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 bluebells are out at Blickling so it had to be done. A gorgeous Spring day too. And the first ride round without a coat.
It was rather busy in the car park, but we had lots of the park onto ourselves. It’s so special.
When we did meet people, there were two topics of conversation – how handsome our horses were and how beautiful the bluebells were. The sun shining really does improve people’s moods.
This is the sign of an equestrian for sure. Most of us have carried some form of feed or bedding in our cars. Made me laugh as I was driving along.
This one had an added bonus of smelling really nice. Definitely an improvement on the usual horsey / musty smell of The Comedy Car. Hoping this smell will last a few days. Who needs an air freshener?!
I decided to change things around today. I normally tend to ride in the afternoons, but today I felt drawn to go this morning instead.
So glad I did as I had an incredibly productive afternoon. Over my career, I’ve worked out when I am at my most productive. Of course, I can be productive all day. And have frequently worked long hours. But my ‘sweet spot’ seems to be between 4-7pm.
I’m thankful that I have a business where I can set my own hours. And clients who don’t set when I need to do the work.
Going out with Buddy this morning definitely set me up for a good day. I came back with a smile on my face. Wonder if I can claim him back as a business expense?! He definitely helps with my wellbeing…
Buddy made a friend today at the yard. This lovely black cat came to play in the arena with us. Now we all know that Buddy can be a bit hit and miss with new things. So wasn’t sure what he’d make of it sitting in the arena.
But it seemed the cat was more wary of Buddy than the other way round. Made me laugh as we all trotted round together.
I had a business strategy meeting today. This picture was on the wall of the co-working space. I’m guessing the building was once a factory that’s been converted. There were lots of old photos and historical references around.
This photo caught my eye for two reasons. Firstly as there isn’t a woman in sight. It was taken at a time when women weren’t allowed office jobs. And secondly because of the way the desks are laid out. Having spend over 30 years working in offices, I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed working in this way. I’m way too chatty for that.
There are times when I miss the collaboration that comes from being surrounded by people. Today it was really good to bounce ideas around.
Went for a wonderful, blissed out reflexology session today. It leaves me feeling so relaxed.
I haven’t had reflexology for a few years, I’d forgotten how much I enjoy it. I will sleep well tonight, that’s for sure.
Took Buddy to Carleton Riding Club’s first show of 2023. It was a beautiful morning as I sat having breakfast in the conservatory. Fast forward a few hours and it started to rain as I loaded Buddy. The closer I got to Easton, the heavier the rain got.
Tacked Buddy up and my thinking was do the course walk, then ride him in. They’d sensibly delayed the start of the class till after the emergency test thing. Went to check and once more, I’d missed the course walk.
Cracked on instead. Poor Buddy was soaked and so was I before we’d even jumped a fence!
Soon it was our turn. Entered the ring, only for the commentator to call out the wrong name. Quick trip to the box to sort it out and we were off. Super pleased with Buddy. He stormed round the 70cm. I’d seen a few fences causing issues in the 60cm so was mindful. Would have had a faster time too. We had a bit of a stag leap over the second to last fence. It meant I landed in a heap and had to get my knitting back before heading to the final jump. Still thrilled with a clear round and 4th place.
Then it was time for 80cm. Hallelujah, I walked the course this time!! It was a very twisty course, but looked easily doable. Popped Buddy over a couple of fences and he felt really good.
I got a big Gung-ho and pushed him out of his rhythm a few times. So even though we had a fast time, we had 3 down. Still I don’t care as he didn’t refuse and was definitely up for it today.
I’ve been playing around with my stirrup length and have found that just by putting them down one hole, it’s made a massive difference to the way I ride. I can now really get my leg on him before a fence.
I may have been rather moist and had to peel my riding tights off. But I’m a very happy girl today. Oh and my new show jacket is lush!!
Back home after a very long day at the BRC Intermediate Champs in Onley. I wasn’t competing, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t in on all the action.
Up for the Arena Walk, which mostly involved me taking my jacket on and off, jumping up and down and generally desensitising the horses to the fact the viewing gallery was rather close to the arenas.
Then it was helping one of the rider get ready for her test. Well I was until another rider’s horse managed to pull a shoe off and cut herself. Once the first rider was onboard, I rushed to get the vet and find a farrier. The later proved more challenging as there wasn’t one onsite. After ringing round as many farriers as we could Google. We found one who would put the shoe on. But only if we took the horse to him.
Cue 1.5 hour roadtrip to the farrier’s house! Where he put the shoe back on on his driveway. I kid you not!!
We managed to made it back in time for her to plait, get signed off by the vet and get ridden in for her test. Phew!
Good job I’m calm in a crisis.
Arrived at Onley this evening with my charge all ready for tomorrow’s competition. I’ve driven a friend’s lorry and her horse up here for as she’s coming back from holiday tonight. It made a change driving a 7.5t lorry. The joys of being of a certain age is that my driving licence means I can drive it without the need for an extra test.
Now snuggled up in the lorry for the night.
We headed down to Halesworth this afternoon for a lesson with Jo Winfield. She’s one of my favourite instructors. I love my lessons with her at BHS camp. She’s so insightful, knowledgeable and an amazing coach.
So I jumped at the chance to have a private lesson with her. I may have been slightly regretting my sense of adventure when the sat nav took me down some rather narrow roads. But The Buddymobile got us there safely.
I was slightly regretting my decision as well after leaving the yard in beautiful sunshine, to arrive at the venue in rain. Reminded me of that quote about learning to dance in the rain. Well Buddy definitely had his dancing shoes on today!!
Jo was incredibly complementary about our progress. She said she could see that we’ve been working hard on our flat work since she last saw us. And thought Buddy looked very fit and well.
Helps that I’ve finally found a snaffle bit that Buddy seems to like. Long may that continue.
Didn’t care that I got soaked. I came away beaming.
Tales, Tails and Talus 