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!

MOT time

Yes it’s that time of the year again, MOT time! I spent the morning waiting for news like an expectant father. Sadly, it’s bad news. Another year, another failure. New headlight and something to do with my rear brakes.

The headlight’s been on the list to sort for ages so annoyed with myself for that. As for brakes, I had the fronts sorted earlier in the year so guess it was time for the backs to go. They’d seized or something. Good job I haven’t been driving long-distances… oh wait.

Times like this when I’m grateful for my little lorry. My car won’t be back till Monday so looks like I’m trucking this weekend.

Get mooooving

I needed to clear my head today so I went to have a chat with the cows. They’re not great conversationalist, but good listeners. I then went to see Cyril. He’s looking resplendent in his Autumn colours.

I bumped into one of my neighbours who referred to me as ‘the train girl’. Well I did stop the horns so I guess that’s quite apt. It’s almost a year of silence now. It’s utterly blissful I can tell you.

She opened up and told me some things that were on her mind. As we parted, she thanked me for listening. She hasn’t realised how much it had been bothering her. People seem to feel comfortable talking to me about stuff. Good job it’s part of what I do. Seems I am a good listener too.

5 years

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

I found him at a time when I was broken emotionally as I was grieving for Murphy and accepting it hasn’t worked with Phoenix. I was broken physically as I was recovering from a broken finger. My riding confidence was at an all time low. But he was the best cure for everything.

It’s not been an easy 5 years. There have been amazing highs, crashing lows, more broken bits, but I wouldn’t change a second. Winning a trophy at the Norfolk Show is still a high.

In the last year we’ve had lessons with not one, but two eventing legends. We’ve been to 4 training camps. Weve been to lessons and clinic. We’ve been to new places. We’ve met more people. We’ve made more memories together.

It hasn’t been the year we’d planned. Again. But again, who saw a global pandemic!!

I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He is now and always will be ‘My Absolute Diamond’.

Happy anniversary Buddy. Here’s to the next 5 years…

Rewards

This was delivered today. A thank you after my trip to Edinburgh. And another rosette for the board. What a lovely touch.

After feeling a bit low, this made me cry in a good way. It’s such a great feeling knowing that my clients appreciate what I do for them.

Resting isn’t lazy

I woke up feeling quite down this morning. I’m tired, drained and a bit overwhelmed. So I cut myself a bit of slack and retreated to the conservatory. I sat cuddling the kittens and watched the clouds go by. I had a good cry as well.

Things aren’t where I want them right now. I’m doing my best. It’s exhausting some days. Running your own business takes so much energy. Supporting my parents took a lot out of me too. I’m spinning so many plates right now, it’s understandable I’m feeling a bit spent.

So today I rested. The powers that be decided that I shouldn’t be alone as a good friend rang the doorbell. And she brought me a taste of Scotland. Just what I needed.

I’m learning that resting doesn’t mean I’m lazy. It means I’m getting my energy back so I can go again.

Autumn explosion

It seems like the Autumn colours have appeared overnight! I know I’ve been away and all that. Even in the drizzle, the colours were vivid.

After another trip away, it felt so good to go for a wander with my little boy. I’ve missed this. It really does my soul good. Even if we did get soaked. Never let it be said that I’m a fair-weather rider.

Halloween hangover

So it appears I am channelling vampire tendencies again. Got a few odd looks today as a result. The trouble is that I totally forgot about it. Till someone mentions it.

Not a clue what causes it, but I can get them when I’m over tired. The last few weeks (months / years) have caught up with me a bit. Feeling rather tired today. So looking forward to an early night. Not very vampire at all.

Halloween was so last month…. Normal Pip service will be back soon.

No place like home

Someone was very happy I’m home. Dodo was my shadow as he slept in the office. Hugo kept coming to check on me, between naps on the sofa.

Buddy seemed pleased to see me too. Thought he was a little sluggish when I lunged him. He had his vaccinations yesterday so problems an aftereffect from that. After 4 days off, I’d expected a bit more enthusiasm.

As for me, I’m very happy to be home. I love travelling and going places, but I love my little house, my boys and my bed too.

Looks are deceiving

Well that’s the Conference over. I’ve loved the last 3 days. I got to people. A lot. It’s been great meeting people I’ve worked with virtually in the flesh.

I’ve loved Edinburgh too. Blown away with how beautiful a city it is. Bugger me there are some hills though! Climbing back up to see the Castle in the daylight was a great idea. Carrying my rather heavy bag, backpack and banner while doing it wasn’t my best look. Talk about modern day packhorse. 😝

The ladies at the top took pity on me when I got there. It’s been a while since I did proper hills. The joys of living in Norfolk.

Got to the station to be sniffed several times by a police dog. Hope I wasn’t too stinky…

Thank you Edinburgh. I’ll definitely be back.