So, the team and I headed into March with higher than high hopes of an improvement in the weather however, we were left feeling a little bit let down by the tardiness of Spring…

The ‘Beast from the East’ (version 1, 2 and maybe a ‘half hearted’ 3) tried it’s very best to hold us to ransom BUT we dug deep…and even deeper; managing to drag ourselves

through the bitter days and relentless soakings (snow and rain.) Having 25 horses (and 4 yearlings) on the yard during this period of inclement weather was most definitely a challenge but we rallied and carried on regardless (as best we could), whilst dreaming of better days…

We hacked out whenever we could and worked the arena almost daily in order to maintain a rideable surface. The horse walker proved to be an invaluable source of entertainment and exercise for the horses, whilst my Dad kept the ‘inmates’ happy with his regular rounds and deliveries of treats. He is one in a MILLION; if our horses wore T-shirts, they would say ‘We love Mr Chapman!’

Jade and I headed to Alnwick Ford in the midst of March. I’m not entirely sure if the decision was a moment of madness, pure genius or an over positive interpretation of the weather forecast. Whatever the catalyst, we braved the Baltic conditions and reaped the rewards; the ponies loved being ridden indoors and achieved some super results and milestones. Later on in the month, we also managed a trip to Northallerton Equestrian Centre (where the weather was more seasonally appropriate.) It was lovely to finally feel the warmth of the sun.

The end of March was bittersweet…

I returned to hospital for further surgery on my ankle, and the removal of the metal work used to stabilise it following last year’s accident. During this process, the specialist advised me that my return to the saddle would be no earlier than a four-week period of rest and rehabilitation. Not to be deterred, I decided that I would be good to go within ten days and started to make plans for April. I was kept in over night, due to having a bit of a wobble post anesthetic. Despite enduring a dreadful nights sleep, I was more than happy to be home and headed straight to the arena to teach…100% commitment from my perspective (viewed as total madness by others!)

One of my first independent outings in April, following my stay in hospital, was to attend the supported rider induction afternoon held at Millbry Hill’s headquarters, Stokesley. It was great to meet some of the Millbry Hill team as well as the other supported riders. I enjoyed learning more about the extensive network of companies associated with Millbry Hill, as well as taking home an amazing collection of personalised and branded clothing. I’m really looking forward to another year of being a supported rider.

A few days prior to my post operation appointment with the specialist, I thought that it would be a good idea to test how well my ankle was progressing and decided to have a ‘sit’ on Fergie (after all, he had been ridden…and it was only for a minute or two…and we didn’t move very far or fast…honest) All was going well until my Mum appeared…totally busted! Despite being told off, the feeling of being back on board a horse far out weighed the stern words that followed!

Following a few more days of short ‘sit ons’, Mum and I headed to the hospital to meet with the specialist. The last thirty-one and a half weeks have been a rollercoaster; the recovery process since dislocating and breaking my ankle has been long, stressful and incredibly painful, so to hear the words, “We won’t b

e contacting you again” was music to my ears. I left the hospital feeling like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders and already making plans for the next competition and Team Chapman adventure! Throughout the whole time time, the support that I have received from everyone involved in Team Chapman (the team, owners, liveries, clients sponsors, friends and my AMAZING and ever tolerant parents) has often left me speechless and I know that I wouldn’t have got through this without you all – thank you, a million times and more.

The final highlight of April was that TCE Rockstar (owned by my Mum and I) had a great first outing of the season with James Adams. They jumped a double clear in the 100 at Northallerton, which was a super start; I’m looking forward to see how he progresses over the coming events.

I’m feeling very excited about what the coming months might hold for the team, the horses and I. I’m looking forward to see what May will might throw at us…

-Mel Chapman

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