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!

My garden

I’m having a rest day today as I may have overdone it yesterday with my mammoth walk. My ankle is a little stiff today. Got a little burn too. Honestly I’m nearly 50 and I never learn! Just been for a wander round my little garden. There are so many pretty flowers. I really love it. Here’s a little selection…

Pastures new

Today saw another mammoth walk. Covered 15.9km round Strumpshaw, Cantley and Buckenham. Finally found the footpath that runs from Cantley back along the waterway to Buckenham Marshes. Absolutely stunning scenery. Took a picnic with me and stopped to eat it on route. Much to the amusement of the cows who were playing Mr Wolf with me. Good job too as I was out over 4 hours. My ankle is feeling it now, but I really am loving hiking right now.

Get a wingman

After my odd day where I couldn’t focus, I had the most glorious hack this afternoon. It was one of those hacks where none of us wanted to go back. We’re still operating a rota at the yard, so we did get back before our slot was over. But it was so relaxing.

Odd day

Woke up to this beauty! I’ve got lots more to come by the looks of it.

I’m having a bit of an odd day so far. I feel like I should be focusing on stuff, but I keep wandering off. I have the attention span of a gnat today. The days are starting to blur now.

I have done a few hours of weeding and more clearing in the garden.

I’m trying to put some structure into my life. It’s tough going today. Not giving myself a hard time over it though. It’s just how it is today.

Ride em cowboy

After mowing both lawns and breaking the back of the weeding, I took Buddy out for a hack. It was a rather tense affair as someone was on high alert. He was just waiting to spook at something. He definitely decided there were monsters everywhere today. Silly boy.

All creatures

After an amazing energy workshop this morning, I headed out for another long walk. Covered 11km at a rather brisk pace. Was great to get the heart rate up. Stopped to watch the dragonflies flitting around in the verge. This chap particularly caught my eye. He was very cool indeed.

Camp

We should have been at a training camp this weekend. The first of the four we were booked into. Two have already been cancelled. I totally understand it, but it still makes me sad. These photos were from the last camp we did in 2019. We came so far last year, it’s frustrating that we can’t get back to where we were. But it’s always easier to get somewhere the second time. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to get going again soon.