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Annual review

Each new year, I pick a word for next year. For 2022, I picked stability. I should have picked relentless, it would have been more appropriate!!

After the past few years, I’d hoped to get back on an even keel. Boy did the challenges keep coming. It was curveball after curveball.

This photo represents my biggest achievement with Buddy. Competing at our biggest competition by far. It wasn’t the success I’d hoped for. We learnt a lot that day. And left the ring with tears and a huge smile! It’s also is a good metaphor for 2022. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I learnt a lot. And I’m leaving it with tears and a huge smile.

Even with all the challenges, I still achieved so much in 2022. Here are some of the highlights:

  • saw my business grow
  • picked up new clients
  • went to Celtic Manor
  • met some incredible people
  • lost touch with some others
  • saw some friendships deepen, some wain
  • laughed till I cried and cried till I laughed
  • watched people grow
  • helped them to see how amazing they are
  • learnt new skills
  • kept blogging even if no-one read it
  • tried sidesaddle
  • joined Carleton Riding Club
  • took Buddy to training camps and clinics
  • won rosettes
  • won a trophy
  • got more bruises
  • had lessons from Nicola Wilson, Piggy March and other brilliant instructors.
  • visited new places
  • fell in love with Blickling
  • made many more memories
  • supported my parents on numerous emergency trips
  • spent time with people I love
  • felt the love and support of others

If you’re reading this, I’d like to thank you for being part of this year and my journey.

Here’s to 2023 and whatever it holds for us all. After the past few years, I know I can handle it – the good, the bad and the downright ugly!

Family ties

18 years ago, my family changed forever when my brother choose to end his life.

This is one of the last photos that I have of him. It was taken the last time that we were together as a family.

It took me a very long time to accept that it was his choice. I will never understand why he felt that was his only choice. It’s not one I could make as I have too much I still want to do. The past few years have been challenging to say the least. And at times, pushed me to the brink. But I’ve always made it through. I wonder if his death in some way has driven me on. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. Like I’m doing it for both of us!

Wherever you are, I hope the decks are hot, the drinks are cold and the party is banging. RIP Chris.

Muppet brain

Well it appears my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders. Today I managed to wipe all my WhatsApp messages. And last night I forgot to put Buddy’s rug on after I lunged him. I’ve never done that before.

All was forgiven when I arrived for our saddle fitting. Liz was very impressed with how Buddy is looking. He’s gone down a dress size as he’s leaned out more. And muscled up in the right places. Always lovely to hear that your horse looks good.

Buddy felt great in the adjusted saddle. And was very happy to have parsnips afterwards.

I’m hoping that my brain returns to full working order soon. Not sure if it’s the menopause, relaxing or something else. Whatever it is, I’d like my brain back please.

The mundane

Well it felt good to sleep in my own bed last night. I’ve been away a lot in December with one thing and another.

Not that I’m complaining! I love being away. The downside is that I can get behind with the mundane chores. So today I pottered and caught up a bit. Did the laundry, housework and tidied up.

Ventured to the supermarket too. It was slim pickings for breakfast this morning. Missed being catered for. So I bought myself a posh pie amongst other things.

Not to be left out, I got Buddy some parsnips. And the kittens some posh cat food. Well there has to be an upside to the mundane.

Au revoir

Buddy and I are back home after a fab Christmas away. It was an amazing few days. Spent with loving people, six dogs, seven horses and two cats. What’s not to love?!?!

Always sad to leave. But it’s definitely au revoir. The kittens were very happy to have me home, I can tell you. I’ve swapped puppy kisses for kitten purrs.

Away in a manger

You know you’re pretty special when your amazing friends build you a stable so that your horse can come to stay for Christmas.

Buddy is loving his festive stay away. We’ve arrived and ridden in their arena. Buddy thought he was having a holiday. He got a workout instead.

So excited for our holiday. Christmas has officially started.

Lookout

This made me laugh today when I was at the yard. Turned round to find this heron keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. I’ve never seen one on a roof before. They’re usually in the reeds.

Made me wonder what he was looking for. Maybe he’s on Santa watch for all the other birds.

Fair weather

One last trip round Blickling with Katie and Archie this morning. We checked the weather forecast yesterday and it said it would be dry. It lied. It was very wet indeed.

We waited in the car park to see if it was going to clear up. It definitely eased. So we headed off. As is the law of sod, we were at the furthest point away from the lorries when the heavens opened and we got soaked.

Blickling is such a beautiful place. Here’s to more adventures in 2023.