Be there

Today seems to have been sponsored by the letter B.

I headed to Black Barns for brunch with a friend. Bumped into another friend there who I was only thinking about the other day. Spooky.

Then I headed off to muck out Buddy and Belle. Before driving the Buddymobile to Blickling to meet up with a friend and her gorgeous horse. We had a blast. As we were almost back to the car park, we bumped into yet another friend walking her dogs. What a bonus!

She waited while I untacked Buddy and got Bert. We joined her for a lovely walk round the estate. He had so much fun running around with her three dogs. Bert then crashed out in the Buddymobile on the way home. In fact, he’s still snoring now.

I love days like today when you get bonuses. Sometimes you just have to be there…

Back again

After a very long time, today saw our return to Blickling. Honestly, it’s been months since we were last there. It was also Bert’s first visit! It was so good to catch up with Katie and Archie too. We talked the whole way round.

It was glorious weather too. This photo made me laugh, it looks like Archie and Buddy have had words.

Having ridden for nearly 1.5 hours, I took Bert for a run around. We had our first recall fail when Bert decided that another spaniel was far more fun than Mummy. Thankfully, said spaniel was very happy to play and the owners were incredibly understanding. They said they remembered those moments well.

There were lots of positives though. Bert waited in the lorry while I rode. He ignored several other dogs. And he did come back after he’d played. He clearly has the same love of Blickling that I have…

Bluebells

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.

Fair weather

One last trip round Blickling with Katie and Archie this morning. We checked the weather forecast yesterday and it said it would be dry. It lied. It was very wet indeed.

We waited in the car park to see if it was going to clear up. It definitely eased. So we headed off. As is the law of sod, we were at the furthest point away from the lorries when the heavens opened and we got soaked.

Blickling is such a beautiful place. Here’s to more adventures in 2023.

Blickling Hall

Ruth and I headed over to Blickling today. Well it seems appropriate given she works for The National Trust. It’s the first time I’ve been inside. It’s definitely worth it.

Things I have learnt today…

Anne Boleyn was born there
it has the most important library in all of the National Trust properties
when Globe Artichokes flower, they look like giant thistles
the Tamerind deliver!!

OK so that last one wasn’t about Blickling, but it’s still very exciting. We had the best curry tonight and didn’t have to leave the house. This could be rather dangerous!!