“Invasive bone shaping was needed”

“King began stopping at showjumps,” explains Kc. “A physiotherapist found that part of his lumbar was especially sore and, eventually, a kissing spines diagnosis by my vet followed.” King required an invasive bone reshaping operation and, following six weeks of box rest, rehabilitation began. For four weeks he was walked in-hand twice a day, along with red light therapy to help reduce scar tissue. “Then he spent six chilled weeks turned out,” says Kc. “This was as much for his emotional well-being as his physical.” After King was given the all-clear by vets he began physiotherapy sessions. He followed a six-week return-to-work plan which consisted of lungeing, long-reining and in-hand walking. Later, basic polework and stretching was slowly introduced, followed by gentle ridden work.

Kc Watson has ridden her 11-year-old sporthorse, King, since 2015. It was when Kc was on the brink of joining British Eventing that it became clear there was a problem.

Getting back on

When the time came to climb back on board, King’s saddle had to be refitted as, unsurprisingly, his shape had changed. “It was a nerve-wracking period, but he was looking good and seemed happy so the time was right,” recalls Kc. “I started by just being led around the barn. It seems so small now but at the time it was a big deal. “King felt amazing as we built up to trot and canter work over time, but a routine physio check unearthed some sensitivity again,” continues Kc. “It’s devastating when you hit your first problem, but with some luck and good management I hope he’ll recover soon. The dream is to start competing again in the summer, but we’ll take it slowly. I haven’t been through all of this just to rush him for my benefit.”