Out of sorts

I woke up feeling ‘out of sorts’ as my Nanna would say. Nothing major has happened. Nothing’s really changed. I have lots to be happy about. On the flip side, lots of things need sorted.

Today I just felt fed up with stuff. The last few weeks have been physically, mentally and emotionally draining for many reasons. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, how things have gone and grateful for more deposits in the memory bank.

Throw into the mix the scaremongering, unrest, negative sound bite and riots. There’s a lot of uncertainty again. Lots of frustration. It’s hard to stay in your lane. The world feels rather odd right now. Again.

The Olympics are a great distraction. I’ve cheered, I’ve cried, it’s so inspiring. Not without controversy though. I guess it shows that even at the top of your game, you can make mistakes. Things don’t always go right. It’s how you react to it I guess.

Take me today, I headed to the yard, mucked out and took Buddy for a wander round the village. Only to get home to realise I’d done the whole thing with my t-shirt inside out. Didn’t spoil the view…

Stool sample

Nothing says you’re getting older than the array of tests you suddenly become eligible for. The latest one for me – bowel cancer. I’m all clear by the way. I got the results through today.

Must admit, I was slightly unnerved to receive a testing kit through the post. Even more unnerved having to smear my own poo on a stick and return it in the post.

Yes I know I’m used to shovelling poo. But horse poo is a bit different to my own. I had to read the instructions a few times to check I was doing it right. As someone who writes for a living, that was one job I wouldn’t want. Take a moment to feel for the poor copywriter having to sensitively but clearly explain what to do. Basically stick the stick in the shit and stick the shitty stick in the post. Or words to the effect of…

Fruit

Super sub was called into action today with a full day of peopling at the chiropractors. This was written on the board. I really liked it.

It’s easy to get frustrated and give up. And don’t get me wrong, there are times when giving up on something is definitely the right thing to do.

But most times, staying the course, pays dividends. One to think about…

Fashion fail

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.

Reverse curtains

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.

Dirty

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.

Team Manager

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.

Nations Cup

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…

Sheltering

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…