Micromanagement

Third day of camp and another two lessons done. Started the day with grids. Now we all know, I bloody love grids! And so does Buddy. He was rather keen to get on with it. So the focus of the lesson was about getting his canter established and listening before we attempted the grid. He flew through it though!!

Then this afternoon, it was another flat work lesson. The focus of this was to try and micromanage Buddy less and help him be softer. Much harder than I seems as I‘m not always a ‘less is more’ kinda rider. Definitely making progress though. So that’s good.

The Spillers weight bridge was back for Buddy’s annual weight in. He scored a perfect body condition and has dropped weight from last year. He’s now 637kg.

Another successful camp day done. We’ll both sleep well tonight.

Bays and greys

Second day of camp done. Two lessons today. First lesson course jumping. Where I learnt that if I ride my horse and prepare him rather than throwing him into fences things go much nicer. Not that it was bad, but much smoother after I actually road Buddy.

Though he did come out a bit All Guns Blazing. He was very keen to get going.

After lunch, we had a flat lesson. Where I had huge lightbulb moment. The instructor told me to ‘cuddle my ribs’ with my upper arms. My goodness, it was completely different! Buddy was so soft in the contact.

So far we’re both loving camp!

Camp life again

After an early start to beat the rush, we arrived at Forest Edge for camp. Got Buddy all settled and then went for a hack in the forest.

A lovely slow start to camp. First lessons tomorrow.

Buddy is loving camp life again. He’s inhaling haylage and making friends. I’ve inhaled BBQ and catching up with friends.

All packed

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…

Frillies

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.

Escape

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.

Horseflies

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. 😆

Can’t fault the view though…

Raiders

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!

Friends

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.

Eye spy

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.