled my pony a couple of times, who is a spicy pain in the ass to get *to* the box (but loads like a dream and travels fairly well). Love Anita, she's absolutely fab.

[@georginaspencer6534]

I’ve said it before , I love how in tune you and your mum are with your horses, picking up on the slightest change. ❤ such good horse women ❤

[@sipoftea6691]

Amazing job listening to her! It was a hard day and it just shows how much you love her and how much of a team you are!

[@magicaltrails]

So sorry. You absolutely did the right thing. If that was her first fault on Xctry, then it definitely meant something. I'm sure that by now you know what the problem is, as it's been weeks since this event! Let us know when you can! Hugs to Jammy!

[@annejarvis7002]

Hope Jammy is OK. Also hope your horsebox is fixed. Upwards and onwards🤗

[@MarionFeltham]

Do hope everything gets sorted, especially darling Jam and really well done for retiring her. One of those days indeed!

[@freyahiddleston6338]

For starters, thank you for sharing the lows. Such a worry about jam, I agree that she was just lacking something from the start, she looked too settled and not powering on in dressage, then just lacking engine from behind in showjumping. The downward step takes different parts of their body and if she’s sore that’s exactly when she would say no :( hope everything sorts out xx

[@emmataylor9]

Tried Jam again she owes me nothing! What an amazing person you are meg! I love a person who understands their horses and works as a team 👏

[@springmeadows100]

Meg, I think you and Jam are sooo in tune and sensitive to you that she may have felt something was off with you and mares are so keen and I’m sure she is fine but I love that you care so much. I love Jam. She is amazing!

[@sarahcooper3378]

You did exactly the right thing retiring from XC. Only you know how Jam feels, and you obviously are completely tuned in to her. I would guess that by now, you have some idea of the problem and will share with us all in due course. Just very happy all returned home safe and sound. ❤

[@Hoofpicksandhorseshoes]

Definitely the right desision to retire meg, love that you always put your horses first ❤

[@barryandjackypowell8239]

Thanks Meg for your honesty all the way through dealing well with a "bad day at the office" (out eventing!). Particularly at the end with your support for "breakdown assistance" - currently in process of renewing.my own insurance! Must check I have cover on that score. Many thanks. Hope Jammy just picked up on your and Hobbit's stress regarding the lorry, and not anything more concerning!

[@sdr_animals]

❤ aahh poor jam,but well done for putting her 1st and thinking about her obviously u would coz u r just fab with your horses. Don't be so hard on yourself and it maybe just a off day for her. Fingers crossed jam will be right and you will be OK.❤❤

[@chloebirth3841]

Hope jam is feeling better soon and you found out what was up if anything! Loads of hugs, the feeling of worry is awful 😩🤞🏼

[@user-xv9nj6sl6f]

Hey Meg, you're really hard on yourself and they pick that up. Every day is a school day but I can hear the tension in your voice and so will she. You're amazing Meg, but you are so stressed out!

[@diannemusson7988]

Well done, all home safe thank goodness, big hugs to the beautiful jam x

[@tinaparkz9508]

Awwww loved every min of it jam is looking lovely as ever as are you Meg ❤

[@Kufalk.equestrian]

This vlog just makes me want to support you more 🙌 your love of Jam and how you just want to make sure she is ok just warms my heart ❤ the equestrian world needs to have more owners like you.

[@cheekianne1595]

Fingers crossed for jambam that it’s nothing serious and was just one of those days xx ❤ props to you for retiring and saving her for another day ❤

[@emmyennit]

I hope Jammy is feeling more herself since this event and that it was just a bad day, it was a good choice to retire in the end and prioritise her safety because no one knows Jam better than yourself. The lorry breaking down on top of that is just a whole load of stress but you handled it very well. Better days will come ❤

[@elizabethedwards917]

The day just pulled on the reins a bit for you. Sometimes that's not necessarily a bad thing in the grand scheme. You know there's support when you need it. Better to come.

