Owl-tastic

So this was my birthday outing today. My friend Helen took me to see the owls and other birds of prey. I was rather giddy as I’m a big fan. I love watching them and am lucky to see a lot around my house.

They’re so majestic. We saw a flying display while we were there. It’s amazing how nimble they are. Some got really close as they dived down. Just incredible.

Then we met up with more friends for dinner. We ate, we laughed, we were the last ones in the restaurant.

Now home with a big smile on my face. Thank you everyone who’s made my birthday so special.

Me

Tomorrow I turn 52. I’m honestly not sure where the years have gone. One things for sure, I’m nowhere near done!

I’ve packed a lot into each spin around the sun. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. To be a kind, caring and loving person. To help others where I can. To make a life that I’m proud of. And be a person to be proud of too!

I’ve had many highs and lows, ups and downs, adventures and disasters. I’ve got many scars. I’ve got more memories. I’ve done things I didn’t think I could.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my birthday. I will raise a glass to celebrate me. And I hope you will raise one to me too.

Houghton Hall

What a fab horsey day out at Houghton Hall. Feeling very inspired watching the action. Also feeling a tad tired after walking 6.5 miles round the course. Though I was ‘sausage dog’ assisted as I was towed round for a lot of it. Well when he wasn’t humping my leg. 🤦🏻‍♀️ What can I say, it’s my animal magnetism…?!

I shall sleep well tonight for sure! 😴

Smell the roses

I had my first birthday outing today. My friend Anni took me for lunch at Peter Beales Roses. Not sure either of us thought we’d be there over 3 hours wandering round the gardens and smelling the roses. My goodness, there were some heavenly smelling ones.

The time flew by and we could have stayed for longer. Came away with my birthday present too – 2 beautiful clematis.

Meh

Feeling a bit meh today. Found out last night that Great Witchingham BE in July has been cancelled. I’m gutted as I was aiming for it as our great BE return.

I know it’s silly, but I wanted to complete a BE there. It’s a special place for me as well as being my local BE venue.

After being eliminated there for my Wobbleberry in 2018, I’ve wanted the opportunity to try again. But it hasn’t happened for many, many reasons. Now it looks like it won’t happen there.

So I need to look at a new plan. And find a different way to tick that goal off the bucket list.

Just feeling a little frustrated with a few things right now. Nothing major. Just those silly little things that can build up over time.

So being kind to myself and looking at all the things that Buddy and I have achieved so far.

Clear head

This was the perfect way to end my day. Me and my boy out for a wander.

Since he’s had his bit in the correct way, he’s been so much more relaxed and so light in the contact. Fingers crossed it continues. Poor boy must have been so uncomfortable.

After the rain and thunder today, it felt good to be outside. It definitely cleared my head.

Stompy walk

After a very long day in front of the laptop, I desperately needed some fresh air this evening. It was too late to take Buddy out, so I went for a stompy walk instead.

I love a good stompy walk. It clears the head, gets the blood pumping and the heart rate up.

After all of the rain today, it looked so green and smelt so fresh. Since I last walked this route, they’ve made some changes. This field has been planted with something rather different. Couldn’t work out what it was so will keep checking on it.

Still it’s been a very productive day as I got the magazine I’ve been working on over to the designer. Excited to see the artwork soon.

Different vista

Buddy and I headed over to Thurne to meet up with a friend and her horse for a hack this morning. It’s been a while, so we had a lot to catch up. Good job we were out for 1.5 hours then.

There were so many boats on the Broads. It was lovely to see.

When I got back I decided to give Buddy’s bedroom a clear out and packed away his winter rugs. So I apologise now if we have a cold snap…

Ineptitude

Buddy and I went to a bitting clinic. It was really interesting to get a different perspective on things. Buddy was on high-alert for some reason. And wasn’t at his most co-operative. But we worked through that.

I showed her the video from our SJ round last week. That helped her get a sense of the issues we’ve been having with inconsistent contact. Then she watched us in action. She could see I’m trying to be consistent but he was too busy looking ‘outside the classroom’.

She said he was very fleshy lips and didn’t like too much tongue pressure.

All was going well, till she let me know that I had his bit in back to front and upside down. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Funnily, he went nicer in it when it was corrected. Honestly, I wish they came with instructions sometimes!

She likes him in it for SJ / XC but recommended a different bit for dressage. We tried a few before hitting on one that felt better. It was really interesting feeling his reaction to different bits.

It makes our achievements all the more special given my ineptitude with his bit.