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!

Out out!

Well it’s been a while since I did this! October 2019 to be precise. First SJ competition since then. And it did it show. We were definitely rusty.

Still lots of positives to take away from today. First SJ competition at Anvil Park Stud. First competition since breaking my ankle. First competition this year. First 85cm competitively for Buddy.

It wasn’t pretty (in fact it was a bit of a car crash) but I don’t care. We did it!!

Was running a bit late having been held up getting petrol. Seemed everyone else had the same idea. Luckily Anvil were running late too so had time to get everything sorted and walk the course.

I’d entered the 75cm as our warm up round. Good job too. Buddy flew the practice jumps and feel like he had wings.

Took him into the ring and Mr Nappy Pants tried to make an appearance. I’m wise to him now so he got short shrift and off we went. It was going OK till we got to the double. We haven’t done one in a while and Buddy ducked out at the second part. Turned a circle and jumped it second time. Only to be eliminated so not jumping part A as well. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Shook it off and came out fighting in the 85cm. It wasn’t pretty and we ended up with 16 fault, including another runout at part B (guess who’s going to be working on doubles again!).

I must have sounded slightly deranged as I was talking to him the whole way round. I don’t care. It felt so good to be out and about again. I’ve missed competing so much. Huge smile at the end and so proud of Buddy.

It will get better! We may never reach the heady heights of some, but my little boy ticked a lot of boxes today. He’s such a pleasure to take out. He really is My Absolute Diamond.

Lovely day

Today has been a lovely day indeed. A lovely long walk and picnic lunch with a lovely friend. This was our view at lunch as we headed to the RSPB bird reserve.

Then we headed up the road and she got to meet Buddy. Think she was quite enamoured with him. He was definitely enamoured with her polos. 😉

Finally I had my first massage of the year. Honestly, my tight bits had tight bits! Feeling floppy now.

Just lovely…

Back to school

Buddy and I had our first dressage lesson of 2021. And a new venue to boot. The Buddymobile was back in action as we headed over to Emily’s

Pleased to say that the work we’ve been doing during lockdown has paid off as we’d made progress since our last lesson with Emily.

Couple of feral moments, so good to work through. Mostly due to a white peacock. Buddy wasn’t totally sure what to make of him. I thought he was pretty stunning.

Hot stuff

Though I’d try these. I’m a sucker for a new product. Yes I’m a Marketing Man’s dream. And as a Marketeer, I know exactly what’s going on. Still fall for it.

These really should have come with some sort of health warning though. Honestly, after 2 or 3, I couldn’t feel my mouth anymore. My lips were tingling and my tongue felt too big for my mouth.

Didn’t stop me eating half the tube though. 😝

Hail Dodo

This is the face of a cat who’s been woken up by the hail on the conservatory roof. I was listening to some online training, had to stop it as I couldn’t hear it over the noise. All 3 cats weren’t impressed!

It’s been one of those days where we’ve had 4 seasons in one day. From glorious sunshine to sleet, with rain and hail mixed in for good measure.

My garden day turned into a house day instead. Ticked lots off the list, so can’t complain. Happy Sunday everyone.