[@tespy5028]

You've got to take care of your girl. Kudos for listening to her. :)

[@PikaPiiChii]

Hobbs telling you to put your arms down at the end absolutely killed me. We all end up smelling worse than the horses! I hope Jammy feels better, she definitely seemed subdued.

[@AvaHoli]

I’m sad that you are retiring Jammy but I’m glad to know that you’d do anything for your horses!!! I love your channel, your horses, and of course you so much!!!!! I love you, Winnie, Jammy, Wilma, and Bear so much, I seriously don’t know what I would do without you and your horses, and of course your mum!!! I support you always!! I just wanted to say you have always made me want to ride even more and more, sadly I don’t own a horse but I have been riding for almost 5 years now!!!

[@dianehookham]

And that's why you are a awesome rider.... cause you listen to your horse!!! Awesome Meg ❤

[@carolahmed8375]

Enjoy your day and hopefully jammy will remember bless her!!!🤓🌻🫶🏻

[@aquariumaquatics]

1 minute ❤❤ Edit almost at the end: i love how meg pulled out of the XC at that little drop instead of forcing jam to do it 😊

[@TrellyAndRuthie]

Poor jammy, maybe get her feet looked at as it could be something in her legs or hoof making her sore? Xx❤

[@elliejae337]

Meg I really admire how you listen to your horses. Hope Jammy feels better soon💕💕

[@juliabanes204]

You are so right, things aren't just sparkles and rainbows! It might've been a combination of various things and it can't be perfect always. You did the main thing, which is the most important, you listened to her and you immediately began rectifying it. "Meh" days happen to all of us, regardless in whatever the topic is.

[@annjohnson8437]

That was a stressful day out for you all! Hope Jam is okay! 😊

[@doreenjohnson8359]

Such a cutie pie...so glad he's on road to recovery. Also happy that he's turning out to look more & more like a true Buckskin. Just watch for more black to come out on his legs. Best of luck to you all and God Bless Vali😍🥰

[@KymShore]

Oh honey I give you a big 10 out of 10 for handling everything that happened with such calm confidence. Maybe you werent just feeling it, I hope Jam is okay and u get it sorted. Much love from Oz x hug for Hobbit x

[@sdubya1236]

You can tell that you genuinely love the horses. I believe we are born with it. Whether we are fortunate enough or not to have horse time.. Much love from Canada. Coming from a low income point of view. Thank you for showing hard work and love in action.

[@victoriacotton9716]

Yup, one of those days to make us think and remember fitness and being deeply connected to self and horse.. i think feet laminitis slightly, rich grass, just needs to get fitter maybe back a bit tense too and clipped and reconnected to you, feeling sensitive to you? Atmosphere is SO important, being in the right head space as you say in your partnership.. Wonderful you Pulled out and didn't Kick on when she says NO that's what's great , she will be fine so will you LOve 🐎🥀💜

[@marybannister4629]

Hoping Jam is ok. As always, thanks for keeping it real. Vicariously feeling your disappointment and worry. Isn’t it always the way with horses…. Fingers crossed all will be well x

[@art_hacks1467]

Definitely a pain response, something is off with that, the front legs were hardly coming forwards over the jumps and then she doesnt want to land the steps on her front legs.., but then the back end in the showjumping!... well done you for retiring Meg x

[@deborahthwaites7546]

We love you Hobbs xxxx

[@janetcleaver8568]

Good to see how aware you are of how Jam is feeling. As you said, she wasn't making her usual shape over the jumps. As an osteopath she looked very stiff and unable to do any extension in her lumbar spine but I'm sure a back check will be in your plans. Hope she's back to normal soon 😊

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

Sending Jammy ❤❤❤❤ and well wishes!

[@Ilovebuddy445]

Hope jammy feels better soon, it's so good how u noticed something was wrong with her and not herself ❤❤

[@kudapooda9993]

Good luck with all you do, hope jam is better soon .And you get the lorry sorted OUT soon .Take care and all the best. 😊😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@Leannex87x]

Hope things are all ok with Jammy! Well done you for deciding to pull out of XC instead of forcing her to continue & for noticing something wasn’t quite right ❤

[@donnajeffery8267]

Well done for knowing your horses and retiring hope jam feels better soon

[@hoofbeat.heartbeat6808]

Just a tip that has helped me alot with a horse that had a natural high head carriage and is tense in the arena : Don't let her walk like a giraffe, EVER! she doesn't need to be curled or anything but just have her head level with her withers.

