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!

Don’t trust everything

This was earlier when I trusted the BBC Weather app when it said it would be dry all day. Thankfully it’s all dry now after the sun came out.

Good job too as I had to walk and get my car back. 4 shiny new tyres and its driving like a dream. Does feel tiny after driving around in my lorry for a few days.

Tiring stuff

Woke up feeling a bit off today. So went for a walk down to Buckenham Marshes to see the baby kestrel. He’s super cute and fluffy. I sat by the water for ages and had a good cry. I’m learning that tears are not a weakness, they’re pain leaving your body. Just wish I could remember to take tissues with me. It was really windy down there so I got a beaten up by the rushes too.

Then finished the day with a lovely long hack with Anni and Frankie. Buddy found it all very tiring as you can see.

Enjoy the ride

Today has been a very good day (and the step count rather high).

Walked to the yard this morning to meet Maddy from Norfolk Equine Sports Massage for Buddy’s regular massage. I’m proud to be one of her sponsored riders.

Then I had to walk to the garage to get my lorry keys from my car. Bit of a fail there as I could have driven my lorry home last night rather than walking.

We headed off to Salhouse for a jumping lesson. Buddy travelled so much better so hoping that the lorry training is paying off. He was such a good boy in our lesson too. I had a few ‘crapbag’ moments as I rode like a muppet. But we’re definitely getting back to where we were.

Tired now. But then I’ve clocked up 26K steps today. And yes Buddy decided to poo the minute I tried to take a photo of him.

Give with one hand

Today has been a bit of a mixed one for sure. First a walk round the RSPB bird reserve that’s just been reopened. It’s so beautiful there and so peaceful. Even saw a family of swans.

Got home to find a tax rebate! Happy days!

Got back from a lovely hack to a flat tyre. Boo!

Off to the garage to get it sorted. Sadly I need 4 new tyres and they can’t get them till Monday. There goes my tax rebate!

Good job it was only a 20 min walk home! Definitely did my steps today.

Accept gifts

Buddy and I both went back to school today as a friend came over to help us with our groundwork. It’s something that’s been neglected a bit recently (for obvious reasons). So it was good to get a refresher and lots of tips. She brought me a present too! Smells lush!

I’ve never been a rider who thinks they know everything. I’ve always wanted to learn more about what makes my horses tick.

It was really interesting seeing Buddy’s reaction to her. And what she observed with us. Lots for us to work on.

Self-discovery

I met up with a friend today for a walk round Salhouse Broad and spotted this super cool tree. Not a clue how it grew like that, but it’s definitely doing it’s own thing.

I’ve had a couple of days of reflection after doing Tony Robbins 7 Day Challenge. It was epic, but made me think about some stuff I really hadn’t wanted to or thought I needed to.

I feel like I’ve let quite a bit go in the past week. And truly let it go.

My friend asked me what was the thing I was most grateful for during lockdown. It took me a while to work out the answer, but it’s forced me to stop.

Lockdown coming after my ankle really forced me to stop. It’s given me the time to work out what I want (and don’t want). It’s given me the time to try new things (who knew I could write a kids book?!), learn new things (marmalade, I’m just leaving that there) and truly rest.

I’m ready to kick on with H2 now. Let’s see what it has to bring!