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!

Kind gestures

So today I mowed my parents lawn. Dad hasn’t been able to do it for a while now and has been struggling to find someone to do it. I sent him this photo in hospital and he was so happy. I’m going to have a go at the hedge tomorrow.

Sometimes a kind gesture is a simple thing.

He’s doing OK. Mum is doing OK. I feel like I’ve spent most of the day on the phone sorting things out. Good job I’m used to doing that. I’m doing my best right now. That’s all any of us can do.

Thank you

Once again I’m overwhelmed by the number of messages I’ve had to check in with me.

Dad is still in hospital and we’re waiting for an update. Mum and I have had a good day.

Your messages, virtual hugs and well wishes are very gratefully received right now.

Deep breaths

Change of scene for me as my Dad was taken into hospital again yesterday. That meant Mum was on her own. Not a great situation so I rushed down to look after her. Thankfully she’s got carers coming in as well.

I’m starting to get really tired with 2020’s shenanigans now. It’s been one thing after another… Just grateful there’s been good stuff too.

Audible movements

First time back at Pilates after the Summer break. Boy did I feel it!

The good bits were that I’d not forgotten the moves and it was outdoors so a lovely treat in September.

The bad bits were that my muscles have forgotten the moves and the ground was rather lumpy.

I apologise in advance for my audible movements tomorrow.

Overdone it

OK I admit it. I don’t know my limits. I’ve overdone it today. I woke up raring to go, so mowed the back lawn. Then I cleared the greenhouse ready for the pots to winter in. Realised that my cotoneaster has grown so much, it’s falling over. So started to see if I could thin it, but definitely a professional needed. The kittens are having great fun in the cuttings pile.

Finished the day off with a lovely hack with Buddy. But I am rather tired now. When will I learn!?!

Now flopped in the conservatory with Nero.

Cuteness

So Buddy and Dora had a love in today. She wanted to be friends. He was so gentle with her. She even licked his nose a few times. Super cute.

For a horse that can be handy with his teeth sometimes, he can be such a gentle soul as well. As I sat by his stable, he nuzzled my neck. Just love him.

Naked pony

Naked pony in September!! Buddy was loving the sun on his back. He loves his regular massage from Maddy at Norfolk Equine Sports Massage. He completely zoned out at one point. She’s been treating him for a year now and the improvement is amazing.

Just goes to show that horses benefit from regular massages as much as we do.