So I’ve started doing an online course in Life Coaching. It’s really interesting and it’s fun to learn something new. A lot of it so far I already know from mentoring and coaching for years, but it’s always good to have a refresher. I’m not sure if anything will come from it, but it’s always good to have more strings to ones bow so to speak. 😊

My brain is aching a bit, which makes a change from my body. 😂

I’m always looking for the perfect riding coat. And I found this beauty. But it’s way to nice to get covered in horse slober, so I’m keeping it ‘for best’ as my Nana would say. Got to wear it out today as I went for lunch with a friend. My treat I said to say thanks for all her help while I’ve been on box rest. Ended up more of a ‘trick’ as the card machine wasn’t working and my poor friend had to find the nearest cash machine while I sat in the cafe waiting. Doh! Still we had a lovely lunch in the end.

There have been many times in my life where I’ve had a ‘gosh I wish I’d thought of that’ moment. This was one! Such a simple idea but should save me time when I get back from an outing. Buddy is rather prolific when it comes using the lorry as a toilet when we’re out. 💩 It usually takes an age to clear all the poo out of the trailer grooves. I have been known to get a hoof pick out and my poor broom is worn bare. But no more, this handy tool will definitely help. And I can use it as a shavings fork when we’re B&Bing. Two for the price of one! Genius!!

This photo came up on my memories today and still makes me laugh. I was about 8 and it was the closest I got to Pony Club. I didn’t get my own horse till I was in my 20s. As a kid, I used to jump round courses on my space hopper, using plant pots and bamboo stick, pretending I was at Hickstead. Well it was 15 mins down the road from where I grew up. One day I’d love to compete there for real…

Think I might have overdone it yesterday as I ache today. Luckily I can have a lazy day of rugby. Bring on the French!

Felt like I was on restricted turnout today as I got to go to the yard this afternoon. It may have been windy, but it felt so good to be out and about. It was lovely to see everyone and Buddy of course. Extra treats as there was Millionaire Shortbread. I may have eaten 4 pieces. Well you burn a lot of calories on crutches.

Wow! I’m cooking on gas today. So far I’ve hoovered (worked out that I can use one crutch and the hoover as my second one), taken the bins out and emptied the recycling (by hanging the bags off my crutches). It may sound like an average day to most, but believe me when I say these are huge achievements for me. And I spent an hour in the conservatory doing my puzzle book. Oh how I do love a word search!!

So I took my new steed Sheila on our first outing. A friend of mine came over to accompany us out on a walk. This sign made me giggle as I’m not sure we’d hit that heady speeds. At least Sheila didn’t spook at anything.

It was good to be outdoors and we missed the rain. But it really brought home to me how hard it must be for anyone who’s in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The pavements were undulating, the edges weren’t uneven and I really had to pay attention where we were going. Only had to reverse once as the pavement ended and navigate our way round some roadworks. It’s really opening my eyes.

My Pilates instructor popped over this morning too and gave me some more exercises that I can do while seated. They’ll help me stay strong physically. Looking forward to trying those this weekend. Well in between rugby matches! Bring on the 6Nations.

I left the house again to go and watch Buddy being ridden. It was really interesting to watch as Buddy showed off some of the things he does with me. Made me realise that it’s not all me and that I am a good rider. But I’m not a professional, so glad I’ve got help with Buddy’s education. This break from riding could be a good thing for us both.

I paid for our first training camp in May too. This photo was from the final camp we did last year. I want to be back at this level by May – if not better. I’ve got less than 2 weeks now till my cast comes off and I will be able to start walking on it again. So I’m setting myself some goals and I’m lucky to have great instructors who want to help me achieve them.

Facebook told me that 11 years ago today I did my first ever Lemur Duty. Yes I was one of the mascots at Norwich City Football Club. Little did I know that I’d go on to do it for 8 years. It’s still the most surreal thing I’ve done in my life and all came from asking for a chance to have a go. It’s a pretty cool claim to fame and not one that many people have!

I have so many stories from behind the scenes, so many memories and met so many people as a result. So grab any opportunity you get. You never know where it’ll lead.