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’ve taken jumping into the new year literally of course. It’s been a couple of weeks since we last jumped (and we know how well that went!).
Decided to pop a few jumps as it was quiet at the yard. Think my smile says it all. I love jumping, but it doesn’t always make it to my face. I have a look of concentration most of the time. It’s either face like thunder or mouth open.
One for me to work on this year. 🤪 Maybe if I look like I’m actually loving it as much as I am it might make a difference. I’m game!
Let’s face it, 2021 was an interesting year. We were so optimistic about how much better it would be than 2020. And in some ways it was. But boy did the challenges keep coming.
One thing I enjoy about the year end is looking back at the things I’ve achieved. This year I was struggling to see what those were. So I took some time to look closer. There was a lot that didn’t happen. But there was a lot that did.
In time honoured tradition, I made a list…
So, in 2021 I:
recovered from Covid
made the best of Covidland
saw my business grow
picked up new clients
met some incredible people
lost touch with some others
saw friendships deepen
saw friendships wain
laughed till I cried
cried till I laughed
watched people grow
learnt new skills
kept blogging even if no-one read it
kept putting one foot in front of the other
took Buddy to 4 training camps
won rosettes
got more bruises
had lots of lessons
visited new places
made more memories
supported my parents
lost Nero
watched the kittens grow
met my eventing heroine Lucinda Green
had her teach me and interview me
put myself out there
took time to develop myself
felt the love and support of others
But above all, I’ve taken time for me. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot about myself this year. I’m ending it in a better place than I started it.
If you’re reading this, I’d like to thank you for being part of this year and my journey.
Here’s to 2022 and whatever it holds for us all. Fingers and toes crossed it’s a good one.
This is a sad time of the year for me as I remember my brother who died in 2004. We weren’t close but it still makes me sad every year that he’s not here.
So tonight I’ll shed a tear for him, light a candle to remember him and raise a glass to his memory. Here he is bringing in the new year at the Millennium Dome. I love this photo of him doing what he loved most.
Wherever you are, I hope the decks are hot, the drinks are cold and the party is banging. RIP Chris.
I’ve booked my first clinic for 2022 today. And it’s with European Champion Nicola Wilson. Well if you’re going to learn, why not from a champion?!
I met her at The Rolex in 2015. She was so generous with her time. And a really down to earth person.
I’ve been feeling a bit down about my horsey journey recently. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much this year. We’ve been a bit thwarted. I totally get it. There’s been a lot going on. It’s been hard to fit everything in. My focus has had to be on my business and my parents.
I adore Buddy. That hasn’t changed. And never will. But I’ve definitely lower the intensity in his training in the past couple of years. I’ve realised that I’ve been hesitant to set goals in case next year is more of the covid sh1tshow we’ve had so far.
Booking the clinic made me want to set goals again. So that’s what I’ve done. Horsey goals are set for 2022. Bring…. It…. On….!
I thought I’d try and get a decent picture with Buddy this morning. He had other ideas. Choosing to take my hat off and playing with it. This was the best I could do.
I hope you’ve all had a lovely day. I have. Mucked out first thing. Ate too many cheese straws. Worn my Christmas PJs most of the day. Had my non-traditional Christmas lunch. Watched movies and just flopped.
It might not be traditional or to everyone’s taste but it’s my kinda Christmas. And I’ve had a good one.
Today Buddy and I got to do something rather special. We made two girls very happy indeed. In fact the words ‘best Christmas Eve ever’ might have been said a few times.
Buddy was so gentle with them. And walked round the indoor arena looking after them while they both had pony rides.
