Elle McKinney and Superstitious

While Elle McKinney is extremely healthy and incredibly fit, her horse, on the other hand had the worst injury in her eventing career. Superstitious FLF [Flying Lion Farm], also known as Super, had a 70% torn bowed tendon at the start of the 2020 season. 

Super showed absolutely no signs of being injured until one day there was just a slight notice in her leg. 

“My heart sank the moment I noticed the slight bow in her tendon.  She wasn’t sore, or lame, but the injury was quite noticeable.  We called her vet and had imaging done the same day, which confirmed she had a significant tear through over half her tendon tissue in her right front lower leg.  We had to cancel all her competitions that were planned for that fall season. Our biggest fear was not knowing if the tear could be repaired and if Super would ever be able to be ridden or compete again,” said Michelle. 

Junior Elle Mckinney had just found out that her partner wasn’t allowed to walk, let alone go to shows and was lost in fears of what would happen to her best friend. 

“I was very sad, emotional, and worried if she would come back to the same level of competition. Worried about treatment costs and if they would work. Worried if Super would mentally be able to handle stall rest for a long time,” said Elle. 

One of the biggest struggles with this injury was that the fibers in Supers’ leg needed to grow in a certain pattern and Super had to live in her stall for a year and had to follow a strict schedule. Every two weeks Super could progress into a new activity, and every month her specialist would come out and make sure she was improving.

“One of the hardest parts about Supers recovery was patience and waiting on time for her to get back to the simple things in life,” said Elle. 

“This pony is such an important part of our horse family, and we just wanted to know that she would be okay.  After her stem cell treatment therapy and months of stall rest and careful rehabilitation, she has slowly returned to her former level of competition, but our concern for her well being is always there, and we keep a very close eye on her,” said Michelle. 

Michelle and Elle McKinney were grateful that Super was extremely healthy and young, but also the injury took place right at the start of the pandemic, so everyone’s attention could be on Super. 

“Super’s recovery was during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a blessing in many ways.  It gave her the time to rest and heal and gave us the opportunity to spend lots of time visiting her and taking care of her,” said Michelle. 

Thankfully, Super was able to recover with no setbacks.  She was then ready to start her next phase which was getting back into regular work and competitions. 

Elle and Super did have one disadvantage this season after Super’s injury and that was not having a coach / trainer so Michelle McKinney used all of her expertise to be Elle’s trainer, mom, and groom. Michelle had to make lots of difficult decisions for Elle and Super like what should they be practicing at home? What level should they compete at shows? And what shows should they go to? 

Elle and Super had competed and placed at many shows to qualify for Area II Champs.

“I was really really happy to know that I had my pony back. I don’t really know how to explain it. I was a little shocked,” said Elle. 

After qualifying, Michelle asked Colleen Rutledge for some help. Elle and Super finished just below ribbons.

“The day of the show was nerve wracking. A lot of emotions on how we would do overall, but mainly how she would go. How was she gonna ride through the course? Would she be in good enough shape?” said Elle. 

Just when you think their season is over you’re wrong. Right before Super’s injury Elle and Super were working towards a 3-day competition. A year later they qualified for the Waredaca show.

“My hard work and bond with my pony has now grown into something stronger,” said Elle.

No matter what sets you back, if you listen to yourself, your horse, and your support system, you can accomplish so much more than you ever could imagine.