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!

Success

Well that’s another BHS Camp over. This one was our 4th together and I have to say, our best to date. I couldn’t fault Buddy over the past few days. He was quite the pro!

It feels like a lot of things have clicked this week. Every lesson we learnt something new. Every lesson we improved. Every lesson we rocked it.

We came 4th in the dressage! I have to admit, that really surprised me as I was first to go and thought I wasn’t our best.

On to the jumping and unfortunately had the last down. My fault. I held when I should have pushed. But I did get told I got a 10 for my position and actually sitting on my bum! Something I’ve really been working on.

The biggest shock though was to get a Special Award from the instructors. They all felt our improvement needed to be recognised.

Yes, I cried. It means so much to get that validation. Especially from such incredible instructors.

I’m still on a high! I’m also shattered! We will both sleep well tonight.

Be still

Second day of lessons and it’s getting better and better.

Flat this morning and poles this afternoon. The theme of today was very much about being less busy with my aids.

Some really interesting techniques to try and while it blew my brain to start off with, it had incredible results. The word transformational was used!! And we got some fantastic feedback about the progress we’ve made in the past two years.

I brought the chair massage pad with me. Boy was that good! And much needed after 4 intense lessons.

Hungry stuff

Day 2 of camp. Or Day 1 of lessons. It’s been brilliant. Course jumping this morning and XC this afternoon.

Buddy was definitely up for it! Lots of comments on how well he’s looking and how fit he is. Bit too fit as we flew around XC a tad fast at times.

Still we started together and finished together.

He also got weighed today. He’s now 651kg. The lady from Spillers wanted to take him home with her. 😊

It’s hungry stuff this camp lark. Buddy is loving the clover up the hill.

Camp life again

What a wonderful way to start our latest camp. A hack round the forest with Maria and Sky followed by lunch and puppy cuddles.

Camp officially started this afternoon. I’m stuffed after the welcome BBQ. First lessons tomorrow. Excited to be back.

All weathers

Buddy and I are off to camp tomorrow. Being a good equestrian, I’ve check 4 weather apps for the week.

So far I’ve packed everything from shorts & t-shirts to waterproofs and fleeces.

July you say. Summer you say. Four seasons in one day you say. 🤪 Bring it on….

Wise woman

Finally I was able to get over to Anna’s to hack out with her and Alfie. It’s been months. In fact the last time we hacked together was Halloween!

It was wonderful to catch up. We didn’t stop talking the whole way round. There was a lot to catch up on.

And I got to have cuddles with her new puppy! Talk about cherry on top.

Boys together

I picked up Nero’s ashes today. He’s back with his brother now. I need to sort out the front garden so that I can bury them out there together. They both used to love sleeping in the border there. Seems a great place for them. 😻😻

I’ve decided I want to get rid of most of the grass out there. I say grass, it’s more moss and weeds. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Any tips on how to kill grass gratefully received.

Course creator

For the past 18 weeks, I have been doing an online course. Each Friday I’ve spent 4 hours learning how to create my own online course. Today was the last session.

I’ve met some amazing people on this course. I’ve made friends with people from all over the world. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s made me really look at who I am and what I stand for. It’s been quite the journey.

It’s been an incredible experience. Now it’s my turn to launch my own online course. More on that soon.

Tonight I raise a glass to my fellow course creators. You are all awesome!

Evening sun

This evening I decided to lunge Buddy in his field. It was such a lovely evening. He was a little bit confused to start off with. Soon got the idea. He’s looking so well and shiny at the moment. It’s lovely to see.

Now on the sofa watching the England match.