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!
Isn’t it amazing how a few drops of rain can reinvigorate a garden?! Today I’ve been perfecting my rain dance. Not something I usually do, but the ground is so hard already and the crops need it.
Seems to have worked as it’s raining now. When I got back today, the front garden was looking very lush. The bluebells are so pretty. I’ve even got some white ones in bloom. The rosemary has flowered too.
Met a friend this morning for a long walk. We walked through this amazing field of rapeseed. I love it at this time of the year. It’s so vibrant. Always makes me smile.
It’s always made me laugh when people say that the horse does all the work. And as riders, we just sit there. Today I’ve definitely disproved that.
We headed off for a lesson this morning over at Martham. We were put through our paces for sure.
After getting back and sorting Buddy out, I took the lorry home to give it a deep clean. We head off to our first training camp of 2022 this weekend. So I wanted it to be neat and tidy. 2.5 hours later!!! It doesn’t take me that long to clean my entire house.
Pretty sure it’ll needs another clean when I get back!
I’ll never tire of this view. We’re so lucky to have access to such off road hacking. I’m definitely a country girl at heart. That’s why it upsets me when people have no respect for the countryside. Seeing the flytipping today made me very angry indeed.
We have the countryside code for a reason. I want to preserve the countryside for generations to come. Not just for riders. But for everyone to appreciate the beauty that’s around us.
One good thing about lockdown was that more people came out to the country. I know I explored what was on my doorstep more. If you are coming out, please respect it. You could be walking next to your next meal. You’re definitely walking near someone’s livelihood.
My little garden has exploded while I’ve been away. It’s looking so pretty at the moment. The Forget-Me-Nots are out and the bluebells aren’t far behind.
I love the way it changes over the year. There are bits that need tidying still. But that’s half the fun of gardening. There’s always room for another plant…
I saw this great sign today. I’ve often wondered what’s growing in the fields around me. It’s also a great reminder to everyone to respect the fields and stick to the footpaths.
I had to pick my lorry up as it was having done work done. It has sprung a leak. Not ideal as it was in the living. The roof has now been resealed so should be nice and water tight. Good job too as we’re off for our first training camp next weekend.
I’m grateful that I can walk over to get it. After 3 days away at a conference, it felt good to be outside and moving.
This came up on my memories today. 7 years ago I was ticking another thing off my horsey bucket list. The Rolex, Kentucky. It was an incredible experience.
I was listening to a build-up podcast about this year’s event as I drove home from Birmingham. Sounds like it’s going to be another special event. I’ve been fortunate enough to go to Burghley, Badminton and Kentucky. There are a few more 5* events I’d love to go to. As well as WEG, the Olympics and HOYS to name a few.
So as I drove, I mentally created my updated horsey bucket list. And I want to do the Grand Slam in Eventing and Show jumping! Dream big they say. So that’s mine!
So this is what I’ve been up to today. A cracking day representing the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group at a Conference. So many brilliant conversations with medics.
Greetings from Birmingham! Yes I know, I do get about sometimes. Up here working at a medical conference for a few days. Staying in a cute little AirBnb called ‘The Annex’. It’s really well done.
I’m looking forward to this bed tonight I can tell you.
First competition of 2022 done! A spot of show jumping at Easton College. The last time I was here, I had a rather interesting time. And a flying lesson from Buddy.
To say I was a little apprehensive would be an understatement. But I honestly couldn’t fault Buddy today. He warmed up beautifully for the 60cm class. He felt switched on and ready to go. I haven’t felt so calm before a competition for a long time. Few sticky moments in the ring, but he listened and responded when I asked. Thrilled with a clear round and 3rd place.
Then onto the 70cm. Again, he felt up for it and flew round the course in a much better rhythm. Just the last down but still bagged 6th place as it was a decent time. Totally my fault as I knew I’d got the turn wrong so it was an awful line. But he tried his best for me.
To come back with two placings was beyond my dreams. I was aiming for understated and to enjoy myself. I’m trusting him more. I’m trusting me more. And more than anything I’m trusting our training.
Hard work paid off today. Onwards and upwards.
Tales, Tails and Talus 