[@rachaelkirby3467]

Meg, so nice to see you listening to your horse, and not force her when clearly she isn’t happy to do it, sadly horses don’t run forever and maybe it’s time to reduce her work load a bit, she is an absolute angel and I don’t think you have another horse quiet like her she’s one in a million. But you have plenty of others to bring on winny is doing great so is Wilma so let jam partly retire she deserves the rest.xx

[@kristiwetsel9531]

She seemed very chill and quite for jam ❤ you did the right thing ❤

[@airmidbodyworks6467]

Koodos to you for recognizing that your horse was trying to tell you something. You know her well enough to make the call.

[@hannesofie6071]

Oh! Thees days are so bad...... 🙈🙈 Been there, done that! Glad you pulled up and called it a day! Hopefully there is nothing seriously wrong with Jam!!! ❤❤ Already seen Hannahs at Simon vlog though and know you brought Wilma........

[@kristiwetsel9531]

Bless her she still tried to. ugh when it rains it pours.. the lorry.. jam.. ❤

[@joannaosullivan7804]

Can't wait to watch! Love ur vids meg!!😊

[@christinemartindale8715]

Shame all that happened Meg I hope Jam will be alright. Tfs🤗🏇🤗

[@SelinaMason-Evans-q1w]

😢 feeling your pain , as you say typical after your announcement! , hopefully just a bit footy and nothing more serious than that fingers crossed for Jammy 🤞 xx

[@KellyAnn1997]

It makes sense that her feet were an issue when the stud was not coming out. Maybe something was off. Hoping she’s doing better!!!! ❤

[@fayemurphy5585]

Hope you and jammy are ok ❤

[@mariefraser9403]

Just watching her jam looks likes she lacked some impulsion and spark, almost lack lustre xx she may just need some more time recouping from the baddas run or might just be having an off day xx I’m sure you’ll figure out what the problem is xx it’s lovely that you are both in tune enough to notice that she didn’t feel 100% and withdrew xx hope she’s feeling better soon n good luck for the future 1*, I’m sure she’ll b back to herself soon xx😘

[@janl8683]

Hope Jam is back to her normal self soon. Give her a cuddle from me ❤

[@dtulip1]

We all have THOSE sort of days, I know I do, and lets be honest the weather has been so weird of late I'm sure that doesnt help ❤

[@lisabadger3399]

That's how my mares tell me they want to be mommies. ;-)

[@Keelari]

I just went through something very similar at my last event. We had already done dressage and he was slightly more opinionated than normal, but not super unusual for him at a new place. We started on xc and he was a bit spooky and I had to work a bit harder to get him galloping forward and straight rather than being looky and spooking. We made it about 2/3 around the course (running training level in the US which is equivalent to your BE100 I think) until he refused to drop down a bank into water. Our weekend ended there. Just like you, I didn’t see the signs until afterwards. Very subtle little things you might not pick up on unless you know the horse well. Turns out my boy was lower back/ SI sore due to hind hoof soreness. We have been going through hind hoof shoe issues and he had to go barefoot for a few weeks. That time period was enough for my horse to not be visibly lame, but it was enough for him to not want to do the drop on course when that’s normally never a problem for him. He had shoes on at the time and had them back on for a little while before the event. He’s now doing well and back to himself after some therapeutic work and new farrier/ shoes. It sucks that it happens, but I’m also my horse was able to tell me that something was wrong instead of suffering through the rest of xc and sj the next day.

[@Tammylovesalat]

For getting Jam more supple have you tried shoulder in on 15-10m circles ? If that is fluent then go on the center line and do a shallow serpent around that center line with half 10 m circles in shoulder in. Don't know if it helps for the actual test but you get them nice and stretched with that.

