Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
I’ve had a mini-Buddy made. Isn’t he adorable?! Even the wild mane is perfect. My very talented friend Tamara made him. Though I think she’s regretting her decision after being inundated with requests.
Can’t decide whether to hang him on my Christmas tree or put him in the Buddymobile.
Wherever he goes, he will definitely make me smile.
It may have only been a week since I rode last, but it’s felt like longer. This was the perfect tonic to my ‘jet-lagged’ state this morning. Even though I haven’t left the time zone, it’s the only way I can describe how I felt when I woke up this morning.
After a morning of catching up on life, Buddy and I went out for a long stroll. It’s a weird time of the year. I can’t tell what time it is. Or to be honest, what day! This photo was taken at 1:30pm, but felt like 3pm. Weird.
What was also weird was the temperature! It was so mild today. Buddy was dripping when we got back and he’s been clipped. I overlayered too. So we were both hot messes.
Mother Nature is as confused as we are in this weird world. Still, it means I haven’t had to break out the big rugs or thick coats yet.
Am I the only person who goes out for lunch and comes home with new knives?!
Yes I promise I will be VERY careful with them. I needed some new knives after snapping the tip off one and breaking the handle on another. So when I saw these today, I couldn’t resist.
Not sure they’ll suddenly turn me into a domestic goddess though. Might make ‘chopping and combining’ slightly easier.
I had another full on morning at the Chiro’s. Cause I haven’t done enough hours this week! I’m still going, but boy am I really tired now.
I went to see Buddy. He was more interested in his hay than me. Well he did say hello. He was more enthusiastic on the lunge I can tell you. He really does make me smile.
I’ve finally flopped. Feeling slightly jet-lagged now. Early night tonight me thinks.
It’s been an incredible week!
Back home after my first Hoseasons Owners Conference. And what an experience it was.
Anyone who’s been involved in events will know they come together through hard work, long hours and determination. And of course, lots of caffeine and sugar!
This was no exception. Over the past few days, I’ve dealt with the random pleas that come with the territory. A new one on me was securing a door that fell off its hinges!
The Comedy Car was called into action too for emergency Tesco runs. I was very grateful he’s so small as the car park was rammed and I was able to park him in a space that wasn’t technically a space.
Yesterday was a very looooong day the alarm went off at 5:45am and I finally made it to bed at 2:30am this morning!
My feet are wrecked, my voice is heading towards Barry White and I’m beyond tired.
All signs of a cracking conference!
Well I can now reveal that I’ve been working on the Hoseasons Owners Conference for my amazing friend Simon.
I’ve know Simon a very long time and have heard all about ‘conference’ over the years. So to be asked to be a tiny part of it, is a huge honour.
Seeing Simon command the stage was wonderful too. Not that I got to see much of the conference as I was too busy running around behinds the scenes.
My feet ache, my face aches but I’m so happy. It’s been an amazing experience so far. Now for dinner and awards.
Blimey what a day! Definitely hit my step count today. Over 22k done. Most of which were going up and down between the floors in the hotel from one conference area to another!
Still things are going well. Few issues, but there always are behind the scenes. Most people don’t get to see that side of it. But as long as the delegates enjoy it tomorrow, that’s the main thing.
This carved dragon kept me going as it made me smile every time I walked past. I love a dragon. Must be my Welsh blood.
It’s been a very busy day of pre-conference prep. It’s amazing the number of little jobs there are to do.
I was camped out in a conference room with a rather nice view. Unfortunately, it was obscured by the rain. Good job I didn’t get time to leave the building…
Early start tomorrow and another long day. I’m fuelled by caffeine, enthusiasm and conversations. I love the bonkers things I get to do. I really do.
This is my home for the next few days. I’m here working at a conference. Not the nicest day to be doing a 260 mile drive. It was aquaplane galore on the motorways. The Comedy Car held its own against the onslaught of rain. I could hardly hear myself think it was so loud at times.
Took me nearly 6 hours to get here as there was a hold up on the M25. Still I’m here now, fed and watered and ready for the off.
Activate Swan-mode!!
We headed over to Wakefield Farm Stud today for a lesson with Piggy March. The first lesson in 2020 when she was the reigning Badminton winner. This time, she is the reigning Burghley winner. Amazing!
She said Buddy looked very well. And that we clearly have a strong partnership. She was very complimentary about him and my riding.
We tackled a mix of SJ and XC jumps. It was like a mini-Arena Eventing course. Lots of skinnies and some technical lines.
Afterwards he got to go on the weight bridge. He’s now 615kg. Again, the lady said he’s very well muscled and in perfect condition.
So happy with my little boy today.
Tales, Tails and Talus 