Today my heart sank a little bit when I saw a huge trolley worth of stuff heading my way. But I’d misjudged it as it was for the food bank. Over £90 worth heading their way.

The couple buying it said they do it each month to give back to those less fortunate than them.

Warmed my heart indeed. What a wonderful thing to do. I’ve always tried to give what I can to those who need it as well. You always reap what you sow.

What a brilliant day. First outing post lockdown 2.0. And a new venue too. We headed off to Heckingham Hall for a lesson with Portia Howard.

Wasn’t sure what to expect if I’m honest. My expectations were pretty low as it was our first outing in a while. And when Buddy came off the lorry and pulled himself up to his full 18HH, I feared it would be a challenging lesson.

How wrong I was. He quickly settled and jumped everything – first time, every time. Including the water tray. Learnt lots in a short space of time.

It felt really good to be out and about again.

This is the face of a very happy boy after he gave himself a mud pack when we got back.

So it appears my sewing skills weren’t that good as Buddy managed to pull one of the clips off his rug that I put back on. So I used thicker thread this time.

As you can see the cars are traumatised at the muddy, smell rug being in the house. I honestly don’t know why I buy them expensive beds.

So my day didn’t quite go to plan. But that’s OK. I made a new plan and still got stuff done.

I scheduled all of my December social posts for my business page Leave a trail. I post a comms tip on a Monday. A motivational quote on a Wednesday. And a Friday funny, where I post a picture where comms goes a bit wrong. This one made me laugh a bit too hard.

My inner IT geek is laughing too. Guess this one is when IT goes a bit wrong too.

Today saw the return of my
ear warmers, ear flaps or hat sideburns. I’m sure there’s a proper name for them, but damned if I know what it is. 😂

They kept my ears nice and toasty. Needed them too as I was a tad damp when I rode. It seems Buddy isn’t the only one who needs ears.

So it was bound to happen. Today I had my first awkward customer on the till. Apparently she’s a regular and has form.

First time I’ve been called a ‘nonce’ before too. That’s a new one on me. Most definitely her stuff!

Anni and I decided to do a spot of indoor hacking today as it was a tad damp. It had been a while since we’ve ridden together so it was good to catch up. We didn’t stop talking. Buddy and Frankie were very happy to catch up too. Not sure they got a word in though.

I’ve been finishing late so I haven’t been able to get down to see Buddy. I was determined to see my little boy today. I’ve missed his face. We had a lunge / play session. Just me and him together. Alone. Just what I needed after a busy day on the till.

So I’m almost officially branded. Got a temporary badge till mine arrives.

I have my first mini appraisal about how I’m doing today as well. Apparently they observe you without you knowing. One of the checkout managers said I passed with flying colours.

It seems I’m great with the customers. One lady actually went to give feedback on me as she was so impressed with how I was with her. How lovely is that?!

Only downside is that my back is aching from sitting on the till. Hoping it will help with my dressage as I have to sit quite upright. Always a silver lining.