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!

Squished

Operation get Buddy right took another step forward today. Auntie Sam came to see Buddy. Found quite a few tight spots. Include the one that Buddy forced her into! He was so busy eating, he wouldn’t move over, so she had to squish in by the rug rack.

Whatever’s going on with him, it’s not affected his appetite.

Farrier has checked him. Sam has checked him. Chiro and vet to go. I am praying to ALL the gods right now. Good news is that he’s so much better than he was. More rest for you Buddy Boy. Well kinda. Tomorrow I’m back to taking my oversized Labrador for walkies.

Doesn’t he look well though?!

Horses inside out

What a fab demo at Easton College this evening from Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out. She paints the anatomy on the horses so you can really see the movements. Learnt a lot. And came away with some more pole exercises to do with Buddy.

Reminded me of many years ago when I went to another demo with her. And got to paint Murphy. It was so insightful seeing how he moved.

Lovely seeing so many people too. I do love a horsey outing. In fact it’s been a bit of a horsey day. This afternoon, I was an Emotional Support Person for a friend who was taking her horse to the vets. While we waited, we went for a walk through the bluebells and chatted in the sunshine.

I’m definitely horsey inside and out.

Kittyversary

4 years go today these two adorable fluff balls arrived Chez Langley. I remembered how small the carrier was that they came in. I’d forgotten how small kittens are. These two were tiny!

They’ve grown into very handsome little boys indeed. Even if for the first few weeks I thought one was a girl. Soon became very obvious that she was a he.

They make me giggle with their antics. Shortly after taking this picture, Hugo pounced on Dodo. They then chased each other round the garden.

And yes, they will probably always be called the kittens.

Walk it off

I woke up feeling very swirly today. Too many random thoughts going on in my head. So I did something I haven’t done for a while. I walked to the yard. Then grounded myself by shovelling horse poo and giving Buddy a good brush. Listened to a great podcast on the way. It was the perfect one for me to listen to today as really resonated. But also gave me food for thought. Better thoughts than I’d been having.

After doing maid duty, I decided to walk back a longer route. One I used to do in lockdown, but haven’t done for a while either. Made me giggle as I remembered one day when I’d walked up to check on Buddy when the yard was locked down. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be there, so snuck up the footpath to see him. In my slightly unsure state thinking I might get told off or had broken some rule, I ended up hiding behind a rather large bush so as not to be seen. Trouble was I was wearing a pink gillet. Not sure I blended in that well. Had to have a stern word with myself at that point. I think I was starting to lose it at that point. Honestly lockdown brought out some very interesting behaviours all round.

Thankfully I can laugh at myself. That helped to calm the storm in my brain. So does walking. Today it was just what I needed. Came back feeling much lighter.

Ivy

There was a strange object in the sky this morning. I wasn’t sure whether to alert the Authorities. I left my house dressed for Winter, but shed several layers by the time I got to the yard.

Buddy was far too busy eating to notice what a beautiful day it was. He’s fully embracing his sick leave, that’s for sure.

I decided to take advantage of the good weather to clear yet more Ivy from my house. I noticed it had climbed up my chimney. Fear not, I wasn’t clambering up there. I went for an alternative tactic and embraced my inner Lara Croft and ventured into the undergrowth.

The wet weather has definitely encouraged my garden to grow. In order to get to the Ivy, I had to clear lots of stinging nettles. So yes, you guessed it, I’m feeling rather prickly now. Still, it looks a lot better now it’s clearer.

Swallows

“One swallow does not a summer make…..” Well these two must be wondering what the hell they’ve arrived back to!!

You can just imagine the arguments: “I told you we should have stayed another week…”

It’s always a wonderful sight when the swallows return. Let’s hope warmer weather makes a return too.

Chauffeur

Today I did a good thing. I took a friend and her horse over to Mousehold Farm so that they could have a lesson there. She doesn’t have transport, so I decided to pay it forward. I remember what it was like before I got transport.

I get a warm fuzzy feeling doing a good turn for people. That was about the only warm bit of me! It was blinking freezing! Honestly, I was wearing lots of layer. Felt like we’d either gone back to January.

It’s like Winter and Spring can’t decide who’s turn it is. Let’s hope Summer gets in on the act soon.

Not sure I’ve ever lit the twig burner in April before. At least I’m toasty now.

Bear hug

Hugo has decided that my legs are the best place to sleep. He’s perfectly balanced on them. And is embracing them in a lovely bear hug.

My feet are lovely and warm. Which makes a change as I’ve had very cold feet all day.

Trouble is that my right foot has now gone to sleep too. I’m slightly scared to move right now. He’s too cute!

Quiche

I jokingly asked if I could have a doggy bag when I left camp yesterday. They said yes! So I was dispatched with four pieces of quiche for the road.

Arrived home with three. I have to admit that there are easier things to eat while driving. I had two for my dinner tonight. One more piece for lunch tomorrow. I do love quiche. Especially homemade ones. This was mushroom and peppers. Yum!

It always reminds me of my childhood. My Mum is a big fan. My Dad not so much. He used to joke that men didn’t eat quiche. Well this one was made by an Army one at that!

Not right

I’m back home after a wonderful camp. It wasn’t my best camp, but not my worst either. The weather was a bit of a challenge. Talk about sunshine and showers! And blooming cold!

Sadly Buddy isn’t right. Not sure what the issue is, so going to go through the MOT checklist for him. I’ll get to the bottom of it. Or top depending on where the issue is.

Still I got to watch most of the lessons. And we were able to take part but in walk only. Learnt so much though – even in walk. It’s not something I’ve spent much time working on before. I guess I’ve sort of assumed that a horse can walk. Some of the exercises really made my focus on my position and isolating my seat.

Today I learnt how to halt by clenching my bum. Buddy halted square EVERY TIME! Something I’ve really, really struggled with over the past 7 years with him. I swear it’s witchcraft.

Although this camp wasn’t the success I’d hoped for, it was still wonderful being away. It’s always a joy spending time with likeminded people. And of course my Buddy Boy.

Next camp is booked for June. So I need to get Buddy sound and my lorry water tight. It’s good to have a deadline. Wish me luck!