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!

Rubber duckies

After slightly overdoing it yesterday, I had a more restful day today. My ankle reminded me that it is still early days of driving and walking in matching shoes. So had to listen. Thankfully the sunshine made sitting in the conservatory fairly blissful.

Did pop to Dunelm Mill to get a roller blind for my lorry and saw this. Had to be done! I love rubber ducks. I have quite a collection in my bathroom. I appreciate there’s an irony in that I don’t have a bath.

Look back too

This is me on my first horse Granby Micawber or Mac. He had attitude, was terrified of flowers and his go to move was ‘rear, spin and run’. He taught me a lot though. I don’t have many photos of him so when my niece posted this one today, it made me smile. I ride a lot shorter nowadays too. The smile hasn’t changed much – still beaming when I’m on a horse. The countdown is underway till I can get back in the saddle.

Another big day

Big day today in my recovery. For the first time since 2 January, I’ve been able to wear matching shoes! It felt a little strange but I soon got used to it. I also tried driving today. Just to the local shop and back, but that’s another milestone for me!

Missing: one voice

It’s been a very quiet day – literally!! I lost my voice overnight, very careless of me I know. I’m hoping it comes back soon. I’m really missing it.

Anyway, Happy St David’s Day! My Nana was Welsh so felt kinda apt to have some daffs today. My friend took me to the yard to see Buddy and picked said daffs for me.

Six

I’m a big fan of a musical. And this is fast becoming one of my favourite soundtracks. Sore throat and husky voice means I can’t belt it out. Broken ankle means I can dance. So miming and jiggling as best I can with it on loud. Now there’s a mental image for you all!!

I might have to book myself a ticket to go and see it when it comes to Norwich. I loved it when I saw it in London last year.

Best laid plans

When you try to think about protecting your boot from the elements and put a plastic bag on (it’s a statement piece honestly), only to realise there are holes in said plastic bag and you’re taking on water. Soggy toes are us!!

The positives are that I made it to the yard for Buddy’s saddle check and all is good with his saddles. Now battening down the hatches for yet another storm!