Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
I was sent this photo of Buddy today. Not a clue how he ended up like that! It was definitely on both ears when I left him in his field earlier.
There must be something in the air today as the horse in the field next to him rolled while I was poo picking and ended up without her fly mask on. Maybe it’s a new fashion trend that I’m not aware of. Or maybe it’s just a fashion fail on Buddy’s part. Who knows?! He’s clearly not bothered by it. Funny boy.
It felt very good to be back behind these ears tonight. I’d love to say he was a wild beast after four days off. He could barely drag himself away from his hay.
He did have a sudden burst of energy when a deer startled in a wheat field and ran across the road. It was short lived though.
As we were walking back, I noticed that his forelock looked like it has been tucked behind his ears. Sort of reverse curtains. He didn’t seem bothered. Made me laugh though.
I think I might need to wash the Comedy Car. It’s a tad dirty after being at Hickstead. I thought I was being really clever parking on the grass near the exit. What I didn’t consider was the fact that the lorries would be going out that way too! It was very dusty. As you can see from the state of my car.
Now back home after a brilliant few days away. I am shattered but it’s a very good tired. Over the course of the weekend, I walked a far few miles. Friday my step count was 27.5k, Saturday it was over 38k and Sunday a mere 15k. According to my phone, that’s nearly 40 miles!!
It’s hard to explain the vast nature of the Showground. It’s huge! It definitely is one of those see it to believe it. A bit like the Derby Bank! Or the size of the jumps!!
It’s been an epic time. Watching Team GB lift the Nations Cup, seeing an incredible King George V cup and watching friends in action. Many of them tick things off their horsey bucket list, achieving dreams and making core memories. It was inspiring in so many ways. I’m so proud of you all!
It made me even more determined to get Buddy back to full strength so we can be there together next year. It’s got to be less stressful than being the team manager…
Thank you to everyone who made it so special.
Today was the big day at Hickstead. No, not the King George V Cup. The BRC Team of 3 competition of course. Carleton Riding Club were there with four teams. I was there as the Team Manager. I had 12 riders and horses to support. That’s a lot!
It was a hot day, but they rattled through the class. It meant getting all the riders down to the ring at the right time was a bit of a challenge. Every one of our riders out a score on the board. With our highest placed team taking 5th out of 38.
I’m exhausted. But then I rode 12 rounds today. I shall sleep very well tonight.
Not a clue how I actually managed to take this photo tonight. Let’s just go with I was trying to take an arty shot of the sunset over the polo arena. It’s still arty. Even if it was accidental.
I do love the view from the Clubhouse Bar at Hickstead.
This morning I headed off to my favourite horse show – Royal International, Hickstead. I was coming down on Sunday for the BRC Team of 3 competition. I have friends competing this weekend. So I thought balls to it, I’d come down for the weekend. I could catch up with my parents too.
Today was the Nations Cup. It was a cracking competition with Team GB taking the win! Watching John Whittaker riding at the top level at the ripe old age of 68 is inspirational to say the least.
Initially I was sad that Buddy and I aren’t here competing together. We will be back next year I’m sure. I get to share Hickstead with more people. I ended up speaking to some people by one of the rings. They’re local so laughed when I said I was too. And not at the same time.
They said it’s true that you don’t appreciate what you have on your doorstep. They come every year and can’t remember when they first came. It’s a family tradition.
After the competition had finished, I popped to surprise my Mum. Before heading to stay the night with my Dad.
Tomorrow I’ll be back at the Showground to support the showers, watch the jumpers and welcome my teams for Sunday. Might pop to the shops too. Well it would be rude not to really…
The kittens have abandoned the conservatory recently. Well except on the hottest days. Cause that’s where you need to be when it’s hot, a ridiculously hot place!
Today, they barely left it. Choosing to spend the day asleep instead. Cats are so funny. They definitely go through phases. One minute they have a special place. The next, they refuse to use it. It seems the chair is back in vogue. Let’s see how long it lasts…
Well this made me laugh. Apparently I might need Muscle & Focus as well as Buddy! This is his favourite food. I looked quite the sight lugging the bag across the yard. I hope he appreciates my efforts. Think the concentration says it all.
Definitely not a composed performance.
Good job I can laugh at myself. No really, it is!! And I bet you are giggling a little bit too.
I bought this patio rose about a month ago. It’s exploded with blooms overnight. It smells divine too. I sat on the patio for my breakfast and lunch sniffing it.
It’s called ‘Diamond Wishes’. It had to be done for My Absolute Diamond, Buddy. Not sure pink is his colour though. Thankfully he probably won’t see it.
Buddy has made many of my wishes come true. My current wish is for him to continue to recover from his injury so we can get back to the things we love doing.
I think it’s very pretty indeed. I do love a rose. Well I am an English one.
While I was journaling today a memory stirred, so I took a moment to look at it. I remembered being criticised for my ‘child-like excitement’ of things. I was told in no uncertain terms that I shouldn’t be so overly-excited about things. At the time, I wasn’t sure how to respond. So I ended up toning down my reactions so I’d ‘fit in more’.
As I’ve got older, I realised that actually there’s nothing wrong with being excited about stuff. Big stuff, little stuff and everything in between. In fact, being excited about stuff shows it means something.
I was very excited yesterday before and after jumping. It’s something I love doing. This week I’m excited about going to Hickstead, catching up with good friends and making more memories.
If that’s childish, then guilty as charged. I’m good with being young at heart. Life can be bloody serious sometimes. I know so many people facing serious stuff. If I can lighten the mood and make someone laugh with my enthusiasm for life, that’s gotta be a good thing.
Tales, Tails and Talus 