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 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…
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.
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.
I had the honour of jumping Irish today. Oh my goodness, what a dude. I’ve known him a few years and have always wanted to ride him. So when I got the chance, I eagerly agreed.
He’s an ISH like Buddy. But very different. We had a couple of steering issues. Mostly me forgetting that he’s not Buddy, so doesn’t turn on a sixpence.
Boy did it feel good to be jumping again. It’s true what they say that you don’t realise how much you miss something till you do it again.
Buddy and I will be back to it soon enough. In the meantime, I’m so grateful that people trust me with their horses. Thank you Kim, it means so much.
As if that wasn’t enough horsey excitement, this afternoon I headed over to have foal cuddles with Poppy. She’s a proper sassy pants. Absolutely stunning in the flesh. I’d seen photos of her, but they don’t do her justice. She is going to be a star in the show ring.
What a lovely horsey day indeed! I need a lie down after all the excitement. Oh wait, I’m about to watch England.
Right Summer I am officially ready for you. Last week, I bought four new pairs of shorts. Today, my lightweight reincoat arrived.
The shorts I have had definitely see better days. They’re too big too. I had some time to kill as I was waiting for my dentist appointment, so off I popped to search for shorts. They were on sale too! Well I guess there’s no that much call for them – with all the rain and cool temperatures.
After getting soaked on Saturday, I treated myself to a riding raincoat. I love my Equidry, but it’s the winter version. So this one is a lightweight version from a different manufacturer. Isn’t the colour lush?!
Let’s see which gets the most use. Cast your votes now people…
Today was a very big milestone in Buddy’s rehab. We headed back to the vets for his 8 week scan of his injured ligament. He was most perturbed at not going out to his field, but having to get on the lorry. Soon all was forgotten when he was given haylage by the vet nurse while he waited for the vet.
Soon he was off to be sedated for the scan. I sat like a nervous parent waiting for news. After what seemed like an age, the vet appeared with a big smile!
It’s REALLY good news. His injury is healing well. Still a long way to go before we’re back to ‘normal’. Definitely heading in the right direction though.
We can slowly increase amount of trot. And in 6 weeks time, test the canter (cause he definitely hasn’t been cantering in his field!!).
Buddy is going to have to channel his pole dancer as we can soon include those in his rehab. Buddy tends to view them (and small jumps) as a trip hazard. So that’s going to be fun! Who knows, he might get the hang of them after a few weeks…
We have to go back in another 8 weeks for another check up. Everything crossed that he gets another smile then.
I shed happy tears on the way back. I’ve been following the plan set out for us. I’ve been patient and taking it slowly. Seems I’m pretty good at rehabbing a horse as well as myself. He’s worth taking the time to get him right.
Another long day at the Showground. Another BRC Qualifier being run by Carleton Riding Club. This time Combined Training. Another day of stewarding – not only the dressage, but the showjumping too!
Thankfully the weather was kinder than yesterday. Good job too as my boots were still wet this morning. That wasn’t particularly pleasant. A bit like putting on a wet swimming costume. Only a few showers to contend with today.
We cracked through the dressage and even faster through the showjumping. Finishing early!!
This made me giggle when I’d finished. We talk about nature’s power, well this looked like the electric was coming from the tree. Got to witness nature’s true power when I got home as there was an almighty thunderstorm! So grateful that didn’t hit while I was standing in a big field!!
I ache from standing for two days, my face aches from smiling at everyone, but I’ve had a fantastic weekend. Volunteering, supporting and being part of equestrian events really does make me feel good about myself. I love helping. I love riding more, so fingers crossed we’ll be back to that too. And I’m sure my boots will dry out at some stage…
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well this one doesn’t tell half the story. It looks lovely, right?! Nice fluffy clouds. Bit of sunshine. Perfect for a spot of dressage. This was after the BRC Dressage Qualifier had finished…
What the day had ACTUALLY been like was torrential downpours. It could have been renamed to ‘dancing seahorses’.
I was there to steward as Carleton RC were hosting. We all know how much I love a clipboard and some hi-viz, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn’t check the weather and didn’t get my layering right. Very grateful for the full length rain coat I was lent to keep me dry at least.
And can’t be said for my running orders that were so wet, they all stuck together. That made it rather challenging to work out who was meant to be where.
Four arenas is a lot to steward so I felt a bit chaotic at times. Luckily there was a dry running order to hand. With the use of a clear plastic lid and a bit of creativity, we got through everyone with military precision.
I left the Showground looking forward to a hot shower and a relaxing evening. Oh wait, I watched the England match. Great result, but my god, we like to do it the hard way…
I woke up to the news that we have a new government. Hardly a surprise I know. Big changes like these can bring uncertainty, fear and speculation. There will be some who are thrilled. Others who are appalled. The vast majority I’m guessing will be waiting to see what it all means.
There are people who’ve lost their jobs. Others who’ve gotten massive promotions. Some will be relieved it’s over. Others will be anxious about the size of the task ahead.
As I drove to work this morning, this prayer popped into my head. There are so many sound bites, click bait and lies out there, it’s hard to know what to believe at times.
We want things to be black and white, clear cut and simplistic. Sadly it’s rarely like that. I don’t know about 50 shades of grey. More like 50 million. Each issues has many sides to it. Every problem many potential solutions.
Whatever happens next, I hope that those elected remember that they are there to represent us. All of us.
It was an exciting post day today. And a bittersweet one. The wristbands and lorry passes arrived for the BRC ‘Team of 3’ Carleton Riding Club have entered at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead.
I’m excited for those who are competing there for the first time. I’m excited for those returning. I’m excited that our Riding Club gets to be there again this year. I’m sad that Buddy and I won’t be a part of it. Achieving that dream was so last year. I can’t remember if I mentioned it?!?!
I am the Team Manager for the four teams we have entered. So I have played a tiny part in it. I’m hoping to be there as well to cheer them all on. Hickstead will always be a special place for me. It’s a wonderful place and RI is a wonderful show.
Tales, Tails and Talus 