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!
The Buddymobile is all packed! I’ve probably taken too much as usual. My Dad was a Scout Leader when I was growing up. So I was raised with the motto ‘Be Prepared’.
This is the big camp. So away for 3 nights. Therefore I’ve taken triple what I probably need. 😝 Lots of stuff lives on the lorry so it does make packing slightly easier.
Had a near-miss as I forgot to pack any bras. That could have been interesting! Luckily for everyone, I remembered.
Looks like the weather is going to be good. And yes, the sun cream is on the lorry…
Popped over to Blackwater to catch up with the campers at T&N Equestrian’s camp. It was great catching up with everyone. It really got me in the camp vibe. Two more sleeps till Buddy and I head off to camp ourselves.
There were Dressage RC Area Qualifiers over there too so I caught up with even more people. Ended up grooming for a friend.
And collected two of the three rosettes I won last weekend at the SJ RC Area Qualifiers. I’ve had time to reflect on it more. To go to our first SJ RC Area Qualifiers and come back with three rosettes is pretty good going.
And we’ve qualified for the Championship in September too. Maybe we’re not that bad after all.
Today I did two things I haven’t done before. One was go to an Escape Room and the second was wear a neon pink tutu!
I was on Hen Do Day. First up was a trip to the Escape Rooms. My team didn’t escape but we made it 96% of the way. Apparently we were in the harder room and we were one player down. The other team didn’t get out either. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed it. Oh and apparently we were very tidy.
Then afternoon tea and a Sound bath. It was a bit different for a Hen do. But it was perfect for the Hen. Lovely day with lots of new people.
I love finishing the day with a hack. There’s something wonderful about a Summer evening ride. It’s so still. And hardly a soul about.
Sadly the same can’t be said for the horseflies and other bitey creatures!! I put fly spray on Buddy. Which means they bother him less. The downside is that the bitey things then pick on me instead. I killed 8 horseflies tonight!
Honestly, we wait all year for nice weather. Then within minutes, the ground is too hard. It’s too dusty. And there’s too many bugs around. 😆
This made me laugh today. It reminded me of the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The one where Indiana Jones uses the gold medallion to find the next clue.
I got a bit blinded by it as I lunged Buddy. It’s funny how memories get triggered by simple things.
Thankfully Buddy and I didn’t have to face any bad guys today. But we are off on an adventure next week… It’s nearly Camp Time!
This came up on my memories today. It was true then and it’s true now. I’m so grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life. No man is an island they say. And it’s very true. We need good people in our corner. To lift us up, to cheer us on and to celebrate with us.
I’ve had to learn how to ask for help. And accept it. It’s not always been easy. I do try to help others but sometimes feel awkward asking in return.
So if you’re reading this. Thank you for being there and for being you. I appreciate each and every one of you.
My black eye is a bit uncomfortable at the moment. It doesn’t hurt as much, it’s just there. It’s started throbbing so I took a break from the laptop and went for a walk.
A few things have happened that have made me feel a bit sad and unsettled. I’ve found that when I get like it, I need to go and ground myself by the water. So off I headed to chat to the ducks for a bit. They’re OK listeners.
Walked past a herd of cows and calves. They were super cute and very curious of me.
Finally I walked back past the yard and watched Buddy sleeping in his field. Brought him in and he stood for ages with his head resting in my lap. I think he knew I needed a hug.
Being outdoors, moving and being with Buddy always improves my mood. So feeling much better for it.
I took Buddy out for a leg stretch after his show jumping yesterday. He’s rather partial to a bit of wheat. So shortly after I took this photo, he grabbed a mouthful. Made me giggle.
My eye on the other hand is not. It’s a rather technicolour affair now. It’s not painful, but rather uncomfortable nonetheless. I look like I’m wearing purple eyeshadow. But on one eye only. Not sure it’ll catch on.
Well today has been one of more firsts. Buddy and I made our debut representing Carleton Riding Club. We were in two teams no less! And first time jumping at Geldeston.
First up was Style Show Jumping. I’m going to be honest here, I’d never heard of Style SJ before. Rarely has the word ‘style’ been used in a complimentary way about my jumping. Well apart from being told I’m an elegant faller… So I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
To come away with 6th place was a huge surprise. Especially as it was a challenge getting round the course. Buddy wasn’t feeling jumping this morning. Still we jumped all the jumps (not necessarily first time) and we put a score on the board for the team. Thankfully the other members were much more stylish so the team ended up in 3rd place.
Then onto SJ and the 80cm team. I took a jumping whip with me this time and made sure that Buddy was moving off my leg in the warm up. He was a bit shocked when I gave him a little tap. But was soon flying the practise jumps.
A couple of feral moments in the ring with two run outs and a pole down. Disappointed with it but I know I overrode it. Still we started together and finished together, even when I lost a stirrup and had to jump the double without it.
Another regroup before going back into the second round. A bigger and longer track this time. Oh my goodness, Buddy was so much more confidence. I let it flow and we were clear to the last two. Sadly we had them both down. But I was thrilled to finish on a much better note.
So imagine my surprise when I heard our team won! Again, grateful that the other team members were much better riders and all had double clears. We were definitely making up the numbers today (as both our rounds were the discard score). But that’s OK. We did it!
Sadly I’m now sporting a black eye where I head butted a metal corner in the lorry. That’s definitely not a first for me.…
Popped over to catch up with a friend today. As it was dry, we took her dogs out for a walk. The clouds were so pretty today. They made me smile. I know I’ve said it before, but I love Norfolk skies.
Then I took Buddy out for a hack. We stopped to watch a Marsh Harrier sweeping across the wheat. It was quite magical as we were the only people in sight…
Tales, Tails and Talus 