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!

Contemplation

Popped to Suffolk yesterday after my lesson to spend some time with Simon and Harry. While they were getting tacked up for a hack, I sat contemplating life. Bit deep for a Monday I know.

There have been so many ups and downs in my life. But there are two constants – good friends and horses. I met Simon through horses. In fact, I’ve met so many people through horses. Many of them have become good friends.

Horses are the commonality. The friendships develop from there. Today got me thinking how many of my friends I’ve made because of a shared love of horses…

Best view

Oh I can’t tell you how good it felt to be back in the saddle today. It was such a warm day I couldn’t resist taking Buddy out.

After a rather unpleasant incident on our last hack, today we met the most pleasant people. Dog walkers stopped to let us go by, cars waited for us and even a tractor driver reversed up the road and onto a field so we could go past. Faith restored indeed.

Double up

After admiring the beauty of my Double Dragon Amaryllis this morning, this afternoon I got to admire the beauty of a double rainbow.

I got the best night’s sleep in a while so woke up feeling almost normal again. Had to check myself from going ‘all guns blazing’. But did some work. And made it to the yard to lunge Buddy. So that’s good.

Sanatorium

Day 432 of being ill. OK Day 4 and I’m utterly bored of it now. I’ve rested for 3 days and it’s still got a hold of me. I’m even boring myself writing about it. 😂

At least the weather has been kind. So I’ve been back in the sanatorium today. Did manage to make it to the yard to see Buddy and a little bit of work. So that’s progress. More resting and patience for me.

I am definitely getting better as I had to resist the urge to mow the lawn. That would be a step too far right now. But it’s on the list!

Snot funny

After feeling better yesterday, I took a turn for the worst overnight. Woke up at 6:30am sneezing, coughing and generally feeling pants. Called it and withdrew from the dressage competition I’d entered.

The body is amazing, but how the hell does it produce so much snot?! Mine seems to be every good at it! We’ve all got talents I suppose…

I’m disappointed as I was looking forward to getting back between the boards. Well done everyone who was out today. I was cheering you on (from my snot-induced coma).

If I’m honest, the preparation wasn’t the best. And it’s highlighted that our schooling has slidden as I’ve been focusing on jumping. So decided to get back to regular lessons again.

I’m not being hard on myself. I understand why we are where we are. I’ve been pulled in a lot of directions lately. Guess my body has decided that I need a bit of rest.

So I spent the day in my ‘sanatorium’ aka the conservatory. Another early night for me.

Little savings

In amongst the doom and gloom of the world right now, this was a lovely surprise. My water bill arrived and I’m in credit!! I kinda felt I was over paying when my DD doubled last year. Now it’s less than it was in 2019. I’ll take that with everything else going up!!

I’ve had another day of resting as I’m still feeling heady and snotty. So much better than yesterday so fingers crossed it’s on its way out.