Buddy has his first outing of 2026 on Saturday. Bit mental to think that it’s February and we haven’t been out in Toby yet. We’ve both benefited from a quiet January that’s for sure. His was definitely quieter than mine, but you get my drift.

Thought I’d give him a bit of a tidy up before the clinic. So he had a hot cloth, mane tamed and tail neatened. Well after my spa treatment yesterday, I thought it only fair he had one too.

He was very appreciative. Even if it did look like someone had lost a toupee in his stable.

Bert is next on the list. He’s rocking the fluffy legs look at the moment. After playing in the mud today on his puppy play date, he definitely needs a wash! So I’ll have to book him in his his spa treatment too.

It comes to something when your animals are higher maintenance than you are…

I’ve heard people say that Spaniels have no patience. They’ve clearly never met the Baby Sprocker when he wants a toy! He sat patently by his toy box for nearly an hour before he decided that actually dinner was a better choice.

I would like to say that we had been playing with his ball for over an hour before this. And the only reason the ball went away was so I could have a shower.

He also played with his new toy this morning as we did some training. We’re working on ‘wait’ while I throw the toy and send him to get it. Getting back off him is a bit of a challenge still but he’s getting the idea of it.

He also carried his ‘walk ball’ for nearly over an hour on our walk this morning.

So he has had more than enough ball games today. Clearly not in Bert’s eyes. He’s a little bit obsessed with his ball sometimes. Oh to be that easily amused…

Well we know how much I love Buddy. It appear I am coconuts for him.

This was a new one on me. Coconut treats. And yes, opening the bag was a treat for the senses. I honestly didn’t know that horses could eat coconuts. I know that coconut shells make a mean horse noise. But that was where I thought the connection ended. Clearly not.

Pleased to report that Buddy was a big fan judging by the way he tried to mug me for them.

All I had in my head was that song about Pina Coladas. Bet you’re singing it now…

Can you tell how enthused Buddy was that his quiet January is over? For someone who’s had minimal work this month, I had expected a few fireworks on the lunge. Understated was the word I’d use.

In fact understated was probably to word for today. You get days like that. Where nothing really happens. But things still do.

I was peopling this morning. That was nice. It was the last one before the lovely physio team move out of the building. I’ll miss chatting to them. It’s the end of another chapter there. Soon, the chiro will be moving to a smaller building. Which coincidently is the ground floor of the first building I worked in when I moved to Norwich in 2006. How spooky is that?!

It also means that I have lived here for 20 year (and one month). I missed the actual anniversary. Better late than never. See understated…

It’s so weird to think that last week I was walking round Pompeii. And after my massage tonight, my calves are definitely still recovering from the 35 miles or so I walked while I was away. They were a little tight. I’ll be feeling them tomorrow.

I’ll also be feeling today’s schooling session with Buddy. My dressage saddle is lush, but there’s no cheating in it. It puts me totally in the right position. I’m still getting used to it, that’s for sure.

I’ve definitely been playing catch up since I got back. It goes like that huh? It was a fantastic trip and one that will live on in my memories.

I’ve been so busy since I got back, I still haven’t downloaded the rest of the photos from my camera. Another chance to relive it. I will stop soon, I promise. It took 30 odd years to get there, forgive me a few more days of enjoyment.

Today marks 10 years since I said my final goodbye to Murphy. It broke my heart but it was the right decision for me and him. I said I gave him his wings to thank him for helping me fly.

Murphy wasn’t the easiest horse. He taught me so much. Only I could buy an eventer without having ever done a dressage test! I set the goal to event and I did. OK so there were a lot of bruises, tears, setbacks and achievements along the way. He was the one who ticked that box with me.

He paved the way for Buddy. The things I achieved with him have exceeded my expectations.

It was a privilege to be with Murphy at the end. I know it’s not something every owner feels they can do. It’s part of the reason I signed up to be a BHS Friends at the End volunteer. To support others.

I started my training today. A spooky coincidence I guess.

Today has been a bit of a weird one. It was very wet and wild. One of those ‘don’t want to leave the house’ kinda days. Bert definitely didn’t. He shot out and did his business, then shot back in.

After catching up with a few people and on a few things, I lost track of time. I suddenly realised I was going to be late for the hygienist. I called and luckily, they were able to move my appointment back. Brilliant!

Not quite as I had to call them again to say I was stuck in a rather large traffic jam as the A47 was closed due to an accident. So I rerouted back home instead. It sounded like a bad accident, so I’m not complaining about it. Also would have meant that I definitely wouldn’t have made my original appointment.

Think Bert had the right idea. He spent most of the day playing or sleeping indoors. He’s taking the post-holiday recovery very seriously…

Everyone needed feed! Including me. So after a lovely lunch out catching up with a good friend, I headed to the nearby feed store.

This was the result. A boot full of food for the Oversized Labrador, Baby Sprocker and the Kittens. I was rather popular when I got home. And when I got to the yard, Buddy sniffed my hands. A lot.

I now need to go and do a food shop for myself. I was full after my lunch. But at least now my animals are all full too!

My holiday feels like a bit of a distant memory already. I might have looked at the photos a few times. In a way, I still can’t quite believe it all. It was mind blowing. I need to download the rest of the photos. A job for tomorrow me thinks.

It felt very good to be back in my own bed last night. Having to fend for myself once more wasn’t fun. It was really nice being catered for. Even if that meant a lot of pizza. The post-holiday clean up is almost done. Unlike a lot of my trips, I just have my stuff to sort out. Much easier than Buddy and Bert’s stuff too.

Buddy was kinda pleased to see me today. He played it cool. Unlike Bert yesterday who was beside himself to see me. I was soon forgiven and we went out for a lovely hack with Anni and Frankie. Definitely the best way to beat the post-holiday slump.

I’m sat in Naples airport waiting for my flight. It’s been a fabulous break. Pompeii was beyond my expectations. I’m so glad I did it.

Today I headed up to the highest point to check out St Elmo’s castle. Yes I was singing the song as I strode a crossed the drawbridge. The views were pretty amazing.

My legs hurt, my feet hurt, my face aches from smiling. I love Italy and have been many times now. This was a new part for me. I am coming back full of new memories. And pizza. Let’s just say it’s a good job they weight the luggage and not the passengers. Just saying. Pretty sure I walked it off though.

As wonderful as it’s been being away, I have missed my boys. Once again, I am grateful to the amazing people in my life who’ve looked after my animals. Without them, this trip would have been a bit more of a challenge.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Baby Sprocker. He’s definitely going to need a holiday after his holiday. I’m looking forward to seeing the Oversized Labrador. He will be thrilled that I’m back and we will be back to work ready to get out competing. I’m looking forward to seeing the Kittens. They will no doubt ignore me for a while.

So for now its arrivederci Italia. Thanks for the memories…