Swans

Headed over to Salhouse Broad for a ‘walk and talk’ this morning. I saw this family of swans. I do love swans. They’re so elegant and serene. I’ve made a career out of being a swan – serene on the surface but the legs going like the clappers underneath.

It’s a good skill to have, to keep your head when things aren’t going to plan. I’m trying to bring that to every part of my life.

It seems to be working with our jumping too. We were flying this afternoon in our final lesson before we head off to the Champs. They were ‘a good metre’. Which we know is instructor code for frigging huge.

I filled up the lorry ready for the off on Friday. Only £160 to fill it up! I nearly passed out at the pump. But this could be our only chance to represent our riding club at a Champs. So balls to it! And I love toast…

Haffy Au Pair

Early start this morning as I headed to The Aylsham Show to help Samantha Hayes with her Haffy’s. I ended up being an au pair for her yearling. She’s sassy but super cute!

Lovely to be back at the Aylsham and catch up with so many people.

Another horsey outing without doing the horsey thing. Time to get back to doing the horsey thing though. We’ve got a big week ahead of us! Buckle up Buddy, we’re off to play with the big boys and girls.

Stressage

Fear not good people, Buddy and I haven’t entered the boards. But I did get to watch some dressage today. It was fun being at a horse thing, without doing the horse thing.

Great catching up with some lovely people. And being extra groom and videographer. Saw this quote on the toilet wall and it made me smile. It’s rather apt too.

It might be time for me to dust off Buddy’s dancing shoes as well. Kinda felt a bit inspired watching it today. Of course, that may pass…

Side-saddle

Today Buddy and I did something new. We had a go at side-saddle! I honestly wasn’t sure how it would go. But Buddy, once more, proved he really is an ‘all rounder’. He was bloody awesome! I, on the other hand, may need a few more sessions.

Given I’ve only had a go at side-saddle once before, and only in walk and trot, the fact we were cantering by the end of the lesson blew me away. My downward transitions weren’t great. Muscle memory kicked in and I tried to rise in the trot. But we definitely improved as the session went on.

The instructor was incredibly complementary about Buddy and my riding ability. The words ‘elegant’ were used. I’ll take that!

Forager

Buddy is a big fan of foraging in the hedgerow. So after our lunge session, I took him for a wander. He LOVES blackberries. So much so that he looked like he was wearing purple lipstick.

He was very happy. And that makes me very happy.

Boxes

I ordered some cat food for the kittens. They seemed more excited about the box than the actual food. In fact I couldn’t actually open the box because they slept on it most of the day.

When I did get to open it, I found another box inside. And in that was 3 boxes of food. Talk about cat paradise! 5 boxes for them to claim… let alone the food. I will have happy kitties indeed.

Amicitia

Buddy and I went on an adventure. We headed over to High Ash for a hack and picnic with some wonderful friends. It was great to wander round for a few hours before having a picnic lunch.

We rode past the archeological dig. So cool to know think that Roman artefacts and buildings are waiting to be discovered. I kinda wanted to get off and go and see what they’ve found. I do love archeology.

Peopling

I’ve been peopling again today. 10 hours of it in fact! I’ve been back working at the chiropractor’s. I met some really interesting people too. I find it fascinating hearing people’s stories. You never know what people have done in their lives.

As a child (and an adult), I was told I talk too much. A shock for those of you who’ve met me I’m sure. But sometimes, it really comes in handy. I can talk to anyone, about anything. And I’m a good listener. All handy life-skills it seems.

Afternoon jaunt

Buddy and I headed over to catch up with a friend and her horse this afternoon. It’s always fun to go and ride in a new place. Not sure how far we went, but we we’re out for 1.5 hours.

The stubble looked so appealing but with no real rain for months now, it’s way too hard to canter on. Maybe next year, we can go back for a blast. But this year, we stuck to walk.

We chatted the whole way round. A fabulous way to spend the afternoon. We’ll definitely be back soon.

Roses are red

Took Katie over to Peter Beales Roses for a spot of lunch and a wander round the rose garden. Saw this sign hidden away. It’s very true for me. Roses are my favourite flowers.

They’re so versatile and give colour all years rounds. There were lots that had gone over but I still find the hips beautiful.

I’m an English Rose. And I’m pretty versatile. I’ll let you decide if I give colour all year round.