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!

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!

Porker

One of the glorious things about camp is that I get fed three times a day! This isn’t common place in my world. I know people find it weird that I can forget to eat. But I honestly do!

Seems I make up for it at camp when I practically inhale food! Same can be said for Buddy. He’s loving stuffing his face with haylage.

Good job we’re burning a few calories too. Thought today I shivered a lot off! I was very cold last night. I’ve got an extra duvet for tonight. Today the temperature dropped while I was watching lessons. I had to break out the woolly hat!!

Good job I packed for every eventuality. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. And all that!

Made it

Well I wasn’t sure if we would get here, but we did. We’re all set for our first training camp of 2024. After the Buddymobile pulling a sicky, then Buddy calling in sick, I was fearing the worst.

But we locked and loaded! Eases Buddy in gently with a stroll round the forest.

It’s a tad fresh so hoping I’ve brought enough layers. Time to snuggle up for the night. Bring on the learning!

Cold feet

Oh boy did I need this after an afternoon at Carrow Road. It was a tad fresh! I couldn’t feel my feet, thighs or face! Sadly the match was a bit dull, so that didn’t keep me warm either. I ws back to hat, gloves and the big coat.

I do love a hot chocolate. It’s like a meal in a mug. The downside? I wasn’t hungry when I got home. Even after a hot shower, my feet haven’t warmed up.

Guess I’ll be packing extra layers for camp next week. It could be cold overnight. I am not a fan of cold feet, that’s for sure.

Grey hairs

Buddy needs to start using Grecian 2000! I spotted two grey hairs in his mane today. Or is this payback from the grey hairs he’s given me over the years?

It was a bit of a hairy one today as the wind was whipping around today. So we did a spot of indoor hacking instead.

I was feeling a little bit unsettled this morning. It wasn’t just the rain and the wind. While I was getting things ready for camp, it struck me that the last time I was away at a training camp was when I found out that Martine and my friend’s Dad had died. No wonder I was feeling a bit unsettled?! Big reframe needed there. Martine loved her camps too. So I’m going to ‘be more Martine’ next week.

Honestly the brain is a funny old thing. The weird and wonderful connections it makes. Good job I have the tools to handle it. Well most of the time.

Monarch

It’s new rug day for Buddy. His old one has seen better days. The tail flap is hanging by a thread. It’s covered in scratches where he insists on standing with his bum in the brambles. Starting to regret buying him a new one already.

This one is called Monarch and is Royal Blue of course. Only fitting for my little boy. Well he does have King of Diamonds and eventing royalty in his bloodlines.

I think he looks super handsome in it. Of course, this is probably the last time it will be this colour. Tomorrow it will be brown…

Lino

Check out my posh new floor! The Buddymobile has gone up very market. It’s amazing the difference it’s made and it’s just a bit of new lino!

Of course, now I want to take the carpet off the walls and replace that with lino too. Baby steps Pip.

I’ve got enough leftover to do the two other lockers when needed. Very grateful to have a friend help me get the Buddymobile camp ready. It’s coming together nicely.

A new floor needs an upgraded floor mat, so that’s next on the list. Well the one I’ve got is starting to fall apart but then it’s almost as old as the lorry! I definitely like getting my money’s worth.

Out out

Woo fricking hoooo! Buddy and I headed out in the Buddymobile today. Cause for celebration indeed. It drives like a dream and so did Buddy. He was striding out round the tracks. Sound in walk, trot and canter. Phew!

It felt so good to be out and about again. The Equidry was out and about too! Have Spring and Winter had a tiff?! Cause Winter feels like it’s doing the whole ‘…and another thing’. It was so cold, windy and wet!

The bluebells were out and even in the wet, miserable conditions, they put a smile on my face. As did the cheese toastie and mocha. Well I needed warming up and there was cause to celebrate. We were out out!

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…