Author: langlep

So 2020 was going to be my year. The year I got my life sorted after being served redundancy notice from my job in November 2019. The year I ticked off more things from my horsey bucket list. The year I got my mental health back under control and reduced stress in my life. I had a plan. And it was a good one. Then the plan changed dramatically on 2 January. I came off my horse at speed and broke my ankle. Badly. Like all good equestrians, I got back on and rode back to the yard, sorted Buddy out and then drove myself to A&E. That’s where this journey really began... I was sent home from A&E and told to crack on, only to receive a phone call later to say they’d missed a fracture (and a rather serious one at that). Whoops! So fracture clinic on 3 January, surgery on 5 January and home to recover. I started this blog as a way to chart my recover back to the saddle. As I cleared clinics and competitions out of my diary and wondered what the next few months would bring, it's been a safe space for me to say how I'm feeling. The new plan was to get a new job, to keep Buddy is kept ticking over and recover from my injury. Another good plan! I didn't expect a global pandemic, lockdown and all that happened in 2020. This blog has changed over time but it's continued to be my safe space to share the things going on in my life, with Buddy and the cats. Enjoy!

Rewording

This beauty landed on my doormat today. It’s the latest magazine that I’ve been editing for one of my clients. It’s a moment of mixed emotions – pride and trepidation. Trepidation as I always spot mistakes. The beat myself up for missing them.

But given I was working on this at the same time as my parents were in hospital and the conference in Wales, I’m very proud it went to print on time.

So far the feedback from ADSHG Members has been positive. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Otherwise I’ll be crafting an apology email…

Sweatfest

Today we headed back to Forest Edge Arena for a BHS Clinic with Caroline Meads. Safe to say Buddy and I had a workout. We had a group flat lesson this morning. We worked on keeping a consistent contact. I’ve been very down on myself lately with our flat work. I felt like we haven’t been progressing. After 6 years together, we still can’t maintain a decent outline. Naturally, I look to me first. So was good to hear that it’s not all me. And get more tools for the toolkit.

Then this afternoon we had a private jumping lesson. How lucky was that?! Of course, I was soon questioning this when we were put through our paces again. In the jumping lesson we worked on the quality of Buddy’s canter.

Let’s just say we were both dripping by the end of it. Buddy needs clipping again. He was only clipped a month ago, but you’d never know. His coat has come through so quickly.

You can’t see the steam coming off him. And you definitely didn’t need to see a very sweaty me!

Two hats

I picked up my new riding hat today. No, this isn’t it. This is the new bobble hat I bought myself for winter while I was at the saddlery. Lush isn’t it?!

On Saturday, I bought a new riding hat in black. Which meant ordering it in. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted the blue one that I’d tried on.

I always go for black so messaged yesterday to ask if I could pick up the blue one instead. Came home with two hats. Given I got 15% off my new riding hat. This one was sort of free. That’s true Equestrian logic.

Snotfest

The cold I’ve been fighting off has taken hold so today has been a me day. The twig burner has been going all day and I’ve been snuggled on the sofa with the kittens. They’re not the best ‘nurses’ but they do make great hot water bottles.

I watched a couple of movies. First Aquaman (I’m a fan of DC), then Despicable Me 3 (I’m a fan of animated movies). Polar opposites but equally enjoyable.

Early night for me I’m guessing! Normal service will be resumed soon.

Jump for joy

We headed over to World Horse Welfare today for a lesson with Simon Grieve. Always a fun thing to do.

We took a detour on the way there to check out the sale at Express Equine. Buddy got carrots. And I bought myself a new riding hat.

When we got to the lesson, Buddy was a little gung-ho to start off with. He didn’t want to do poles. He was very keen to get jumping.

Thankfully when we did get jumping, he was on top form! Even when I got some rather dodgy lines or strides. He still jumped everything. Shows me how far we’ve come.

Silverware

It was Carleton Riding Club’s AGM tonight. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the club this year. I’ve had some great training sessions with them, attended their shows and even represented them in teams and at the Championships.

Seems they have enjoyed having me around too. Tonight I was awarded the ‘Contribution to the Club’ trophy. For supporting, helping out and generally being a good egg.

Such a lovely surprise to be recognised for something I do willingly. I do love to help if I can.

More miles

The Comedy Car has done me proud over the past few weeks. We’ve clocked up a lot of miles. Last week, we drove to Wales and back. This week, we’ve driven to Birmingham and back.

Driving back today was a tad hairy in the rain. The Comedy Car isn’t built for speed. But it makes me smile as I’m driving along. For a small car, it’s really comfortable.

Yesterday it got through another MOT. Always a good thing!

I found this photo on my phone from when I parked it in a little gap (technically not a space) in the car park at Celtic Manor. Sometimes there are advantages to a small car.

6 years

6 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.

When I was looking for my next partner-in-crime, I said I wanted an all-rounder. He’s certainly proved to be that! We’ve tried so many different things in the past 6 years.

There have been amazing highs, crashing lows and more broken bits. We’ve had so many ’firsts’ together. We’ve been to so many new places. Met so many people. Had so many experiences.

In many ways, we haven’t achieved what I set out to do. But in others, we’ve achieved more than I dared to dream.

Who’d have thought we’d be good at sidesaddle? Or represent our riding club at the National Championships. Or win a trophy at the Norfolk Show. Just goes to show that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

It also goes to show how far we’ve come that we were casually popping a 110cm oxer at the end of a grid today in our lesson.

I’ve owned Buddy half of his life now. He is and will always be ‘My Absolute Diamond’. And I couldn’t love him more if I tried.

Join the club

Well that’s blood donation no. 59 done! Spotted this bad boy when I’d finished. I can’t remember the last time I had an Orange club! It took me back to school pack lunches. My Mum used to put one in my lunchbox. A Breakaway and Penguin also made an appearance. Love a bit of nostalgia. Especially in food form.