That’s a wrap!

Back home after my first Hoseasons Owners Conference. And what an experience it was.

Anyone who’s been involved in events will know they come together through hard work, long hours and determination. And of course, lots of caffeine and sugar!

This was no exception. Over the past few days, I’ve dealt with the random pleas that come with the territory. A new one on me was securing a door that fell off its hinges!

The Comedy Car was called into action too for emergency Tesco runs. I was very grateful he’s so small as the car park was rammed and I was able to park him in a space that wasn’t technically a space.

Yesterday was a very looooong day the alarm went off at 5:45am and I finally made it to bed at 2:30am this morning!

My feet are wrecked, my voice is heading towards Barry White and I’m beyond tired.

All signs of a cracking conference!

Swan-tastic

Well I can now reveal that I’ve been working on the Hoseasons Owners Conference for my amazing friend Simon.

I’ve know Simon a very long time and have heard all about ‘conference’ over the years. So to be asked to be a tiny part of it, is a huge honour.

Seeing Simon command the stage was wonderful too. Not that I got to see much of the conference as I was too busy running around behinds the scenes.

My feet ache, my face aches but I’m so happy. It’s been an amazing experience so far. Now for dinner and awards.

Step count

Blimey what a day! Definitely hit my step count today. Over 22k done. Most of which were going up and down between the floors in the hotel from one conference area to another!

Still things are going well. Few issues, but there always are behind the scenes. Most people don’t get to see that side of it. But as long as the delegates enjoy it tomorrow, that’s the main thing.

This carved dragon kept me going as it made me smile every time I walked past. I love a dragon. Must be my Welsh blood.

Wet Wales

It’s been a very busy day of pre-conference prep. It’s amazing the number of little jobs there are to do.

I was camped out in a conference room with a rather nice view. Unfortunately, it was obscured by the rain. Good job I didn’t get time to leave the building…

Early start tomorrow and another long day. I’m fuelled by caffeine, enthusiasm and conversations. I love the bonkers things I get to do. I really do.

Welsh Wales

This is my home for the next few days. I’m here working at a conference. Not the nicest day to be doing a 260 mile drive. It was aquaplane galore on the motorways. The Comedy Car held its own against the onslaught of rain. I could hardly hear myself think it was so loud at times.

Took me nearly 6 hours to get here as there was a hold up on the M25. Still I’m here now, fed and watered and ready for the off.

Activate Swan-mode!!

Piggy part 2

We headed over to Wakefield Farm Stud today for a lesson with Piggy March. The first lesson in 2020 when she was the reigning Badminton winner. This time, she is the reigning Burghley winner. Amazing!

She said Buddy looked very well. And that we clearly have a strong partnership. She was very complimentary about him and my riding.

We tackled a mix of SJ and XC jumps. It was like a mini-Arena Eventing course. Lots of skinnies and some technical lines.

Afterwards he got to go on the weight bridge. He’s now 615kg. Again, the lady said he’s very well muscled and in perfect condition.

So happy with my little boy today.

Inn rules

Spotted this sign in the pub today. It really made me laugh. Haven’t heard ‘slap and tickle’ for a long time. Funny how phrases come in and out of fashion.

Peaked

I had a little bit too much fun in the Christmas display today. I may have peaked too early and bought some new baubles. Yes I know it’s November. But they are so pretty! Excited about putting the tree up. Not this month though.

The Rescuers

Today has been one of my more random days. I got an early morning SOS from a friend asking to borrow me and the Buddymobile. She needed to urgently move some furniture. It reminded me of the Disney film ‘The Rescuers’. I used to love that film.

I found out today that I would make a good removal person. It’s amazing how much I can get in my little lorry. I also found out that some roundabouts are poorly designed for lorries. Managed to clip a curb and pulled a bit off the lorry. Stuck it back on with some tape – ever practical!

I got my rewards for helping today though. I had lunch bought for me. On the way back, I went to Tesco’s to put some diesel in the lorry. When I arrived at the pump it said it was doing a price update. So I waited fearing the worst. But it went down by 2p per litre.

And when I dropped my lorry off for fixing, it was chucking it down. So I was given a lift back to the yard to pick up my car. Very kind of them. Today may have been random, but it’s been a good one!