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!
The woolly mammoth that was Buddy is no more!! Doesn’t he look sexy all clipped? And shiny after a hot towel off too.
The weather has been so mild, I haven’t needed to get him clipped. But his coat has grown so much in the past few weeks, it needed to be done. He was a right sweaty betty (or should that be Buddy) after our lesson last week. And was overheating on Sunday. He should be feeling much better now.
Time to break out the rugs as we’re bound to have a cold snap now. I love the feel of a freshly clipped horse. So soft.
Think it’s safe to say that I’ve been missed. The kittens have been close at hand today.
Think it’s safe to say that I’ve missed my bed. And the kittens of course. As lovely as it’s been being away, it was very lovely waking up in my own bed. I do love my little house.
Hugo decided that snuggles were in order. Typical as I was getting ready to go to a Committee meeting.
Don’t feel too bad for him, he’s purring loudly next to me as I type. He’s one happy boy.
Today Buddy and I did our first competitive 90cm show jumping class. It wasn’t pretty, but we did it. I’ve been wanting to step him up a level for a while. Our last few 80cm rounds haven’t been clear, so wasn’t sure if I should.
I was obviously having a good day when I put the entries in. And feeling brave (or stupid). The last time I competed at 90cm was with Murphy. That was at least 8 years ago.
This morning I wasn’t feeling like leaving the house (not even my house), let alone pushing our comfort zone! Still as I headed to the yard, I made a deal with myself. Go and do 80cm class and see how I felt.
Buddy was rather pleased to be out jumping and warmed up like a dream. Optimism was high! That quickly dipped when he entered the ring and spooked at the timing equipment. Cause he’s never seen that before!!
Still we jumped round in a lovely rhythm. Even jumped our first competitive triple too. The 2 we had down were my fault as I pushed him out of his rhythm. It was a technical course, so I was really pleased with him.
The last time we jumped in competition was at Hickstead. So not like we’ve been out much.
Then it was onto the 90cm. It was definitely a case of ‘we came, we jumped’. We left most of them up. Still had 5 poles though. Haven’t had a cricket score for a while.
So imagine my surprise when I was told we came 3rd! Apparently, we weren’t the only cricket score.
I couldn’t have been happier with Buddy. He tried for me and I know we’ll be getting clear rounds soon. We’ll both sleep well tonight.
Today I’ve rested, I’ve cried and I’ve spent as much time as I can outdoors. Today was about me. The past week and yet more parental angst finally caught up with me.
I woke up feeling quite discombobulated. I’ve had one night at home in October. Funny how it goes like that. Things that were all planned out perfectly, ended up crashing into each other. Guess that’s life huh?!
After two long dog walks and an even longer hack, I sat in the conservatory with the dogs and watched the sun set on another day. Thinking about all the good in my life. And believe me there’s a lot!!
That’s the thing about life, you get a do over. Tomorrow is another day. It’s my last night in Beighton, so watching Strictly and getting lots of puppy cuddles.
I got caught in the rain. Out and in! On my way back from the Chiro’s, I popped back home to fill the kittens’ feeders. Decided to put a load on thinking that I would hang it up on my way back from the yard.
Headed up the road to let the dogs out (bet you’re singing it now) in beautiful sunshine. Fast forward a few hours and I thought I’d head to the yard. In typical fashion, the heavens opened. I’d decided to get changed at mine. Halfway home, I realised I’d forgotten my muck boots. So back to Beighton I headed.
By the time I arrived home, it was a monsoon! The rain was so loud on the conservatory roof, I could barely stand it. So I decided to wait it out. Hugo came in and joined me in the drowned rat stakes.
When it showed no signs of stopping I headed to the yard. Well I wasn’t getting any drier!!
Finally headed back to see the dogs. They were much less enthusiastic about going out in the rain I can tell you.
I can always tell when I’m tired. I get even more accident prone. Even by my standards, I’ve excelled myself.
Today I’ve sprayed myself in the face with olive oil, tripped over the dogs on numerous occasions, nearly face planted after getting caught in a bramble, hit myself in the face with a cupboard door, hit my head on the stairs and parted company with Buddy. To name but a few.
I will be admitting defeat and heading to bed. The way my day’s going, I’ll probably fall out!
It must run in the family as my Dad was discharged from hospital today after taking a tumble on Saturday. Thankfully nothing broken. Of course it meant that Mum needed to be admitted too. She’s staying a bit longer so they can assess her further. It’s been a lot and many phone calls have been made. Again.
Tonight was the first time I had to muck out in the dark. The yard owners have provided us with these amazing lights if we need a bit of extra light. Extra light?! Buddy’s stable was lit up like Colditz.
The only downside – you’ve heard of the phrase ‘moths to a flame’, well tonight it was ‘midges round a light’. Jeez they were everywhere!
Does anyone know what purpose midges serve?! Other than to make your skin crawl. I guess it’s an incentive to muck out faster.
After rushing around so much, it was lovely to be back in the saddle today. An added bonus was being in short sleeves still. It’s October right?!
I needed to go and get the screen on my phone fixed. I’d dropped it one too many times and the screen was seriously broken. It’s had a mind of its own. Randomly calling people, opening apps and trying to delete things. So it needed to be done.
I had an hour to kill while I waited. Of course, that was a challenge without my phone. Didn’t really appreciate how much I use my phone to tell the time. I keep saying I need to get the battery changed in my watch. I’ll add that to the list.
It was bizarre walking around in the warm sunshine seeing Halloween and Christmas stuff in the shops. They’ll both be here before we know it.
I had a blast from the past today in Lowestoft. I didn’t know Wimpy was still about?! This one has had a recent refurb too.
This took me back to my childhood. It was the ‘fast food’ chain my Mum preferred. Why? Because they did one burger that came in a brown roll. I’m guessing that was to make it slightly more healthy.
My nearest Wimpy growing up was in Brighton. So going was quite the treat. That was the thing back then. It was a rarity rather than a food group.
Even now I can remember the excitement. It was waitress service too. Like the American diners you saw in movies. As a kid, I felt rather sophisticated. Oh how things have changed.
Back home after an amazing weekend at HOYS. So honoured to be invited to join my friends Simon and Harry on their first HOYS adventure.
HOYS is the premier UK horseshow, so no wristband so for us. Oh now, we had wristlets. And two at that!!
It was surreal watching my friend ride around the International Arena. Somewhere that felt so familiar even though I’d never been before.
Reggie was a delight to look after. He’s such a sweet boy. But no-one tell Buddy that I’ve been with another horse (or two hundred). He’s still my favourite of course. Though there were a few showjumpers I’d have liked to sneak in the lorry.
I’ve walked a marathon in the past 48 hours. Literally! I ache all over, I am beyond shattered and I feel like I could sleep for a year. It was such an incredible experience and one that I will treasure.
Tales, Tails and Talus 