Day camper

Buddy, Bert and I locked and loaded early doors today to head over to Forest Edge for two lessons. There’s a camp running there, so we went as day campers.

When we arrived, Buddy headed to his stable (no. 3 for the third time this year) and Bert headed to the forest for a runabout.

As the weightbridge was there, I thought I’d pop Buddy on it. He walked straight on and stood patiently. He was so eager, the poor lady wasn’t ready. He was also rather eager for his treat. He knows the deal. He stands to be weighted and he gets rewarded. He also got a rosette for having a perfect body score. He’s now 643kg.

In our jumping lesson, we ended up being demo riders for the other campers to watch and learn. We flew round the course that was laid out. There were lots of new campers so they hadn’t seen us in action before. Several came over afterwards to compliment me on my jumping position, our partnership and how at one we were. That has not always been the case I can assure you.

I do feel that we’re getting better and better. Now we need to recreate it in competitions. Maybe we can start getting some perfect round rosettes too. Who doesn’t love a red one?!

Roll up

Somewhere in there is a lesser spotted Bert! Or more apt, a slightly wild Bert. He’s had so much fun rolling around in the blanket sofa cover. He does make me laugh. It’s also exhausting watching him bounce around the house before he crashes out.

Oh to have that much energy! I do find that the cold makes me tired. Most animals like to hibernate when it’s cold. Horses can get a bit wired by it. Thankfully Buddy was on his best behaviour today.

We had the most magical moment when a red kite flew over the arena and hovered over head. I was so transfixed, I didn’t get my phone out. The red kite is one of my favourite birds. So majestic in the sky. Seeing one always makes me smile.

Man down

The trio became a duo today. We’d arranged to do another arena hire this afternoon, but Sam was poorly. So Carla and I went together as a duo.

After a lovely session we walked the horses off round the tracks. It was a tad warmer than last time as the strange orange thing in the sky had returned. Not complaining! We were careful not to scare it off…

Trio

Headed over to Mousehold Farm for an arena hire today. Met up with these lovely ladies (and their ponies) for a pony play date.

The wind had some bite to it! I was a tad chilly when we’d finished. Clearly not working hard enough.

It was lovely to pop Buddy over some jumps too. I feel like he’s had to take a bit of a backseat in the past few months. So it felt good to be doing something fun together.

Catwalk

Decided to take Buddy in the school for some pole dancing. Just as the heavens opened. So Buddy was less than impressed. I wasn’t thrilled either.

We had to share the arena with a rather fetching cat. He/she was sashaying about the place. In fact, Buddy was so busy spooking at said cat, he totally forgot about the poles and nearly ended up on his face.

As you can imagine, the cat was totally nonplussed about Buddy.

Zigzag

Well that’s another camp done and dusted. It’s been great being away – even if I was a tad envious of everyone. I think I’m more shattered being a camp helper than I’ve ever been as a camp rider!! I have a new found respect for the instructors.

I clocked up an average of 5 miles each day. And I barely left the arena! As soon as one group finished, the next were in and ready to get going. It was a marathon each day. Never picked up so many poos. Or moved so many poles and jumps. I certainly got a workout.

It was very emotional at times watching the riders’ improvements over the lessons. Seeing riders overcome their personal demons and achieve things they didn’t think they could.

And it wasn’t just the riders. The horses grew in confidence. So wonderful to see them smiling as much as the riders.

As much as I want to get back there with Buddy. I know I can’t rush his rehab. We will be back, better than before I have no doubt about that.

It was great catching up with everyone. Some I’ve known a long time. Others I’ve just met. All bonded by the shared experience and memories made. Till next time…

Horse not hoarse

This was my office today at Forest Edge Arena. I was commentating at the Petplan Area Festival. But Pip, I hear you cry, what do you know about dressage?! Fear not, I just had to announce the combinations as they entered the arena. Not actually comment on the performance. Good job too as today was Medium to Intermediate 1.

Not that my job wasn’t without its perils. Given I’ve been a tad poorly this week. It was touch and go if I’d make it. And if I did, if my voice would hold out. Thankfully it was all good.

The classes today needed 3 judges, so I shared the commentary box with one of them. I’ve been told in the past that it’s really interesting to write for a dressage judge as you learn a lot. I’ve always been worried that I’d mess it up. But today I got to watch the action and to hear the judge’s comments. It was fascinating. And I definitely learnt a lot.

Not that I will ever get to that level. I have the utmost respect for the riders and horses today. Not a clue how they remembered where they were going. Or performed the movements.

Got two more days of competitors to call. I may be hoarse by Sunday evening.

Feline friend

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.