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 am fully aware that there are times when I overcommit myself. The last few weeks (OK months) have been full on. I got back from Poplar Park yesterday and knew the tank was getting empty.
So I did something I rarely do. I cancelled plans and cleared my diary for today. I felt I needed a free day to rest and restore.
I also needed a day without travelling. I’ve clocked up a few hundred miles this week.
It massively helped that it was much cooler today. Each year, I seem to forget how much the heat takes out of me. I’ve ordered some more electrolytes. They might help too.
It’s been cloudy. The clouds look like they’ve got rain in them but sadly, none fell on me.
I’ve got another busy week with two days at the Norfolk. Really hoping the temperatures stay cooler. Right now, I don’t even care if I get wet!
Back home after a very long day commentating at the Riding Club ODE at Poplar Park. It’s the fourth time I’ve been asked to commentate and run XC Control, so must be doing something right.
It’s great fun. Stressful at times. Today Helen Elizabeth Barnes and I saw most things. From a jump broken by the second rider on course, to a loose horse jumping the course in reverse and ending up back in the start box. Sadly we also had to hold the competition while we waited for the Air Ambulance to land and take off again. Thankfully the rider was released from hospital earlier.
This year, they’d introduce a 70cm class. This was a great addition so hope they keep it.
There weren’t as many combinations as in previous years. I wonder if the heat put a lot of people off. There was a lovely cooling breeze and the course was riding really well.
It’s very inspiring watching the competitors come through the finish line with big smiles on their faces.
I am now all talked out (a miracle I hear you cry). And ready for my bed. The past week has been very long days and lots of driving. I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight.
This is the latest upgrade for the Buddymobile. It can run hot and with the hot weather, I wanted to make sure Buddy is as comfortable as possible.
He’s already like an oversized Labrador with his head out the window as I keep the living one open. I can see him sticking his head towards it was we drive along.
This is the next logical step. And works a treat. Took Buddy over to a friend’s this morning, so while we went for a hack, her partner fitted the fan.
It’s been so hot today, Buddy definitely approved. It also helped to keep me cool while I was cleaning the lorry after getting back.
Back home after a long couple of days in Wales. Very productive ones though. Last night I sat in my very luxurious hotel room feeling so thankful for the way my business is going.
You know it’s a posh room when housekeeping come to turn your bed down. And give you an Elemis pillow spray for good measure.
Don’t get me wrong, running my own business is bloody hard. But I get to do things that bring me joy, utilise my extensive skill set and I work with some great people. Oh and I get paid for it!
This morning I woke up to a rather stunning view. After eating so much yesterday, I wasn’t sure I’d want breakfast. Still managed a full Welsh though. I may not need to eat for the rest of the week now…
Still the food choices are all made for the conference. It’s going to be a good one.
Greetings from Wales! Yes I’m on my travels again. Flying visit to Celtic Manor for one of the very fun bit of my job – food and beverage choices for a conference I’m working on.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love anyone who feeds me (given my lack of ability to do it myself). So this is heaven. Today I’ve consumed 4 starters, 4 mains and 3 desserts.
As if that wasn’t enough there were 4 wines to choose from too. Finished the day with a cocktail and canapés.
Such fun! Sat with the chef chatting food options. Now I may be culinarily challenged, but I know a lot about food. I knew watching all those cooking programmes would come in handy. We’ve got a cracking menu for the two days.
Now retired to my room as my food-coma is setting in. And what a room.
It seems lots of things are benefitting from a bit of rain. Especially me. It was much clearer and cooler this morning after the downpour last night.
I could almost hear the plants rejoicing as I wandered round my garden. Amazing how one’s attitude to rain changes when you don’t get any! After weeks of bemoaning it, we’re back to craving it. We are so fickle…
The rose bush I was given to remember Tom and Nero was particularly happy today. So many blossoms and buds. It’s called hot chocolate as I wanted something to remind me of my beautiful black boys. As they both aged, they ended up being more brown and black. This rose has similar hues.
Both of the kittens have made nest either side of it in the border. I wonder if they know that it’s a cat’s rose.
After yesterday’s impromptu hack, today I took advantage of a withdrawal for a spot of impromptu show jumping at Carleton Riding Club’s show.
I was wondering if it would be too much for Buddy after camp. And with the very muggy weather today. But he handled the heat better than I did that’s for sure.
I made sure he was well watered. Me, not so much. I was too busy rushing around. Arrived early to help out the jumps out. Ended up stewarding for the first two classes before heading back to the lorry to get Buddy ready for our class.
I’d got him in the 70cm and 80cm. He’d jumped so well at camp, I wanted to test it in a competition environment.
My first challenge was getting my competition gear on. I was dripping from the humidity so had to peel my jeans off and my riding tights were sticking to me. Then my hair decided that it wasn’t going to go in a bun and kept escaping. So I scrapped the hairnet.
As it was hot, I decided to forgo Buddy’s SJ boots and ears. Mr Nappy Pants made a couple of appearances, but was dealt with quickly. For the most part, he flew round the 70cm. We had a fence at the beginning of the timed section, so I pushed him on for a fast 4-faults.
It was a good strategy, as we got the fastest 4-faults. So picked up 3rd place.
After a bucket of water for Buddy and a new course for me to walk and learn, it was time for the 80cm. Oh and I put on his ears and SJ boots for good measure. Not our best round as we had two down but another good time.
Overall, I was really happy with Buddy today. They were both twisty courses and he proved again he can handle the turns. And even though he had his little wobbles, he jumped everything I asked him to. Just need to work on keeping them all up now.
Buddy is so easy to take out. He stands on the lorry patiently waiting for his turn. He plays nicely with others in the warm up. There’s a lot to be said for that. He also acted like a brat waiting for his recovery mash and threw the bucket across the car park when it was empty.
Impromptu road trip over to Brampton to meet up with Katie and Tash for an afternoon hack.
It was one of my favourite kind of afternoons – catching up with friends, being outdoors and time with Buddy. 3 things that always put a smile on my face.
I slept really heavily last night. So of course, I woke up feeling even more tired. Why does that happen?!
Thankfully I didn’t have any meetings in my diary, so I took it easy. Well easy for me. Still got a lot done. Almost finished the camp laundry. It’s amazing how much washing Buddy and I can create in 3 days!
Tomorrow I’m going to tackle the cleaning. There’s a bit of that too!
Tales, Tails and Talus 