Star chart

If Bert had a star chart, he would have added a lot to it today. Not only did he ace his lorry dog training, he also completed his Puppy Pre-School. What a clever boy.

I had to take a horse to the vets in Newmarket (not Buddy). Bert came along for the outing as we didn’t know how long it would take. He sat on my friend’s lap, watching the road go by, before crashing out on her.

He waited in the lorry while the investigations took place. He went for a nice walk round the grounds. And even sat patiently in the waiting room. Before sleeping most of the way home. He was a very good boy indeed.

Then tonight, he went to his final Puppy Pre-School session. It’s making the difference in from the first session to now. Though he was still running about like Superman with a hi viz cape on. Not quite the exercise. That was to desensitise him to having stuff on. Not sure he even noticed he was wearing it!

I had a chat with one of the ‘new puppy parents’. They took a lot of comfort from hearing Bert’s progression through the weeks. They’re in the ‘we seem to have gotten a piranha that never sleeps’ stage.

Bert starts Puppy School proper on Saturday. He’s got such a good brain on him… well when he’s not distracted or over stimulated. He’s such a darling, he really is.

Grey hairs

Buddy needs to start using Grecian 2000! I spotted two grey hairs in his mane today. Or is this payback from the grey hairs he’s given me over the years?

It was a bit of a hairy one today as the wind was whipping around today. So we did a spot of indoor hacking instead.

I was feeling a little bit unsettled this morning. It wasn’t just the rain and the wind. While I was getting things ready for camp, it struck me that the last time I was away at a training camp was when I found out that Martine and my friend’s Dad had died. No wonder I was feeling a bit unsettled?! Big reframe needed there. Martine loved her camps too. So I’m going to ‘be more Martine’ next week.

Honestly the brain is a funny old thing. The weird and wonderful connections it makes. Good job I have the tools to handle it. Well most of the time.

Beat the heat

Up early today to beat the heat and meet Katie over at Blickling. We were in the saddle by 9:45am. And I’d mucked out before driving there. First time I’ve beaten Katie there. The traffic was very kind. Well for me.

There are so many paths through the woods, that for the most part, we were in the shade. It was blissfully cool in there.

The humidity soon started to build though so headed back for an afternoon of meeting. Then back to the yard as Buddy had the farrier. It was much cooler so decided to poo-pick his field.

Turns out, it wasn’t as cool as I thought. My brain was obviously a bit fried. I spent 10 mins looking for my car keys. Feared I’d dropped them in a field. Only to find them sitting on my car seat. With the windows open. Good job the yard is in a safe area. Though not sure there are many people who’d want to steal the Comedy Car.

Basking

I didn’t sleep very well last night. My brain was swirling. I haven’t had that sort of night for a while. I did a meditation before bed that stirred things up for me. Very odd as they usually send me to sleep.

As such I overslept. Not the best start to the week. So I decided a bit of self-care was in order. I finished up a few bits of work, then popped out into the garden to do a bit of weeding. At lunchtime, I headed to the conservatory to bask in the sunshine.

It was fresh outside, but it was toasty in there. It felt so good to feel the sun on my face.

Muppet brain

Well it appears my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders. Today I managed to wipe all my WhatsApp messages. And last night I forgot to put Buddy’s rug on after I lunged him. I’ve never done that before.

All was forgiven when I arrived for our saddle fitting. Liz was very impressed with how Buddy is looking. He’s gone down a dress size as he’s leaned out more. And muscled up in the right places. Always lovely to hear that your horse looks good.

Buddy felt great in the adjusted saddle. And was very happy to have parsnips afterwards.

I’m hoping that my brain returns to full working order soon. Not sure if it’s the menopause, relaxing or something else. Whatever it is, I’d like my brain back please.