“I STRUGGLED TO GET HER BACK TO THE STABLE”

AFTER an epic rehab journey involving frequent setbacks, Ruxton Pina Colada was back in business at Burrows Court Farm, Glos – winning the inter I freestyle with 78.25%.

Back in December 2019, Stef Eardley’s Pommery mare “Pepsi” suffered a hoof split on the inside quarter, at the coronary band.

“Walking a noise-sensitive horse turns you grey,” explained Stef, who managed Pepsi through months of box rest. “One large bronc made her so lame that I struggled to get her back to her stable. She then developed girth galls, once back in work, and ‘swim colic’ – which resulted in a week in the vet hospital.”

Arriving late at the show due to traffic problems, the pair had just eight minutes to warm up.

“Pepsi was a little surprised, but stepped up to a fabulous performance,” said Stef. “We even got a nine.”