Sole comfort

I broke out my new yard boots today. I bought them when I was at Badminton, but they’ve sat in the box. The reason? Well the old ones were still doing OK. Sure they have holes in them, but it’s been so dry it hasn’t been an issue. I did end up with rather dusty socks though.

Today was a different weather day, so I didn’t want squelchy feet. They are slightly different from my old ones. Still Ariats. Still super comfortable. They’re almost too good to get covered in muck and mud…

Vet wrap

I am definitely embracing the ‘mend and make good’ vibes. The zip on my everyday riding boots got stuck yesterday. Tried putting some grease on it and that seemed to help.

I brought them home so I could try and fix them. Some WD-40 and a toothbrush later and I thought I had. When I got to the yard, it appeared I was mistaken in my efforts. It went completely.

I have another pair of boots – my competition boots. They live in the lorry. The only trouble was that the lorry was at home as I’d given it a good clean out today.

Ever the resourceful equestrian, I used some vet wrap to keep them together. It’s not my best look, but it did the trick.

I worked out that I’ve had these boots since 2013. I bought them with a tax rebate I got after being made redundant. They have served me very well. They are so comfortable.

I think it might be time to get some new ones though. Till then, off to the cobblers I go…

Ancient woods

I took Bert for a walk through some ancient woods this morning. I’d forgotten how beautiful they are. Even more beautiful in the winter sunshine.

After the grey skies, clouds and fog of the past few weeks, this made a wonderful change.

These woods used to be privately owned, but were bought with donations and put in trust to preserve them. That makes me heart swell. So much of our beautiful woodlands and countryside are being lost. Knowing this will be kept for future generations is great.

These woods were on one of my lockdown walks. It seems such a long time ago that I used to walk miles to keep my head from imploding with it all. Now I have Bert, I can see I will need to rediscover some of the routes again.

Think I might need to invest in some decent walking boots…

Zipped up

A few weeks ago, the zip in my ‘every day’ riding boots went. Bit of a panicky moment when I realised I was stuck in it. Managed to squeeze my foot out thankfully.

So off it went to the cobblers. I picked it up today. Many reasons why I’d choose to have the zip replaced. They’re such comfortable boots. Definitely well worn in. They’ve got many, many years left in them. I’m loathed to bin stuff when it can be repaired.

The other boot was repaired a few years back, so now I have a matching pair. Again.

Nature’s power

Another long day at the Showground. Another BRC Qualifier being run by Carleton Riding Club. This time Combined Training. Another day of stewarding – not only the dressage, but the showjumping too!

Thankfully the weather was kinder than yesterday. Good job too as my boots were still wet this morning. That wasn’t particularly pleasant. A bit like putting on a wet swimming costume. Only a few showers to contend with today.

We cracked through the dressage and even faster through the showjumping. Finishing early!!

This made me giggle when I’d finished. We talk about nature’s power, well this looked like the electric was coming from the tree. Got to witness nature’s true power when I got home as there was an almighty thunderstorm! So grateful that didn’t hit while I was standing in a big field!!

I ache from standing for two days, my face aches from smiling at everyone, but I’ve had a fantastic weekend. Volunteering, supporting and being part of equestrian events really does make me feel good about myself. I love helping. I love riding more, so fingers crossed we’ll be back to that too. And I’m sure my boots will dry out at some stage…