Out and about arena eventing

After a difficult few years with Charlie's behaviour - becoming so strong to the point of bolting - and discovering that this wasn't due to badness or naughtiness (he was diagnosed with bone spavin - arthritis - in his hocks) things seem to be getting better at last.  After 18 months of very light work, he's been back to the vet and his arthritis has settled.  He is now happy in his work and back to his old self - slightly opinionated but safe as houses.  He's been to a few Eventer Derbies this summer as he loves cross country and is a careful show jumper too.  This weekend we tried some Arena Eventing and he was amazing.  I'll have to take care with him, compete at  a lower level than we were before and listen carefully to how he's telling me he's feeling, but it feels so good to be able to go out and have fun together again.  He's only 12 so I was devastated when I thought he may never be able to compete again.  He's so brave, bold, careful but also safe, he's my horse of a lifetime!