Packing

Took Buddy out for a hack this afternoon. The weather was beautiful. After we got back, he had a bath ready for camp tomorrow.

Then I packed the lorry all ready for the off. We’re only away one night but it still seems like a lot to take. The advantage of having a lorry is that lots of stuff lives on there so it does make it a bit easier. Still feel like I’ve forgotten something though…

Camp countdown

Buddy and I are off for our first training camp this weekend. I was originally meant to be at Badminton. But that didn’t happen. So what’s better than watching Eventing? Training for Eventing, of course.

I needed to get some shavings and haylage before we head off on Saturday. It’s amazing how much I can get in The Comedy Car. It may be small, but it really is a Tardis inside. I also treated myself to a shavings fork. I know how to spoil myself!

I was giggling as I drove back. Luckily I have more space in The Buddymobile. We need to take a lot of stuff with us. I say we…… 😂

Rain dance

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.

The horse does all the work

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!

Countryside code

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.

Greenery

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…

Back to the land

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.

Rolex

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!