Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
I got to meet my friend’s foal today – Ruby. She is absolutely gorgeous. And almost as tall as me! Her legs are as long as mine so I think she’s going to be a big girl. I love foals. She was so curious about me. I got a lot of licks and nuzzles. She wasn’t very good at selfies, yet.
This is a lovely way to end a rather random day. Who doesn’t love a rainbow?! I could have done without the torrential thunderstorm earlier as I waited for the farrier. He could have done without it too as he got stuck in traffic getting to us.
Thankfully none of us got soaked. Though I did get trapped in the straw barn while I waited it out. The lightening was so bright and the thunder so loud. I love a good thunderstorm. Call me churlish, but I do prefer them when I’m indoors…
No, your eyes don’t deceive you. That is a naked Buddy! So wonderful for him to get the sun on his back today.
Of course it’s raining now… Spring huh?!
I don’t think I could ever tire of this view. It makes my heart swell and it’s even better when I’m enjoying it with Buddy.
This is part of our hacking. We’re allowed to ride round the edges of the fields and there are a number footpaths too. It’s wonderful to have this on the yard’s doorstep. And it’s only about a 20 minute walk from my house.
It really is a special place for me. Sometimes when I’m hacking with Buddy, I forget to look around. But today, I did just that. I soaked in the view. It really was a wonderful way to end a rather busy day.
I met up this morning with a lady I’d connected with from the Lucinda Green XC Academy. There are members on there from all over the world. And she lived just down the road from me. Small world huh?! We chatted all things horses for over 1.5 hours.
This afternoon, I had a lesson with Simon Grieve over at Willow Farm. She asked if she could come and watch. And very kindly took some videos of us in action. Buddy was on top form. I love my lessons with Simon. He makes me feel like I can achieve anything with Buddy.
It’s been a bit of an odd day. After a busy few weeks, it was good to have a bit of clear space. I didn’t really achieve much today other than getting clarity on a few things.
A good friends gave me a new mind journal. So this morning I did one of the exercises. It was to write 100 things on your bucket list…
Jeez, that tested my brain. Sure there were some things I could easily put down. But I really struggled to get to 100 (and still haven’t got there).
There was some guidance to write down some that you’ve already done to tick off. I could have easily done that!! I consider myself very lucky to have achieved so many of my bucket list dreams already. A lovely place to be.
The biggest realisation I had was that I’ve become rather uncomfortable dreaming. I wonder if it’s because the last 3 years have been so uncertain. Whatever the reason, I’m going to keep pondering and I will get to 100 things.
This was my office for the day. Stewarding the SJ at Blackwater Farm’s ODE.
I was in heaven! Not only did I have a clipboard, I had a radio too! I didn’t get a hi-viz as apparently I wasn’t a hazard. Clearly they don’t know me well enough….
I got nearly 120 competitors into the ring for their rounds. And ran a very tight ship (the SJ Judge’s words not mine). She was thrilled with how smoothly it ran. It was lovely watching everyone in action.
Obviously I’d prefer to be competing. But without volunteers, these events can’t run. So if you fancy a fun day out, go and volunteer at one. You don’t need to be horsey. All you need is a willingness to learn, a good sense of humour and a strong bladder helps. Oh and you get fed! Winner!!
I’ve been fortunate to compete regularly. So this was my mesh of giving back and ‘paying it forward’.
The bluebells are out at Blickling so it had to be done. A gorgeous Spring day too. And the first ride round without a coat.
It was rather busy in the car park, but we had lots of the park onto ourselves. It’s so special.
When we did meet people, there were two topics of conversation – how handsome our horses were and how beautiful the bluebells were. The sun shining really does improve people’s moods.
This is the sign of an equestrian for sure. Most of us have carried some form of feed or bedding in our cars. Made me laugh as I was driving along.
This one had an added bonus of smelling really nice. Definitely an improvement on the usual horsey / musty smell of The Comedy Car. Hoping this smell will last a few days. Who needs an air freshener?!
I decided to change things around today. I normally tend to ride in the afternoons, but today I felt drawn to go this morning instead.
So glad I did as I had an incredibly productive afternoon. Over my career, I’ve worked out when I am at my most productive. Of course, I can be productive all day. And have frequently worked long hours. But my ‘sweet spot’ seems to be between 4-7pm.
I’m thankful that I have a business where I can set my own hours. And clients who don’t set when I need to do the work.
Going out with Buddy this morning definitely set me up for a good day. I came back with a smile on my face. Wonder if I can claim him back as a business expense?! He definitely helps with my wellbeing…
Tales, Tails and Talus 