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!
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.
I spent many hours in the garden today. I’ve ticked so many things off my garden to-do list. Felt very good.
Headed to the yard to see Buddy. And ended up going out for a hack. Rather windy out, definitely blew away any cobwebs.
Today was a bit of a self-care one with massages all round.
First Sam from Touch Equine came to check Buddy. I wanted to get him checked after not feeling quite right on Tuesday. She found quite a few tight spots. Buddy can be rather expressive so it’s clear when she hit a tight spot.
Then it was my turn for a massage with Jess Greenacre Massage Therapist. She found a few tight spots too. I’m not as expressive as Buddy though…
Today has been a long day. 260 mile round trip to West Sussex. I’m off to a conference next week and needed to handover some stuff as I’m not doing the set up.
It meant meeting in the services at Pease Pottage. What a cracking name for a village! I kinda felt like a spy. Only less secretive…
As it’s not far from my parents, I did a surprise flying visit to see them. They were very shocked to see me. But my surprise was a welcome one.
It’s not every day you get to watch a stream train go by while you’re eating a sandwich. The Bure Valley train in all its glory. Just lovely.
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?!
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…
Fab lesson this morning with Simon Grieve. Lots to like and lots to work on. too. My mojo is definitely coming back. Love it when I come back with homework.
What a fab day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Came home totally inspired to get back out Eventing again. Watch out Buddy Boy…
