Bit of a state

Buddy makes me laugh so much. He got in a bit of a state with his recovery mash. Again. Clearly he’s bothered by it.

He doesn’t always get recovery mash. But it was a beautifully warm September day. The type of day where you don’t know whether to wear long or short sleeves. I went with long in case you’re interested.

It was also the type of day where I wanted to keep hacking. So we did. I felt the need to clear my head. It’s by far the best way I’ve found to do that. Just me, my boy and the great outdoors….

Afternoon Tea

Who doesn’t love a spot of Afternoon Tea? And a birthday one at that! In fact a double birthday one. Colette and I have a birthday outing tradition. We couldn’t fit one in for my birthday, so we decided to share one. We headed to The Orangery Tea Room for an amazing Afternoon Tea. Happy birthday us!!

It was sooo good. But way too much, so I had the rest for dinner.

Afternoon Tea is a wonderful concept. It’s a firm favourite. Along with room service. But then I guess I’m a big food I don’t have to prepare myself.

Only murders

OK, so I’m very late to the party, but I’ve just finished the first season. And I got the murderer (well murderers) right. Check me out!!

I love a good murder mystery. This is so funny too. Lots of twist and turns. I got 12 months of Disney+ free with my bank account. This was the first thing I wanted to watch after seeing the trailers. So glad I did.

Tellytubby Hill

How to weird your horse out?! Take him on a ride down a road that has been resurfaced.

This stretch of road is near the yard. We call it Tellytubby Hill. Not a clue who came up with it but it’s apt. On one side, we have the old landfill with lots of pipes and the other a water building. You get the picture.

Anyway, I digress. It’s known to be a bit slippery. So very happy to see it’s been resurfaced. Buddy, not so much. He walked along like it felt weird underfoot. Well I guess it must have been. It looks very different too.

I could almost hear his asking if we’d been down there before. He does make me laugh sometimes. Thankfully he wasn’t bothered by all the road warning signs.

Oily issue

Thought I’d put some oil in the Buddymobile yesterday. Always good to check your oil and water from time to time (she says like she knows what that really means).

It should have been a very simple job. Take off the oil cap, pour in oil, return oil cap. Right?! Wrong! This is me. This is the Buddymobile. I couldn’t get the oil cap off. I tried and tried, but it wasn’t shifting. I even enlisted a man to assist. No joy there either.

So today I took it to the local garage. After 10 mins fighting and lots of tools, it came off. In pieces. So new oils cap ordered. Till it arrives, I won’t be going far with my temporary cap. But at least the oil is in. And it wasn’t that I was being inept (for once).

Got back to the yard to be told that I’ve got a headlight bulb on the way out too. At least that should be easy to fix.

I do love the Buddymobile. Even if he’s a bit quirky sometimes. Then again, Buddy and I both have our quirks. So perfect really!

Broom broom

Oh my days, my legs were feeling the past two days this morning. I looked a bit like the love child of John Wayne and the Tin Man walking round! I wasn’t at my usual pace that’s for sure.

But then I rode for the longest I have in some time on Friday. And walked round a huge estate yesterday. Plus lots of driving. It’s kinda understandable why I’m feeling it.

I tried to pick jobs to do today that wouldn’t take much movement. One thing I did need to do was clean out the lorry from Friday. The last few times I’ve cleaned it out, I’ve gotten rather annoyed with my lorry brush. It really isn’t that effective. There’s usually a lot of huffing.

So today, I treated myself to a new lorry broom. I know! I’m just too good to myself.

It works a treat. The label made me laugh. Perfect for removing stubborn debris. Yup that could have been written about Buddy’s poo…

5 star

Back home after a fab day out at Burghley Horse Trails. A mere 10 miles walked round the course today. And what a course. It was very testing. But then you come to expect that. It’s not a 5* for nothing.

There seemed to be a few bogey fences out there. It was quite an achievement getting round. Saw some amazing riding. Some incredible partnerships.

I’ve been to two 5*s this year. Badminton and Burghley. They’re so different. I love them both. Glad I managed to get to both. Even if it was just for cross country day.

Clocked up some more miles on the Comedy Car and my step count is high. My feet and legs are aching. I’m tired, but a good tired. It’s so worth it for the memories made.

Little Lodge

What a fabulous way to spend a Friday afternoon. Wandering through the forest with lovely friends and horses.

It’s been a long time since I came to Little Lodge. Last time was with Murphy so shows how long ago it was. Buddy was very happy to be out and about. Well when we got there. There was a hold up on the A11, so my sat nav rerouted us. Unfortunately it sent me on a magical mystery tour of Thetford Forest. Some very small, windy roads and an equally small bridge to cross. Then I missed the entrance. So after another u-turn, we made it. And to think I thought I would be really early!!

Poor Buddy arrived a bit like a milkshake. And the Buddymobile was very hot and bothered with it all. Thankfully once we got onboard, it was a much calmer affair.

It’s the longest I’ve spent in the saddle for a very long time, so I was feeling it when we got back. Sure Buddy will be feeling it too. At least he gets a day off tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will be walking round Burghley. My legs might be on strike by Sunday.

Zipped up

A few weeks ago, the zip in my ‘every day’ riding boots went. Bit of a panicky moment when I realised I was stuck in it. Managed to squeeze my foot out thankfully.

So off it went to the cobblers. I picked it up today. Many reasons why I’d choose to have the zip replaced. They’re such comfortable boots. Definitely well worn in. They’ve got many, many years left in them. I’m loathed to bin stuff when it can be repaired.

The other boot was repaired a few years back, so now I have a matching pair. Again.

Basket case

Hugo decided today that the laundry basket was the best place to sleep this afternoon. I’m glad I noticed before I picked it up! That could have been interesting.

I’m such a soft tough sometimes, rather than disturb him, I got the laundry off the line in small batches.

I’d love to say that he was appreciative. Not sure he opened an eye.