Lucky girl

Something very wonderful happened today. The wonderful Kim let me compete the equally wonderful Irish at our RC Show today. I took him for a spin round the 70cm, taking 6th place for the fastest 4 faults.

It’s wonderful for many reasons. Firstly, that someone would trust me with their precious horse. Secondly, the fact I’ve only ridden him once before and hasn’t jumped a course with him. Thirdly, it’s my first competition of 2024!

I didn’t ride as well as I know I can. I was too busy having a wonderful time – smiling and chatting away like a lunatic. I know the 4 faults were totally on me. I took an ‘eventing’ line to the last and he took it out.

I’m still beaming!! I’m such a lucky girl. I really am…

Baffled

I bought a new shade sail to replace the one that was ripped. Today was the first real opportunity to put it up. I loved the old one, it worked a treat. Sadly one too many Summer storms saw the end of it.

Rather excited about my new one. Not to mention another glorious day. I grabbed the ladder and set about putting the new one up.

I ordered EXACTLY the same dimensions as the previous one. But it’s bigger?! So it’s rather saggy. Two hours I spent up and down the ladder. Checking it. Readjusting it. Measuring it. Laying it over the old one. Sweating considerably. Before giving up.

It kinda does the job. Besides, there’s no guarantee that it’ll be sunny tomorrow. It really baffled me. Blame the heat. Or maybe just that it’s a blue job…

Hot mess

Oh my days! It’s been a hot one today. Typically the day I was due to spend most of it in an indoor arena. Talk about sweatfest! Might as well sweat off a few pounds as I’m not riding as much at the moment.

It was so inspiring watching the latest batch of campers. So many new faces. Some I’ve watched more of their journey. It’s wonderful seeing people push themselves and enjoy time with their ponies.

This afternoon, I got to try something new too – dressage writing. Blimey, that’s stressful. Especially when I didn’t have that much to lean on. My writing was akin to a doctors. Either that or a spider crawled across the page. I have a deep respect for those who do it on a regular basis. I’m sure it gets easier. At least I can say I tried. I’m much better at shouting than writing. The irony when I write a lot for a living. Think I’ll stick to stewarding or commentating and leave it to those more skilled than me.

Surprise surprise

I did my best ‘Cilla’ impression this evening. I headed over to Forest Edge to surprise and catch up with the campers. It ‘Big Camp’. And the first one I’ve missed since I started going in 2016.

Tuesday morning I woke up feeling really sad that I wasn’t going to be there with Buddy and catch up with everyone.

I’d asked if I could be helper for a day instead. As I was coming tomorrow to help, I thought I’d have a night in the Buddymobile too! I know how to live huh?!

Eyes bigger than

I gave my 64th blood donation today. One of the best bits is the post-donation snacks. Well that and knowing that I could be saving a life of course. Today I picked popcorn. I love popcorn. But it’s not something I have very often.

I love the fact this is a mix of sweet and salty. Always what I ask for at the cinema.

However, I didn’t quite appreciate how big the bag was. Definitely a case of eyes bigger than my belly! I couldn’t finish it. So came home with half a bag. And unlike the cinema, I won’t be finding it in random places. How does that happen?! Guess it’s a bit like hay. Gets everywhere…

Hotstepper

To plagiarise Neil Armstrong, this is one small step for Buddy, one giant leap for his rehab.

Today Buddy stepped over first first pole. Thankfully no leaping!! Poor boy was rather confused. But then it’s the first time we’ve been in the outdoor school since April. Still he managed to do the poles – without falling over.

Here comes the hot stepper….!

Are you singing it?!

Threadbare

Think it might be time to replace my gloves. They’re a tad threadbare now. The trouble is that they are so comfortable. Even with the extra air conditioning.

I knew they were getting bad. But today, I really noticed it. Made me laugh as I got my thumb caught.

And yet I still couldn’t bring myself to throw them away…

Poles

I went to a pole clinic today. Without Buddy. To support a friend. And pick up some tips for when Buddy is allowed to do poles again.

He’s not the best when it comes to poles. He has a tendency to clatter through them. I remember an instructor telling me she loved silent ponies. I didn’t get what she meant, till Buddy and I clonked our way through the poles. We don’t do them enough I know. We both prefer them when they are on off the ground on wings.

We can start with one on the ground soon. Oh the excitement!! Who knows by the end of his rehab, we might have a pole dancer…

All cuddled up

Right, I know I said you can’t control the weather, but this is just ridiculous now. Maybe Mother Nature didn’t like the fact I said I was fully prepared for Summer?! If so, I’m sorry. Please can we have sunshine again?

The winter dressing gown and fluffy socks have been drafted back into action. They thought they were getting a little break. My 1 tog duvet has been cast aside. The new shorts I bought are still in the bag.

Today I was back in a thermal base layer, a jacket and a gillet! It’s July. I should be moaning I’m too hot.

I must say that I am enjoying the kitten cuddles. They are little purry hot water bottles. We’re all cuddled up listening to the rain on the roof.

Grazing

Buddy was a very happy little boy today. He’s moved to a different field and there’s lots of lovely long grass for him to graze on. He was so happy that he barely registered it when I drove past and said hello.

I love this field. It’s got the most amazing view towards Norwich. The sun sets behind it. So I’ve seen a few stunning sunsets. I miss sunsets. Please can we have them back? I’m done with grey clouds and rain. We’re not even getting the joy of a rainbow to balance out the drizzle.

It’s true what they say, you can’t control the weather. Whoever’s got the sunshine, I hope you’re enjoying.