Little wotsit

It seems that Bert is a rather big fan of wotsits. He ran around with the empty packet having a blast. He also managed to turn it inside out so he could lick the dust off.

I did get it back off him before I mowed the lawn. In fact, I ended up mowing both my lawns between meetings. The ground is rock hard and my lawns look rather parched already. It’s amazing how it’s gone from muddy to concrete quite so quickly.

Eric Winter, Badminton’s course designer, gave a talk when we were there. He said they’d started watering the course in March and had used over a million litres of water!

Let’s hope we don’t get that much. A little would really help right now…

Neighbourhood watch

Bert has decided to join the close’s neighbourhood watch. He’s finally realised that he can watch the comings and goings on the close. Good job too as I left the conservatory door open when I headed to the yard. For the second day running…

Not sure how effective he is as a guard dog though. He’s more of a greeter than a guard.

Revival

We all had a lay-in this morning. I got back late last night after a magical mystery route home. The kittens were very pleased to have me back. Or maybe it was access to my bed. Bert was very happy to see his bedroom. He slept most of the way back from Badminton and headed straight to bed when we got back.

He’s had a duvet day today. Me, not so much. I’ve done 4 loads of washing and got them out on the line. 3 hours of work catching up on things (the signal was pants at Badders), 2 stables mucked out 2 and 1 horse ridden.

Buddy was very happy to see me too. He had quite the spring in his step. Well he had had nearly a week off.

Broken

Bert is officially broken. He has walked a LOT! He has been so good. I honestly couldn’t fault him. I knew it was a huge ask for him. Badminton is a massive event. I have to remind myself that he’s only 7 months. He deserves a gold star for this week.

It has been a wonderful break away. I’m so thrilled for Ros taking the win. A very fitting tribute to Caroline Moore, her trainer, mentor and friend.

We’re now on our way back home. We will all sleep well tonight…

Flagging

Poor Bert is more tired than the Mayor of Tired Town today. He still managed to do a lot of the XC course before he admitted defeat and headed back to the lorry with Emma. Apparently, he ran straight for his crate and fell asleep.

I carried on walking the course and saw some incredible action. A few spills but overall some very classy riding.

Badminton is such an incredible event. I feel very lucky to be able to come and be a part of it.

Statesman

Bert had a slower day today. He was a tad dramatic around the shops. He kept flopping and refusing to walk. So I ditched the shops and headed out onto the XC course to check it out.

Well that put a spring in his step. He was in sniff heaven! The course looks fair, but lots of tests out there. The ground has plenty of give in it as well. It should be a cracking day tomorrow.

Having walked 2/3rds of it, we ended up back at the house. Bert clearly felt at home as he posed outside. As we were almost at the campsite path, I decided to take him back to the lorry for a siesta. Tomorrow is going to be a lot of walking and I didn’t want to overtire him.

On the way back, I got him his first ice cream. He loved it! A couple of ladies came to say hello and commented on how cute he was eating his tub.

He had a really good rest (as did I) so we’re both ready for tomorrow. Especially after listening to course designer Eric Winter talking about his design choices. Really interesting…

Overcooked

Well Bert was a very tired puppy today. I think he overcooked it yesterday round the XC course. Last night he was asleep by the time I got into my bed. And slept through. Today he was less enthusiastic about things.

He got lots of spaniel love today. So many people wanted cuddles, which he was very happy to provide. He had many spaniel fans cooing at how well behaved he is.

Considering he’s only 7 months, it’s a lot for him to deal with. The shops were much busier today. I made sure he had time out so he didn’t get completely overwhelmed. He got lots of treats from a number of stands. That helped too.

He’s clearly a fan of Henry James as he decided to fall sleep on their stand. The lady there said I could have one of everything in exchange for him!

I also managed to completely embarrass myself in Stubben. When asked if I needed any help, I replied ‘I love your bits’. To a rather attractive chap. Thankfully he saw the funny side of it, as did his colleagues. Apparently I made his day. While I was wishing the floor would open… Trust me to take something innocent and make it sound smutty. It’s a talent.

Crammed

Well it’s a good job that I have a bigger car now! Not sure I would have gotten this much in the Comedy Car.

Bert and I are all packed ready for our next adventure to Badminton Horse Trails. We head off tomorrow and are there till Sunday. I’m very excited about staying for the whole duration.

I feel like I’m taking a lot of stuff. I’m packed for many weather options. Let’s see which one I get! After last week’s camp and soaring temperatures, it’s much cooler this week. So I have t-shirts and hoodies. And a few bits in between.

Luckily, there will be one or two shops there. So if all else fails… I have a short list for me, a little list for Buddy and Bert. I don’t need much. Good job I don’t have a weight limit coming home.

Brown cow

‘How now brown cow’ was the mantra for today’s walk. They’ve moved the cows back onto the fields round the back of my close. Normally I have no issue walking through them. But this was the first time Bert had come across so many. And a rather large bull. So we used it as a training session instead.

I walked Bert up to the cows and away. He barked a few times, so kept it all low key. The cows weren’t the least bit bothered by him. He was very interested in them. I think he thouhght they were big dogs. Though some of the calves were tiny.

The cows soon got bored and moved away after a while. Bert sat patiently and watched them go.

I love the fact I live so close to these cows. It reminds me of listening to the cows lowing at night when I was a kid. I grew up near a cattle market so it was a weekly sound. Such a soothing sound…

Chores

Today has been a day of chores. Well I guess that’s what you do on a Bank Holiday weekend. I’ve still got a ton to do, but I’ve ticked off loads.

As the weather was good, I got the washing pile down considerably. I know I say it after every camp, but my god there’s a lot of washing afterwards. And cleaning too. My tack is filthy. The Buddymobile is filthy. They can wait for another day.

When I finally sat down to take stock, Bert clearly felt he needed some attention too. Either that or he decided that I needed to stop for the day. I’m not complaining, he’s a good cuddler.