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 was reminded of a great quote today from Nathaniel Hawthorne. It goes ‘I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as Autumn sunshine by staying in the house’.
I couldn’t agree with him more. So after a morning of peopling, Buddy and I headed out this afternoon to enjoy it. It was sheer bliss. Just me and him against the World.
I may not be American, but I’ve been giving thanks today. Thanks for everything I’ve got, every challenge that’s been sent my way and every lesson that I’ve learnt.
I had a coaching call this morning with a client. And we started talking about strengths. It made me reflect on some of mine. One of my strengths is definitely resillience. But resilience is something that you can only get through adversity. It’s ironic that you can’t get strong without finding out how strong you are.
Another of my strengths is making connections. It’s amazing how quickly I can build rapport, friendships or find common ground. I think moving to Sweden when I was 12 really helped with this. I’m thankful for the experience at such a pivotal time in my life. It definitely helped to shape me into the person I am today.
But more than anything, I’m very thankful to have Buddy. Horses have taught me so much too.
This beauty landed on my doormat today. It’s the latest magazine that I’ve been editing for one of my clients. It’s a moment of mixed emotions – pride and trepidation. Trepidation as I always spot mistakes. The beat myself up for missing them.
But given I was working on this at the same time as my parents were in hospital and the conference in Wales, I’m very proud it went to print on time.
So far the feedback from ADSHG Members has been positive. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Otherwise I’ll be crafting an apology email…
Not sure Hugo would make a good Admin Assistant. He’s ’helping’ with my filing. 😂
Today we headed back to Forest Edge Arena for a BHS Clinic with Caroline Meads. Safe to say Buddy and I had a workout. We had a group flat lesson this morning. We worked on keeping a consistent contact. I’ve been very down on myself lately with our flat work. I felt like we haven’t been progressing. After 6 years together, we still can’t maintain a decent outline. Naturally, I look to me first. So was good to hear that it’s not all me. And get more tools for the toolkit.
Then this afternoon we had a private jumping lesson. How lucky was that?! Of course, I was soon questioning this when we were put through our paces again. In the jumping lesson we worked on the quality of Buddy’s canter.
Let’s just say we were both dripping by the end of it. Buddy needs clipping again. He was only clipped a month ago, but you’d never know. His coat has come through so quickly.
You can’t see the steam coming off him. And you definitely didn’t need to see a very sweaty me!
I picked up my new riding hat today. No, this isn’t it. This is the new bobble hat I bought myself for winter while I was at the saddlery. Lush isn’t it?!
On Saturday, I bought a new riding hat in black. Which meant ordering it in. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted the blue one that I’d tried on.
I always go for black so messaged yesterday to ask if I could pick up the blue one instead. Came home with two hats. Given I got 15% off my new riding hat. This one was sort of free. That’s true Equestrian logic.
The cold I’ve been fighting off has taken hold so today has been a me day. The twig burner has been going all day and I’ve been snuggled on the sofa with the kittens. They’re not the best ‘nurses’ but they do make great hot water bottles.
I watched a couple of movies. First Aquaman (I’m a fan of DC), then Despicable Me 3 (I’m a fan of animated movies). Polar opposites but equally enjoyable.
Early night for me I’m guessing! Normal service will be resumed soon.
We headed over to World Horse Welfare today for a lesson with Simon Grieve. Always a fun thing to do.
We took a detour on the way there to check out the sale at Express Equine. Buddy got carrots. And I bought myself a new riding hat.
When we got to the lesson, Buddy was a little gung-ho to start off with. He didn’t want to do poles. He was very keen to get jumping.
Thankfully when we did get jumping, he was on top form! Even when I got some rather dodgy lines or strides. He still jumped everything. Shows me how far we’ve come.
It was Carleton Riding Club’s AGM tonight. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the club this year. I’ve had some great training sessions with them, attended their shows and even represented them in teams and at the Championships.
Seems they have enjoyed having me around too. Tonight I was awarded the ‘Contribution to the Club’ trophy. For supporting, helping out and generally being a good egg.
Such a lovely surprise to be recognised for something I do willingly. I do love to help if I can.
The Comedy Car has done me proud over the past few weeks. We’ve clocked up a lot of miles. Last week, we drove to Wales and back. This week, we’ve driven to Birmingham and back.
Driving back today was a tad hairy in the rain. The Comedy Car isn’t built for speed. But it makes me smile as I’m driving along. For a small car, it’s really comfortable.
Yesterday it got through another MOT. Always a good thing!
I found this photo on my phone from when I parked it in a little gap (technically not a space) in the car park at Celtic Manor. Sometimes there are advantages to a small car.
Tales, Tails and Talus 