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!
This photo came up on my memories today. It’s one of my favourite pictures of us. We were having a play at Blackwater two years ago. I love the way it captures the determination from both of us.
Spookily I was back there today. But without Buddy. I headed back to the PC Champs to pick up my bag. It was Eventing today. Yesterday was Dressage and Show Jumping.
I stopped to watch some of the XC. It was lovely seeing so many smiling faces coming through the finish line.
Today I was at the Pony Club Regional Champs being held at Blackwater Farm. Yes I know I’m a bit old for Pony Club. I was there to help the organisers. It mostly involved running around a lot, looking after people and anything else anyone needed. It was a long day, but a lot of fun.
I never had the opportunity to be part of the Pony Club. I didn’t get my first horse till I was in my 20s. It was great seeing so many riders, horses and ponies in action. It was also lovely seeing the camaraderie.
I was only meant to be there today. But I managed to leave my bag behind. So I’ve now got to go back tomorrow for pick it up.
Buddy’s face was a picture as I held another horse today. He was happily munching away till he saw me and came over to investigate. Think I was caught in the act.
We had Allen & Page weigh bridge at the yard. Buddy weighed in at 637kg. And scored a perfect 3/5 for his body condition. She said he was a beast, but in a very good way. He’s rather muscular now.
Good news, the Comedy Car is back. It needed a new fuel injector. So that’s 5 I’ve bought this year as I had 4 replaced on the Buddymobile.
Honestly, I can’t remember needing to have one replaced before. Now 5 in a year. Praying the other 3 keep going.
I think someone is trying to tell me something. Because both of my vehicles are considerably better now they’re firing on all cylinders. The Comedy Car has a turn of speed I haven’t experienced before. I mean, neither are going to break any land speed records, but you get my drift.
Wonder if I’m firing on all cylinders?!
What a blooming brilliant day! We got to do something new today. We were demo riders for a BHS CPD day. We had to ride in front of 14 coaches / instructors.
There were five of us riding today. Four in a group lesson and one in a private. Yesterday, Jo Winfield chose us to have the private lesson. What an honour. She was complimentary about my riding ability, Buddy’s capability and our partnership. As were a number of the coaches afterwards.
Obviously I didn’t hear everything she was saying about us as that’s not the idea. She’s coaching the coaches as well as me.
Today was all about Arena Eventing. Something we’ve done before. But not like this. Buddy jumped everything I asked. He gave me such a great feeling. Got to open him up for the XC style jumps.
Still lots to work on. We had so much fun though! Just what I needed. I smiled all the way home. I came away with homework. And am learning to us my body to slow him down.
We will both sleep well tonight.
It was an early start for us as Buddy and I have headed over to Forest Edge for a BHS clinic with Jo Winfield. Our first lesson was at 9am. Buddy was a little surprised when I arrived at the yard before 7am. He was even more surprised when rather than go out in his field, he headed towards the lorry.
Thankfully the traffic was kind and we sailed along, making good time.
Buddy is such a pro at B&B now. After our first lesson, he settled into his stable for the night. We’re having a sleepover as we’re demo riders for a CPD day on Arena Eventing.
After lunch, it was on to a jumping lesson. I say after lunch. As we were on at 1pm, I decide to eat afterwards. We haven’t done much jumping recently, so it was really good have the chance to work more on me. In fact that was the theme for both lessons – how my position influences him. Very interesting.
It’s been howling here all day so the Buddymobile could be rocking tonight. Think Buddy and I will both be snoring. Fingers crossed we’re on good form for tomorrow’s demo.
Blimey! That was one hell of a storm last night. I was woken up by the heavy rain, thunder and lightening. The rain was so hard I thought the skylight in the bathroom was going to smash. Not what you need at 12:15.
The air was much clearer this morning. And so was my head. The Comedy Car was delivered to the garage first thing. Should be sorted in a few days. And not it didn’t cost as much as I feared. So that’s another thing off the list.
The clouds were ominous this evening while I was at the yard. It felt rather Autumnal.
I’m sure there will be many more storms to weather. Right now, I seem to be weathering this one. Let’s hope the metaphorical ones are done for a while.
Gosh that was a very long day at Carleton Riding Club’s show. I arrived just after 7am and left at 5:15pm. Because the Comedy car is poorly, the Buddymobile was called into action.
Felt a bit weird driving to a horse show in my lorry without a horse. Felt like I had forgotten something. That would be Buddy then…
It was a brilliant day. Everything ran smoothly. I ended up calling 5 tests this morning. And stewarding the SJ this afternoon. As well as running around like a loon and covering 8 miles!! One of these days I’m going to put a tracker on so I can see just how many loops I do. It’s not the biggest venue!
It was great catching up with so many people. I’m feeling more balanced and working through my stuff. So that’s good.
It’s been a tough couple of weeks for me for many reasons. I found out that my lovely next door neighbour died. He was 98 so had a really good innings. Still made me sad as he was always so cheery. And he didn’t get to see his new roof.
I’ve been spinning lots of plates and some are really wobbling at the moment. Yesterday took its toll too. I missed my Mum’s 80th birthday lunch today. I looked at so many different ways to get there. But it wasn’t to be.
Sometimes you have to admit defeat. I was reminded today that you need to put your oxygen mask on first. So today I rested and took Buddy out for a really long hack. That’s the best way I know to recharge my batteries.
I will be OK. But right now, I’m struggling with a few issues. I will get them sorted. I always do. Thankful to have some wonderful people in my corner.
Well this isn’t how I thought I’d spend my Friday. Sat at Birchanger Services waiting for a recovery vehicle. The Comedy Car is poorly. And I’m rather fed up after 3.5 hours of waiting so far.
At least I have access to a toilet, food and I was able to charge my phone in the Ramada hotel. The staff in there were lovely. Well I did walk in in tears.
So was the first garage I tried. Was driving down the M11 when the engine warning light came on and I lost oomph. Let’s face it, there’s not much oomph to start with. Pulled off but mechanic couldn’t sort it. So headed to Birchanger to hang out and wait for recovery. It’s going to be a long day me thinks.
I was en route to my parents for my Mum’s 80th birthday lunch tomorrow. Let’s hope I get home soon.
Tales, Tails and Talus 