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!

Contrasts

I headed over to Martham this morning to catch up with a client. On my way I saw these beautiful sunflowers. Sunflowers always make me smile. These looked so cheery against the grey clouds.

I know it’s very British to complain about the weather, but seriously, what’s up with it…?!

Sleepy

After 11 hours working for my chiro and a coaching client this evening, I am a tad tired. Saw this and thought it was rather apt.

Normal service will be resumed tomorrow I’m sure. Today has been a lovely day though. Lots of peopling. 👏🏻 I do love meeting people.

Fangirl

Tonight I got to be interviewed by Lucinda Green on my experiences being part of her XC Academy.

I joined in February and I’ve learnt so much from it. We get such insight, knowledge and access to some incredible people. And Lucinda is amazing.

The thing it doesn’t cover is the amount of washing, tidying and cleaning needed when you get back from camp! I’ve spent most of the day cleaning the lorry, my tack, my boots…. And 6 loads of washing!!

Is this what it’s like to go away with children?! 🤪

Progression

Day 2 of camp and another brilliant day. In fact the whole camp was bloody brilliant! Yes, I’m a little overtired and emotional. Let’s just say we will both sleep well tonight.

Two brilliant lessons today. Out on the XC course this morning. Buddy was flying! He’s definitely got the hang of running and jumping. 👏🏻

We jumped 80s and 90s today. And a few we hadn’t jumped before. Got ‘save of the day’ too. I was not coming off. Especially in the water!!

This afternoon we finished with grids. I bloody love grids! So does Buddy it seems.

I’m over the moon with the progress we’ve made in the past few years. We’ve come a long way since our first camp.

It was also brilliant catching up with everyone. And meeting new people. Till the next time…

Numbers game

Day 1 of camp down and lots to report. Two brilliant lessons (poles this morning and course jumping this afternoon). One new saddle pad (it was on sale!!). And zero falls. Now that’s what I call a very good day.

Weather-wise it was a game of two halves. This morning was awful with heavy showers. This afternoon saw glorious sunshine.

Round 2 of Newmarket Salt therapy was good too. Buddy spent more time by the nozzle this time. He seems so chilled out with life today.

Fingers crossed he stays like that tomorrow when we head out to XC.

Carry on campers

And just like that, we’re back at camp. This time with T&N Equestrian at Blackwater Farm.

Decided to do an extra night so I could take Buddy to Weston Equestrian Centre for a Newmarket Salt treatment. He wasn’t sure to start off with, but think he enjoyed it.

He was obviously feeling well as we’ve had our first camp fall. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Someone took exception to the pink portaloo. The same one he’s seem several times before. Oh well, camp doesn’t officially start till tomorrow so I’m not counting it. 🤪

Shiny boy

Someone was looking super handsome after his bubble bath today. Admittedly he acted like I was drowning him during it. He does make me laugh. He hates having his face washed. Is that a gelding thing?! I’ve had several the same.

His mane looks so much better after a spot of Head & Shoulders. It really does the trick.

Bee’s sting

Today, Dodo learnt a valuable life lesson. If you play with bees, you’re going to get stung!!

Poor little boy was very unhappy. Thankfully he didn’t react to it. Though he is feeling rather sorry forgot himself. Lots of medicinal cuddles needed tonight.

My helpers

After a bit of a slow start (I woke up feeling rather crumpled), I’ve had a very productive day. I mowed and scarified both lawns, weeded the borders and attacked a few bushes for good measure.

Also got 3 loads of washing on the line. Hurrah!

The kittens came to help me with the weeding. I say helping. Hugo wanted to lie on the bit I was weeding and Dodo ran off with one of my gloves. They do make me laugh sometimes.