Today I took Buddy out for our first hack since the incident on Saturday. He was a little hesitant to start off with, which is understandable really. But he soon settled.

I haven’t said anything till now but sadly my relaxed chilled out long birthday hack didn’t go to plan as we have an incident with a car.

We were walking down one of the country lanes when a car came up behind us at speed. It got too close and unfortunately when Buddy spooked at some people behind a hedge, he span round and hit the car (showing how close it was to us).

The road was very narrow with drainage ditches both sides so there was nowhere for us to go.

It was an awful incident as the driver (and his passenger) were verbally abusive to me and tried to blame me for the incident. He wouldn’t listen to me and kept shouting.

Buddy was understandable stressed, as was I, and it was hard to stay calm and try to calm him down with everyone shouting. I’m afraid I lost my temper as I couldn’t believe that the driver would risk injuring Buddy, me, the other rider and horse I was with as well as themselves, just to get past us. Not proud of that.

The reason I’m sharing this is for awareness to my fellow riders and non-horsey people.

So to all non-horsey people: if you see a horse on the road, please slow down and give it space. They are flight animals and can react quickly to perceived danger. We will do our best to control the situation but giving us time to do that will keep us all safe.

We were wearing Hi-Viz and it was a clear road so we couldn’t have been missed.

The main thing is that everyone is OK. I’m very grateful for that. It could have been so much worse. I have reported it to the Police and on the BHS website.

I love the new rug racks in my lorry. They’re going to come in so handy. I had wanted to open up the Luton for storage, but it’s a false Luton so rug racks it is! Aren’t they great?!

Spent a rather energetic 4 hours cleaning, sorting and organising. So now there’s a place for everything and everything’s in its place. And that makes me very happy.

I appear to have a lorry cat… Nero’s given it the once over.

I needed to go and get my lorry out of lockdown. I didn’t think it was that far to walk. It only takes me 10 mins to drive there, so off I set. I’ve been so careful with my walking and always worn supportive footwear. As it was a short walk I didn’t think it through. So I am now the proud owner of 3 huge blisters (one for every KM I walked). Still at least I got my lorry back so I shall be undertaking a deep clean tomorrow ready for our first outing.

Wore one of my birthday presents today. Just love the quote. 😊

This time last year, I was in Ireland with these lovely ladies. It seems rather poignant given the circumstances with find ourselves in now. I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled extensively over the years. I love going to new places, experiencing different cultures and seeing what the world has to offer.

So this is the face of a 50 year old! I have been totally overwhelmed by the messages, cards, presents and food I’ve been given today. I feel totally spoilt, very loved and rather special. Thank you to everyone who’s made today so memorable for me. I love you all. It’s been a day to remember. And when we are allowed, I will be celebrating more. I’ve decided to have a birthday year! Well it’s a big birthday so why not?! I had a week of celebrations for my 40th, so a year seems fitting for my 50th! Who’s in?!

Caught up with a former work colleague today for a social distance walk. Just a short one at 4.3km along Buckenham Marshes. It’s fast becoming my favourite walking place. It reminded me of our lunchtime walks at VM where we used to put the world to rights and she would complain I walked to fast… Good times.

So I’ve got 2 sleeps left in my 40s (and the fact I still refer to them as sleeps makes me young – right?!).

I’ve been reflecting today. I decided to have a rest day after my mammoth walk of yesterday. I’ve tried to keep busy during lockdown, but today I rested, restored and reflected.

I’ve achieved so much in my 40s. Sure I’m not going into my 5th decade where I thought I’d be. When I set out my plan for my 40s, I didn’t factor in being made redundant twice, my marriage ending, starting over with a mortgage, undergoing 3 surgeries for broke bones…. I could go on.

But I’ve dealt with everything that life has thrown at me. I’ve grown as a person. I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’ve made friends. I’ve lost friends. I’ve had so many life changing moments. I’ve had incredible experiences. I’ve lived my life the best I can. And I’m very proud of myself.

Sure there are things I could have done differently. But as I enter my 50s, there are definitely more pros than cons.

Thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. Here’s to the next decade!

I’m having a rest day today as I may have overdone it yesterday with my mammoth walk. My ankle is a little stiff today. Got a little burn too. Honestly I’m nearly 50 and I never learn! Just been for a wander round my little garden. There are so many pretty flowers. I really love it. Here’s a little selection…