40 winks

Someone is very tired after another full on day at camp. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that both of my kids are very tired. I am too. The sudden heat is rather sapping. Still we’ve all had another good day.

In our flat work lesson this morning, I felt so much straighter in my body after yesterday’s treatment and taping. It’s really puts you in the right position that’s for sure. I noticed a change in Buddy too. He had to work differently to adjust for my new posture. I could really feel the difference. He was much straighter too.

The battery seemed to drain though and he felt like he was getting a little stiff. After last year and his injury, I was a bit concerned. He worked really hard yesterday and I foolishly forgot to give him his electrolytes. That wouldn’t help.

I walked him off in the forest and he felt good. So he got a lunch with lots of electrolytes in it to see if that would help.

He popped on the weight bridge after our lesson. I had 630kg in my head. He was 631kg! And a perfect body score. The nutritionist said he had really good muscle tone too. We got a rosette for being perfect! What a lovely touch.

After taking Bert in the forest for a run. And some lunch for me. It was time for our second lesson – jumping related distances. We built on the quality of canter lesson we had yesterday. I’d mentally prepared myself to stop if Buddy wasn’t feeling it. Well he was well up for it! My new position massively helped as did my softer hands (another learning from yesterday). So happy with him!

I know Buddy is a seasoned pro at camps. Bert has taken to it like a duck to water.

Last day tomorrow. Always bittersweet.

Breathing space

Today has been one of those days where I took time out for me. That didn’t mean I neglected my animals of course. It just meant that I knew I needed to take a bit of time to recharge my batteries too.

I took Bert out for a walk in the sunshine this morning. He met a deer for the first time. I say met, dear Bambi was a bit startled when the Baby Sprocker came bounding over to say hello. Thankfully one of them had pretty good recall (eventually). I’ll let you guess which one.

When I got back, even though there were a million and one things I could do, I sat in the conservatory and listened to a podcast. Now it’s warming up, the conservatory is a blissful place to be. The kittens joined me and Bert so it was almost a full house.

After Puppy College and coffee with a friend, it was the Oversized Labrador’s turn to run rings round me. Literally!

One paper, it might look like I didn’t really do much. But I did what I needed to do. And that’s what counts…

Babysitter

I got to have cuddles with this little cherub today. He’s 14 weeks old and scrumptious. I was babysitting while his Mum was being adjusted. A lovely little perk to peopling on a Monday.

Babies have a certain smell. My Mum loved babies. She always used to comment on their smell. I get what she meant.

I’ve had people assume that I don’t like children because I didn’t have them. It’s not true. I like other people’s. Just never wanted them myself. I’m much happier having animals instead.

Bert came with me today as I was doing a longer day. He was very content sleeping in the sunshine. We went for a little walk at lunchtime. The crocuses were in full bloom in the nearby churchyard. So pretty. I love crosses. They’re such happy flowers.

Box of treats

This delivery today sent Bert into a bit of a frenzy. It also turned my stomach somewhat. I’m not the best with animal body parts. Bert’s delight outweighs my squeamishness.

I may have used tongs to pick up a chicken foot though. Bert made short work of it. His little happy chirrups would melt even the hardest of hearts.

Sometimes it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing something new. But I’m still not ready to face rabbit ears…

Day of rest

My get up and go, clearly got up without me this morning. By the time I crawled out of bed, I was feeling rather unmotivated. Cut myself some slack. After all, it is the ‘day of rest’. Whatever that is!!

I found the warm spot in the conservatory and sat roasting myself there for a few hours. Catching up on some online learning.

Then headed to the yard to take Buddy out for a leg stretch. It was a very sedate affair. Even if the wind was swirling about a bit.

I’ve got a busy few weeks coming up. So made the most of the day. Even though it feels like I wasted the day in some ways. I need to take a leaf out of my animals books. The kittens are pros at self-care. So is Buddy in his own way. One day I’ll crack it… till then, I’m being kind to myself.