Two halves

Today we headed back to Forest Edge Arena for a BHS clinic with Jo Winfield. We haven’t been back there for a while. Buddy soon made himself at home.

We had a 9am lesson so meant a rather early start for us. Then we arrived super early as traffic wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. Better that way than late I guess.

Our first lesson was flatwork and a bit of a washout as Buddy didn’t feel right. Wasn’t sure if he’d tweaked something or it was because he hadn’t had a chance to loosen up.

Thought I’d take him for a hack round the forest so said I’d change my saddle from the dressage to my jump. Jo suggested I come back first. The difference in him was marked. So it seems it could be the saddle that was the issue. Or maybe he’s just not a fan of early morning work…

Second lesson this afternoon and Buddy was back to his normal exuberant self and by the end we were jumping round a course of 90s. Such a relief I can tell you.

I will get him checked over, just to be on the safe side. I’ve got the saddle fitter out soon so will stick to my jump for now. And looks like I may have to start saving my pennies for a new dressage saddle. Buddy has expensive taste in saddles. Anyone need a kidney?!

Contemplation

Popped to Suffolk yesterday after my lesson to spend some time with Simon and Harry. While they were getting tacked up for a hack, I sat contemplating life. Bit deep for a Monday I know.

There have been so many ups and downs in my life. But there are two constants – good friends and horses. I met Simon through horses. In fact, I’ve met so many people through horses. Many of them have become good friends.

Horses are the commonality. The friendships develop from there. Today got me thinking how many of my friends I’ve made because of a shared love of horses…

Best view

Oh I can’t tell you how good it felt to be back in the saddle today. It was such a warm day I couldn’t resist taking Buddy out.

After a rather unpleasant incident on our last hack, today we met the most pleasant people. Dog walkers stopped to let us go by, cars waited for us and even a tractor driver reversed up the road and onto a field so we could go past. Faith restored indeed.

Double up

After admiring the beauty of my Double Dragon Amaryllis this morning, this afternoon I got to admire the beauty of a double rainbow.

I got the best night’s sleep in a while so woke up feeling almost normal again. Had to check myself from going ‘all guns blazing’. But did some work. And made it to the yard to lunge Buddy. So that’s good.

Sanatorium

Day 432 of being ill. OK Day 4 and I’m utterly bored of it now. I’ve rested for 3 days and it’s still got a hold of me. I’m even boring myself writing about it. 😂

At least the weather has been kind. So I’ve been back in the sanatorium today. Did manage to make it to the yard to see Buddy and a little bit of work. So that’s progress. More resting and patience for me.

I am definitely getting better as I had to resist the urge to mow the lawn. That would be a step too far right now. But it’s on the list!