Bressingham

Today Colette took me to Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens for my birthday outing. It’s become a bit of a tradition now to visit a garden for our birthdays. Thankfully there are lots of gardens for us to visit locally.

First trip here for both of us. I’ve seen the sign on the A140 as I’ve been driving past. It’s a lovely place to stop at.

The gardens were stunning. Very varied and lots to admire. We walked over 2 miles round them. Then we popped into the museum. They had a train carriage where they used to sort the post. And a Dad’s Army section with lots of memorabilia from the show. It took me back to my childhood growing up watching the show.

I love it when you find a gem of a place to visit.

Rollin’

Took Buddy down to the Hall today for their clear round SJ. I put him in the 80cm and 90cm as he’s been jumping so well lately. It was his first 90cm course in a competition-like setting, so thought I’d see what he made of it.

Once he’d gotten over his dislike of the bright pink pig fillers, he ate up the jumps. Frustrating cause it’s not like he doesn’t jump pig fillers we have at home. But they are a different shade of pink, so guessing I need to up the pink-factor.

No clears, but I went with the aim of having fun and using it as an educational round. Big ticks there! He made 90cm feel small. He’s getting stronger and stronger (in a good way).

Just need to recreate it in competitions now. Buddy loves his post wash down roll too. Thankfully he was more elegant jumping the jumps.

Advanced

I got to hold an Advanced Event horse today. That’s the eventing equivalent to ‘I carried a watermelon’ from Dirty Dancing. Closest I will ever get to that level.

This is Flynn, my friend’s horse. He was doing his first Advanced at Little Downham. So I went over to support her. Gosh he’s a bit lush!

It was wonderful watching him in action having heard so much about him. Another horsey day to finish off my birthday week. I have the feeling I will be seeing Flynn in action again…

Layered look

Today saw the return of the overtrousers! It’s 1 June, right?! I’ve been cold all day. The fan heater made an appearance at one point. As did the layered look. I headed to the yard wearing many!

Decided to free jump Buddy. He made me laugh as I’d barely set up the channel and he trotted over the jump. He’s so easy to work with. He picks which way he wants to go. It’s so much fun.

Thought I’d let him play, so kept putting it up for him. He was loving it. Ended up at belly button height – an official measuring system right there! Guessing it was 1.10m or so. I’ve got long legs so who knows?!

We were both a tad warm by the end. I didn’t need all my layers after all.

Rusty groom

The last time I was at the Suffolk Show, back in 2019, Buddy and I graced the ring. Today I donned my groom’s hat and grabbed the basket.

This was my charge – the most adorable Ernie. Though I wasn’t loving the early start. 5:30am is definitely not my best time of the day. And who decided that 7:30am was a good time to have a showing class?!

Still they were ready for the ring in good time. And learnt a lot from the experience. I have to admit, I was a little ring rusty. It’s been a while since I groomed at a County Show. Thank god for muscle memory. It really does come back to you.

Maybe next year, I need to bring Buddy out of showing semi-retirement and join the pony party…

Birthday gifts

Buddy was super generous with his birthday gifts to me. Thankfully all of the other gifts I received we less pungent and much more thoughtful.

I’ve had a lovely day and have felt very loved indeed. I’ve been treated to a lovely dinner. Now tucked in bed ready for an early start. Tomorrow I’m grooming at The Suffolk. I do love the smell of show shine in the morning….

Around the sun

Tomorrow I turn 53. I’ve packed a lot into the latest spin around the sun. I’ve done things I never thought I would. I’ve created a successful business. I’ve made more memories. There have been disappointments and drama too.

I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. To be a kind, caring and loving person. To help others where I can. To make a life that I’m proud of. And be a person to be proud of too!

I think I’ve done that. And will continue to do so. One thing’s for sure, I’m nowhere near done!

I spotted this beautiful iris today. It made me smile. As did the people I saw today. Thank you for helping me start my birthday celebrations.

Here’s to another year…

Stewarding

Another full on day stewarding the SJ today at Blackwater Farm’s ODE. The power of the clipboard was in full force again.

So many lovely people who were grateful for my efforts. It’s so nice when people say thank you. Without volunteers, these events couldn’t run.

A couple of grumpy ones, but that’s life. I may have suggested that they volunteer next time to see how difficult a job it actually is.

I did the best I could to get everyone through as quickly as possible. Challenging when we had delays from the dressage. And then another hold up when a loose horse decided to come and join the party.

As a ‘professional organiser’ I was in my element. The fact I was over-sugared probably helped. Still for the most part, everyone had a good day. And that’s what matters.

Next time, I’m aiming to be a competitor so will definitely say thank you to the volunteers.

Steam power

I’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts recently. The comedown from camp and the Champs I guess. It’s been a busy few weeks for me. And Buddy. So a lovely hack round Brampton was just what I needed.

Katie and I chatted the whole way round.

Got back to the yard and got to watch a number of stream engines from the annual rally down the road go past. They’re really rather cool. One even tooted for me. It’s a lovely sight each year.