I came back from the dressage last weekend with a new pair of winter riding breeches and a new base layer. There was a new outlet at the venue and I was rather taken with this base layer.

The owner didn’t have it in my size, so she said she’d post it to me. It arrived today. It’s very smart. I’m looking forward to trying them both out in the saddle.

My Dad is really rather poorly still. It was a much needed smile today. So was getting to the yard to find Buddy had been mucked out for me. Grateful for the love that’s been shown at a worrying time.

It’s not been my best day. But I have an ESBB (emotional support Bert and Buddy).

My Dad isn’t very well and topping up his NHS frequent flyer points. So Bert and Buddy were called into action. First Bert and I went out for a rather bracing walk. The wind definitely had some bite to it. I needed to clear my head or get out of it.

It struck me that this is the first time my Dad has been in hospital since my Mum died. Driving down to tell him she’d passed was one of the hardest things I’d had to do. It’s hard not to get 90 steps ahead when things like this happen.

Then I schooled Buddy and ran a dressage test. Not sure who was more shocked, me or him?!

All healing vibes gratefully received as ever…

Today marks the start of the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse. So it seemed riding my horse was the perfect way to usher it in. Thankfully he wasn’t a fire horse. He was very well behaved considering he’d had a few days off and it was cold and windy.

I also had Chow Mein for dinner. Yes I know it’s also Pancake Day, but I’ve still yet to master pancakes. I did buy a new frying pan though. Mine had seen better days. Still not sure it’ll help though.

I’ve decided that this year will be the year of my horse. I’m starting to put together my horsey goals. I’ve got two camps and a Championship in the diary. I know there will be more adventures to be had…

As I got back later than I’d expected, Toby had a night on the close. I didn’t fancy walking back from the yard in the dark, with Bert and my bags.

He’s a tad larger than my last lorry, so I wasn’t sure if he’d fit on my drive. I popped him on the pavement outside my little house. And hoped he wasn’t too much in the way.

I wish I’d taken a photo of him. I was too busy tidying and cleaning. There was a lot of muddy paw prints and foot prints to be mopped up. Bert’s water bowl survived the trip home last night without spilling a drop. I managed to spill the whole lot by trying to pick it up. Good job I’d already got the mop and bucket ready…

I was very happy with the final result though. I even emptied the toilet. Thankfully I didn’t spill that!

I took Bert out for a long walk too. The weekend was intense and I didn’t get much time to take him for a run in the forest. He was very happy to go run runs.

I sat and threw his ball for a while too. I had to use his emergency walk ball as I could find his actual walk ball. It’s somewhere in the lorry. Guessing it’s under the front seats. But forgot to look when I took Toby back to the yard. I’m sure Bert will find it next time we go out. Better take Buddy too next time.

Back home after two nights at Forest Edge. Talk about what a difference a day makes! Yesterday it was glorious sunshine (but cold). Today we had a blizzard!

It felt like every time I looked out of the window, it was getting heavier. I was thanking my lucky stars that I was in the toasty judges box again. Poor Bert got a little cold in the lorry, but I couldn’t fault him. He’s been such a good boy.

I really felt for the competitors, helpers and horses in the conditions. Thank goodness it was indoors.

Not a clue how many combinations I introduced. Most of them I think I got right, but there were a few tricky names to pronounce.

It was really interesting watching the tests. I was there for Prelim to Elementary. I came away feeling quite inspired. And rather tired…

My goodness it was cold last night. I woke up to icicles on the Luton ceiling this morning. I’m very grateful I packed extra layers, that’s all I’m saying.

It’s been a full on day. This morning grooming for the wonderful Nicky and her equally wonderful horse Kiks. After battling his mane into some sort of submission, she was off to do her test. It wasn’t their best efforts, but by no means a disaster. I’m very proud of them both.

This afternoon, I was up in the judges box introducing the competitors. There were some lovely tests and some even lovelier horses. At least it was warm up there. In fact it was a bit too warm at times.

When I popped to check Bert, he was sunning himself too. Seems we were all craving warmth today.

We’re snuggled up under the duvet. He’s keeping my feet warm at least. Let’s hope for a slightly warmer night for us both. Looks like it’s going to be another full on day tomorrow. First competitor is at 8:23am…

So it’s Friday 13th. I must admit I was a bit wary when the garage booked Toby’s MOT for today. But I needn’t have worried. He sailed through and only needed a few bits doing for his service. Mostly bulbs it seemed and a diff pan. Honestly it might as well be in Russian!

Bert and I got a lift down to get him. Then headed off to Forest Edge for a couple of nights. Felt rather odd being here without bringing Buddy. I’m grooming for a friend tomorrow who’s competing here. It’s Regionals so rather exciting for her.

As I’m here, I offered to commentate for them in the afternoon and Sunday morning.

More good news, I worked out how to get the heating working. And used the microwave for the first time to heat my soup. Such luxury.

I managed to leave my rucksack in my friend’s car which has my clothes and glasses in it. Luckily it’s being retrieved tomorrow morning and brought over. I really am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who help me out when I need it. I am very grateful indeed.

I was covering at the chiropractor’s this afternoon and reread this sign. I’ve seen it a few times, but I guess I really read it today. It really got me thinking.

Peace is something I craved but there are times when I know I create chaos too. As I was working this afternoon, I did Maid Duty this morning. Bert came too. He’s so good at the yard. He plays with his ball. He waits in the stable while I go to the muck heap. He tears around the indoor school.

Afterwards I took him to the woods. As we wandered about, something made me stop. I stood there, touching a tree and listening to the birds sing. It was like a bit of a reset and I felt my body, soul and mind relax…

Thankfully I didn’t cause too much chaos while peopling. It did feel rather odd being there on a Thursday. And after dark. But I got to catch up with some lovely clients who I don’t normally see. Im back again tomorrow morning. So still time to create a bit of chaos…

Bert and I donned our waterproofs once more. Honestly, I know it’s winter and all that. But it does seem like we’ve had a lot of rain.

My boot room is doubling up as a drying room. There’s a definite foisty smell in there. Bert has an interesting ‘wet dog smell’. It’s a bit like freshly dug potatoes. So now he has a new nickname as I’ve been calling him my little potato when we’re out trudging through the wet and mud.

Not to be outdone, Buddy was a proper mud monster. He and Bert both have fluffy legs or mud magnets as I like to call them. It took ages to clean him off.

I know the rain will stop. Eventually. I’m very grateful that I had my roof relayed last year. At least I’m dry in my house. And I have lots of wet weather gear.

No need to build an ark just yet…

One of the more interesting things about breaking in a new saddle is the creaking noises it makes. I know it’s normal, but it can be a little disturbing.

As I was schooling Buddy today, I couldn’t help but giggle as we creaked round the arena. I know it’ll stop once it beds in. I’m just grateful Buddy doesn’t seem bothered by the noise. And it could be worse, it could be me creaking!