This was the perfect way to start my Christmas break – a long overdue trip to Blickling. The last time I was there was back in August. And I scratched dear Toby…

Now that’s not the reason I haven’t been back. Things have been rather busy and we just couldn’t get a date that worked for us both. It’s always wonderful to spend time with Katie and Archie. We talked non-stop the whole way round. There was a lot to catch up on!

I honestly haven’t got a clue what is going on in this country right now. Every day there seems to be more bad news. It makes my head hurt so much. Right now, I’ll take peace on earth, good will to all men and the reversal of some of the bonkers decision the government have made. That would be a wonderful Christmas present to us all.

Today it was a much needed break from it all. Just two friends, two horses and a vast estate to explore.

It was also perfect for Buddy’s final outing of the year. He’s going to get a bit of downtime too. Let’s hope we all get some of that!

I think I might need to lie down or something, but today I rode my amazing horse in my amazing dressage saddle and his new rather amazing bridle.

It’s got a diamonte browband! Dressage mode is fully on!

We may not be the best, but we will certainly look the part. All the gear springs to mind. I picked up this bridle when we are WHW last weekend. It was brand new, but a bargain at £30. The reins were brand new too and only £20. Very happy to support a great charity too.

I’m pleased to report that Buddy positively floated round the arena. Me being me, thought I’d use an old pair of stirrups I had knocking about. Well that showed me that I need to buy another pair of Flex-ons. The tension was back in my inner thighs. Honestly, I don’t know how, but they’ve made a massive improvement to my riding.

I think we are both still getting used to the new saddle. It’s going to take time to adjust after many years in a jump saddle. I mean, I know my legs are long, but they felt VERY long today.

I’ve set myself the goal to do a Novice test competitively in H1 2026. First we need to crack Prelim. Might help if I actually entered a competition. Oh and have some more dressage lessons. Baby steps. For today, can we focus on how handsome Buddy looks with a bit of bling.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached this point in the festivities. My very own Elf has returned once more. I needed a good smile today.

I was meant to be heading to Blickling this morning but woke up to heavy frost, freezing fog and black ice. I also woke up to rat entrails, back leg and tail in my Office. I am very grateful that I locked the cats out of the bedroom last night…

I took a raincheck on taking Buddy out in the lorry and cleared what remained of the rat. Feeling slightly queasy after the latter that’s for sure.

Not quite the day I’d planned so I thought I’d take Buddy out for a hack round the local fields instead. And broke out his Buddy the Elf hat. You’re welcome!

Yesterday when I was at the garden centre, I saw this lovely garland. I wanted to get something for my front door. I couldn’t work out how to hang the wreath I made on it, so that came indoors.

Luckily this one is very lightweight so I was able to stick it to the inside of the door with a bit of string and a lot of tape. Fingers crossed it holds.

When I got back from the yard, it was sparkling in the lights. It’s so pretty!

I’m starting to feel a bit more Christmassy. I did my last peopling shift of 2025 today. I wore my new Christmas Jumper. It got lots of comments. People loved it as much as I do.

My out of office is now on. I’m taking next week off! It’s been another full on year, so I really need some time out. Here’s to a relaxing, festive week…

It was our yard Christmas meal tonight so I thought I’d wear my new Christmas Jumper. Finally I’ve found the perfect one for me!

It was a lush meal. In fact it’s been a lush food day as I had lunch out too!

I’m sure Buddy will appreciate my new jumper too. Maybe not the vat of trifle I had tonight though…

Bert and I headed over to Centre Paws for a puppy play date this morning. Honestly he has quite the social life! Luckily it meant I got to catch up with some friends after the dogs had played.

Afterwards, we headed to the garage as the Upgrade needed two new tyres. Bert was very well behaved while we waited. Well once he’d left muddy paw prints all over the seats and greeted everyone who came in. Honestly, you’d think he would be tired after all running about. He was far too nosy for sleeping!

Of course, he’s snoring now…

I met up with a good friend for a pre-christmas lunch. The place we went had their Christmas menu on, so I had a turkey, stuffing and cranberry panini. It was soooo good!!

She gave me this gorgeous card too. Of course I instantly felt bad that I hadn’t gotten one for her. But then you don’t give to receive. You give to give… Right?!

And she got the best gift there is – time with me of course (that’s a joke before you think being a published author has gone to my head). It was a lovely lunch with a lovely lady. A lovely way to start my week.

We had our yard Festive Pony games today. One of the liveries and her daughter made a festive frame so we could take photos in it. What a lovely idea!

Buddy was very willing to pose for the camera. Bert got in to the act too. He was a bit more wiggly. I’ll post that photo when I get it.

I’m not really feeling that festive this year. It feels very odd at the moment. This made me feel a little bit festive.

Today was the first time I’d taken Toby out for a late lesson. All was good when I headed into the lesson at 4pm, the sun was just going down. But when I can out, the car park was pitch black. Not to worry I thought, I have lights in the horse area…

Now, I remember being told where the lights were. But I couldn’t hold Buddy and find the switch. So I thought I’d load him first. He wasn’t keen. Neither was I as I couldn’t really see what I was doing. Still, we made it. And then I found the lights. Boy are they good!

Next time I will definitely have to put them on first.

After yesterday’s illuminating day, how funny that I needed more lights today. Just lorry lights this time.

I even found the light in my tack locker. Yes, I might have squealed with joy. I bloody love Toby. He’s an epic lorry! Such a great decision buying a bigger lorry.

You know who else was epic today?! Buddy and Simon Grieve. We had the best lesson! It’s been a long time since we had a lesson with Uncle Simey. It was February and it snowed! Thankfully no white stuff today, but lots of fun. Lots of positives to take away. My biggest flaw once more was not preparing early enough (why can’t I look where I’m going?!). My horse needs a medal some times. It got better as the lesson went on. Now I need to start my lessons with the same panache that we end them.

Today I am basking in the glow of a fab outing, my lorry lights and seeing the lights on my little house.

Lights have featured rather a lot today. First I felt rather inspired by the Christmas lights up in the close. I headed to the local camping shop and bought some for my little house.

Of course that meant I had to put them up. Which meant a ladder. Now we know my track record with things like that. So yes I was very careful. It didn’t actually take me that long and I have to say I’m rather impressed with my efforts. They’re blue and white and flash.

Then I decided I would bring the tree in for one more outing. Clearly I had missed my moment this year as the ‘display’ was a bit poor at the shop. They were selling off the display ones. Next year…

I swear it gets heavier every year. Not helped by nearly tripling over Bert who was very inquisitive about the box.

I decided to try a different approach and put the lights on as I built the tree. Not sure it was any better but there you go.

It was a game of two halves as I had to pause Christmas tree decorating to go to a winter lights walk at a local gardens. Bert was very excited about it all. Lots of good sniffs. There was an Oak tree there that’s over 900 years old! Isn’t nature amazing?!

Refuelled by hot chocolate and marshmallows, I finished the tree in no time. I wasn’t sure what Bert’s reaction would be to the tree. Pretty understated I’d go with. He was more interested in his toy. He sniffed a few baubles, that was it.

Let’s see how many baubles he sends flying with his tail though…