[@bernster123]

Ah sorry not a good day. Well done for listening to your horse. Hoping it’s nothing major x

[@Lesley-zk5bd]

Oh I hope jam will be back to her normal self soon❤

[@madlyneventing]

Oh Meg! I’m very sorry this event was kind of all over the place!

[@hayleysheridan2886]

You 100% did the right thing you listened to her. Probably just a bad day I know you are probably disappointed but you did the right thing by her.

[@jessicabee9299]

Hope jammy feels better ❤

[@melissayost4888]

Everyone has bad days including horses. Sounds like the van issues started everyone off on the wrong foot. Stress flows down through the reins. I showed dogs & we use to say stress goes down the lead. You nailed it in your closing. So happy you didn’t push her. You put her first. A lot of equestrian don’t. Put it in the past & carry on! You can do it. Have a glass (or two of wine) LOL and relax. We all have faith in both of you. Haha. Taken the other box. Love sports superstitions. I never wear matching socks. 😂.

[@oliviaward8119]

Under 5 mins 👇🏻 Also love you meg ❤

[@polarbear9848]

Jam is so genuine but didn't seem to have her sparkle, she still did a good job until she said no at the step I wouldn't have seen it until you explained but i could see her face. I hope she just had an off day and is fit and well. Poor Daphanie. xx

[@susantescione8007]

If Jammy doesn't want to take the steps, retiring her was the right thing. I hope she is ok, because she is usually so keen to do everything on cross country. Everyone has a bad day, in this was not one of your best. Hopefully Jam will recover in time for schooling.

[@izzybarlow9973]

cant wait to watchhh

[@payntpot7623]

I had a horse who started jumping like that in the rear end, rather that trailing his hind legs, he tucked them under and slammed them down on landing. He turned out to be developing arthritis. Hope Jammy's problem is not quite so severe and more easily rectified.

[@Life.on.the.wrong.leg2020]

Hope Jam is ok❤, please share an update when you know 🙏🙏

[@Kara_Dressage]

Less than a minute ❤😂

[@ren-uz2mz]

Good point, have travel coverage so you are not stuck

[@vezhopkins714]

hope jammy is ok and we can see you do 1 ⭐ event or event camp :)

[@debbieredmon5063]

Well you played it smart. Anyone even the great Jam can be feeling off. Who knows maybe that wonky stud was irritating her? Maybe she was feeling everybody's yucky vibes? Waiting an hour or so to go in is hard too. Whatever the reason, that is not Jam and you know that so you did what was right. At the end of the day. You Jam, Pete and Hobbs made it home and that is the best outcome really. Poor Daphne is stranded but that will soon be righted. I love how you compared your Winnie day to your Jammie day. That is the way it is sometimes. Jam will come back feeling great and you guys will do what you do best. Good luck at the camp. Of course now I'm worried about Vali...I can't say you don't share the good and the bad and the ugly. Crossing toes, fingers and even eyes that everything works out in the end. I feel sure it will. Just a gut feeling but I trust in it. I tell you Meg, you can''t make this stuff up!!

[@sparkle.-buggg3610]

Live to ride another day ❤

[@sarahbowen7721]

Just one of those days!

[@johillwood1975]

How is Jam? Can see you ended up taking Wilma to Simon’s camp. I hope she’s ok 🤞

[@pinkyharris3560]

Awwwwwwww so hoping Jammy is ok and just wasn't feeling it that day... 🤪

[@moludwig4920]

Ah, you poor thing. Hope Jammy is ok. I noticed you didn't take her to Simon's, so I reckon we're all very worried here 😢

[@emmamonks1982]

Yh I noticed the back legs in the SJ, also after cross country on the way bk to the lorry she was massively tense, if you look how she’s holding her head and neck it’s totally locked and fixed. Yh the signs were there, in hindsight probably best not to of gone CC but we always hope for the best and wonder if it’s just bcos they’ve not been out in a while. Glad you pulled her out, pls can you update us and let us know what’s going on. Also, did you film the lesson you had with Lucinda a while bk? I just remember you mentioning you had a lesson but I’ve not seen a vlog. X

[@Teddythehunterjumper]

I love your videos❤