Simple pleasures

Another lovely lunch out today. This time at the Oaklands Hotel, Norwich. Their terrace is perfect for alfresco dining. The sun even made an appearance. Not quite ready to ditch my duvet coat just yet though.

This toilet roll holder made me smile. Sometimes it the simple pleasures in life. Good food, good company and a sheep on the wall.

Redemption

Well Buddy excelled himself today! And not just in the mud stakes. He happily jumped through a double without hesitation or running out.

We nearly didn’t do anything as I left my saddle and bridle at home. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I took them home to clean after the show on Sunday and totally forgot to pick them up.

Luckily it’s a 3 min drive back to mine from the yard. A quick round trip sorted that one out.

Then I saw the mud. Buddy seemed rather pleased with himself. Don’t blame him. It was a glorious day and wonderful he can go out naked.

Out out!

Well it’s been a while since I did this! October 2019 to be precise. First SJ competition since then. And it did it show. We were definitely rusty.

Still lots of positives to take away from today. First SJ competition at Anvil Park Stud. First competition since breaking my ankle. First competition this year. First 85cm competitively for Buddy.

It wasn’t pretty (in fact it was a bit of a car crash) but I don’t care. We did it!!

Was running a bit late having been held up getting petrol. Seemed everyone else had the same idea. Luckily Anvil were running late too so had time to get everything sorted and walk the course.

I’d entered the 75cm as our warm up round. Good job too. Buddy flew the practice jumps and feel like he had wings.

Took him into the ring and Mr Nappy Pants tried to make an appearance. I’m wise to him now so he got short shrift and off we went. It was going OK till we got to the double. We haven’t done one in a while and Buddy ducked out at the second part. Turned a circle and jumped it second time. Only to be eliminated so not jumping part A as well. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Shook it off and came out fighting in the 85cm. It wasn’t pretty and we ended up with 16 fault, including another runout at part B (guess who’s going to be working on doubles again!).

I must have sounded slightly deranged as I was talking to him the whole way round. I don’t care. It felt so good to be out and about again. I’ve missed competing so much. Huge smile at the end and so proud of Buddy.

It will get better! We may never reach the heady heights of some, but my little boy ticked a lot of boxes today. He’s such a pleasure to take out. He really is My Absolute Diamond.

Lovely day

Today has been a lovely day indeed. A lovely long walk and picnic lunch with a lovely friend. This was our view at lunch as we headed to the RSPB bird reserve.

Then we headed up the road and she got to meet Buddy. Think she was quite enamoured with him. He was definitely enamoured with her polos. 😉

Finally I had my first massage of the year. Honestly, my tight bits had tight bits! Feeling floppy now.

Just lovely…