Bosch

End of an era Chez Langley. This washing machine has served me well. But things don’t last forever. I inherited it when I moved in over 10 years ago. I had no idea how old it was then! So it owes me nothing.

Like us as we age, it started having bladder issues and I’ve found a few accidents. The irony being that once I’d used a few tea towels to mop up the puddles, I needed to wash them.

That and it’s been prime drying weather these past few days.

So I started looking for a new one. It must be a good 18 years since I bought a new washing machine. Things have moved on massively. The bewildering array of functions is slightly overwhelming. As are some of the prices! For the money, I’d want the machine to fold and put the clothes away too.

So I went old school and popped to a shop. Had a good chat with the man there and a new shiny Bosch washing machine is being delivered tomorrow. Bye bye Bosch, I bought a Bosch.

Ragwort

Two exciting things happened today. This was one of them. It’s by far the best thing I’ve found for pulling ragwort and weeds. It can be a quite onerous job. But this makes it so much fun! I think I was having too much fun. Buddy was very interested and followed me round the field.

Definitely didn’t fire the ragwort into the barrow like I was loading a shotgun. Almost certainly didn’t do my own sound effects. And my horse most definitely didn’t canter round his field…

Might have got a bit carried away when I got home too. Let’s just say my ‘lawn’ looks more like Swiss cheese after my efforts.

Is it a measure of how dull my life is that this makes me very happy?! Good job I can laugh at myself.

The other exciting thing that happened was that I trotted Buddy under saddle for the first time. Just to see how he felt. He was a bit tense for the first few strides – as was I! We both soon relaxed into it. Now I know he’s feeling more level again, I can slowly increase it. Slow and steady wins the race!

Aesthetic

An early start for me as I needed to be at Easton College for 7am this morning. It was Carleton Riding Club’s show. After a morning on the laptop scoring dressage tests, it was time to set the course for the afternoon jumping. Much more fun than wrestling an excel spreadsheet.

The practise jumps has mismatched poles. This bothered me as it’s not a great aesthetic. Grateful that my friends know me and understand my desire for co-ordination. The poles were soon matched up, making me smile.

It’s a good job I’m not a demanding diva or anything…. I think they still love me after making them change them.

It was another great show. I love being part of such a supportive, friendly club.

Thunderclouds

I wasn’t expecting two thunderstorms today. None of my four weather apps mentioned that! As a good equestrian, I have multiple to try and stand a fighting chance. They usually all say something different. But they failed to mention thunder, lightening and hail.

Thankfully I dodged the first one. I watched it roll over from the safety of the conservatory. But the second one hit while I was mucking out. The hail caused a few issues. Several wide eyed horses and rather disorientated swallow fledgling. Poor thing got stuck in the worst of it, clinging to a door hinge. I kept a good eye on it and as soon as I could I rush to its aid. Wafting a poop skip to encourage it to fly off. As you do!

It soon found a parent and flew off. I felt like I did a good deed.

Keep walking

Today we reached the first milestone in Buddy’s rehab. We completed four weeks of walk. I can now start introducing a little bit of trot. Going to take it really slowly though. We’ve got four more weeks before he has to be rescanned to check how his injury is healing.

To celebrate, we went onto the grass track for the first time. Wasn’t sure how he was going to be. Buddy was more interested in eating the long grass.

So far he’s been quite the model patient. Fingers crossed he remains the same throughout his recovery.

Heals your soul

I saw this quote yesterday when I got back from camp. It totally resonated. My horsey family includes so many people that I don’t see regularly. But when I do it’s wonderful.

Got to catch up with a few more today. In between loads of washing. Camp not Buddy does mean I have less washing to do. Still seems like a lot though.

Totally worth it for the lessons learnt, laughs had and memories made.

Zigzag

Well that’s another camp done and dusted. It’s been great being away – even if I was a tad envious of everyone. I think I’m more shattered being a camp helper than I’ve ever been as a camp rider!! I have a new found respect for the instructors.

I clocked up an average of 5 miles each day. And I barely left the arena! As soon as one group finished, the next were in and ready to get going. It was a marathon each day. Never picked up so many poos. Or moved so many poles and jumps. I certainly got a workout.

It was very emotional at times watching the riders’ improvements over the lessons. Seeing riders overcome their personal demons and achieve things they didn’t think they could.

And it wasn’t just the riders. The horses grew in confidence. So wonderful to see them smiling as much as the riders.

As much as I want to get back there with Buddy. I know I can’t rush his rehab. We will be back, better than before I have no doubt about that.

It was great catching up with everyone. Some I’ve known a long time. Others I’ve just met. All bonded by the shared experience and memories made. Till next time…

Candles and cakes

Day 2 of camp done. Many more poles and poos done. Massive improvements from so many riders. It was a pleasure to watch.

You really do get a different perspective from the ground. I’m finding it fascinating. I’m also getting just how much I’ve learned over the years. Well you’d like to think so after the hundreds of lessons I’ve had something’s would sink in.

Got to walk off another horse today after his lessons. The beast that is Bruno. He’s massive! But such a sweet boy.

We spent our last evening in a gazebo chatting the night away and eating cake. There are no calories at camp! The camp onesie was much needed tonight. As were the candles. They do make you feel a bit warmer. I know it’s psychological.

Poos & poles

First day of camp done. I was on poos and poles duty. So lovely watching everyone progress throughout the day. Seeing confidence boosted by great instructors.

I did have a couple of moments where I wished it had been us. Especially when the jumps went up. It will be before I know it.

I did get to put my bum in a saddle as I took Archie for a little hack to cool him off after his lesson. He’s such a dude!

Luxury

I’ve arrived at Forest Edge for camp. This will be camp not Buddy. I decided to come solo and be a helper instead. The advantage to not coming with Buddy or in the Buddymobile is that I get to sleep in luxury as I’m sharing a friend’s motorhome.

Very grateful for heating and a proper bed as the temperature has dropped. Honestly, it’s June! Not sure I’ve brought enough warm clothes…

If all else fails, I will be supporting everyone from the warmth of the cafe. It’ll be rather different. But looking forward learning lots.