We’re back home after the most wonderful trip to Scone Palace International Horse Trials. In some way, I feel like I’ve been away for ages. In others, it’s flown by.

I am so grateful to those who let me tag along and be apart of the inaugural event. Just that would have been magical. But to be there supporting Flynn and Ange was one I’ll never forget.

Bert had the best time too. He got lots of cuddles and attention. I got more offers of adoption for him. He slept pretty much all of the way home. All told it took me over 12 hours to get home. Let’s hope he sleeps well tonight. I know I will, that’s for sure!

Bert was full of beans this morning. Well I guess he slept most of the way back from Scotland. I wasn’t quite so enthusiastic first thing. A strong coffee, a shower and some fresh air and I was ready to face my chores.

After nearly a week away, I had rather a lot to do. And quite a lot of washing. Luckily it was a perfect drying day. So 4 loads later…

Bert decided that we should be doing some gardening. Well it is a Bank Holiday. While I was sorting stuff out, he helpfully dug a trench in one of my borders. Guess I’ll be buying some new plants to go in those holes.

Before I became too much of a chores bore, I took Buddy Boy out for a lovely ride. It felt good to be back in the saddle after watching so many people enjoying their horses this last week. I told Buddy all about my adventures and how inspired I was by it all. Let’s see how enthusiastic he is when we can out XC schooling. Just need some rain…

Well I was more nervous than the Mayor of Nervous Town waiting for Flynn’s cross country today. Sadly it ended early after a fall at the first water. I didn’t see it live, I was waiting further round the course. But saw it on the big screen nearly.

Gutted for everyone. The good news is that both horse and rider are none the worse after their early bath. Not how we’d all hoped today would go.

Today I saw the highs and lows of horses. Some amazing riding. Some more tumbles. Some mistakes. Equestrianism is incredibly tough. When it all comes together, it’s magic. When it doesn’t go to plan, it’s a great leveller.

Sobering to hear there were two horse fatalities here today. I know there will be those who say we shouldn’t ride horses. I’ve seen so many horses with smiles on their faces enjoying what they do. I’ve seen so many riders praise their horses on the course. Ours is the only sport where your equipment has a say…

It’s been so inspiring watching those from the grassroots to the elites, the amateurs to the professionals. One things for sure, we all love horses.

After a bit of a slow start, we hit the shops in between watching dressage, showing and enjoying the members / owners hospitality.

There were some great combinations in action. And lots to watch with 3 dressage rings running 3 levels of competition.

The shopping was pretty good too. I might have bought myself a new pair of competition boots. I might have bought myself a new Ariat top. I might have bought Bert an equafleece.

I might have also bought myself the official Joules Scone polo. It had to be done. After all I might never get here again.

Bert got lots of cuddles and several offers of adoption or looking after. He was a little tired after all the fuss. Tomorrow we’ll walk the course so he’ll enjoy that.

After dinner, we headed to the ceilidh for a cocktail. They had passionfruit pornstar martinis on tap! Rather dangerous. So far my Scone experience has been a rather good one…

A fabulous first day at Scone Palace. We walked the grassroots course and watched some of the BE90 action. Then back for lunch before heading to watch the trot up. Flynn was accepted so he’ll be doing his dressage on Friday. Nearly got sunstroke in the blinding sunshine. That was a bit of a surprise.

This evening, we went to a drinks reception at the palace itself. It’s a pretty special place, that’s for sure. It’s where the kings of Scotland were crowned and the first parliament held. Steeped in history.

Tomorrow the FEI and showing classes start so there will be lots of action to watch. We’re also going to walk the 4* course. Bert is having a wonderful time. He really is turning into a lovely little event dog.

Well it might have taken us nearly 9 hours, but we’ve arrived in Bonny Scotland. The horses are settled. The caravan is all set up. Bert and I went for a little wander to check out the grounds of Scone Palace. I even found it! There’s a drinks reception up there tomorrow evening, so that could be fun.

Saw the first few XC jumps on the course. Tomorrow is the trot up. Everything crossed for that!

Scotland is so beautiful. I have many happy memories of coming to Perth with work. Now I’m making new ones. Bring on the horses…

We have made it to our first destination on our next adventure. Tonight, we’re in the caravan at a yard near Biggleswade. Tomorrow we’re leaving for Scone Palace International Horse Trials! My friend’s horse is competing in the 4* Long there. She invited me to come with her. I am so excited!

I was very sad that I didn’t make it to Blair Castle. The stars aligned and I am going to the inaugural Scone. How amazing is that?!

It’ll be a long journey tomorrow. I’ve packed for every weather eventually. It is Scotland after all. This is going to be another wonderful adventure…