Two stepping

Second day of camp and our second lesson. This time flat work. Now we all know that it’s not our favourite thing. But the more I learn, the more I’m beginning understand the benefits. We had many a conversation about it while watching the lessons. There was also a lot of running about picking up poos and moving poles.

If your horse has a good walk, you can get a good trot. A good trot leads to a good canter. And a good canter leads to a good jump. Hardly rocket science, but something that’s worth keeping in mind.

Today’s lesson was on zig zag and turning using your legs rather than too much rein. Really made my brain hurt. Especially when we changed rein. I have to say, Buddy feels so much softer and improved in his flatwork since his rehab. He’s new and improved. Sadly his Mother wasn’t as improved. I seemed to have lost the ability to ride his canter, resulting in a few wall of death moments.

Then the lightbulb went on in my head and I muscle memory kicked in. Once I actually sat into him and went with him, it was a very different picture. Just shows that I have had time out too.

Last day tomorrow. This really is my happy place. And I’m very happy with my little boy today. As Ed Sheeran would say I was two stepping with the one love. Maybe it’s time to dust off the dancing shoes after all.

Forest dwellers

Well it’s been a long time come. Buddy and I are back at Forest Edge for the last training camp of 2024.

I set it as a stretch goal for his rehab. A lovely synchronicity in that it was at the first training camp in April that his injury was really noticed.

We’re doing one lesson per day rather than two. And I will be keeping an eye on him. In fact I’m pretty sure there will be lots of eyes on him. So many people have been on this journey with us. There are lots of Buddy fans here too.

He’s tucked up in his stable. I’m tucked up in my lorry. I bet he doesn’t have a leak though. I’m currently experiencing Chinese water torture with a drip behind my head. Another job for the list…

I will be OK. It can’t take the smile off my face right now. We’ve made it to camp. Big tick for us both.

I know I’ve been to a few without him. But it really is wonderful to have him here…

Horsey people

After mucking out 3 horses this morning (and sweating about 3 gallons), I headed over to Forest Edge to catch up with the campers there. And a lot more sweating for good measure.

There were road closures so I ended up on a magical mystery tour of Swaffham. I saw bits I have no idea were there!

Finally arrived, very hot and bothered, so it was lovely to see so many friendly faces. Lots asked how Buddy was doing. It was sweet to hear that we’ve been missed.

It was sweltering over there, so part of me was glad I wasn’t riding. Of course, the much bigger part wished I was.

As I drove home, I reflected on how lost I would be without the horsey people in my life. I’ve made so many friends as a result. Friends that have become family. Friends that I can’t imagine life without.

Very grateful indeed to my horsey family. Buddy and I will be there for the final camp of the year. So watch out campers, we’ll be back!

Hot mess

Oh my days! It’s been a hot one today. Typically the day I was due to spend most of it in an indoor arena. Talk about sweatfest! Might as well sweat off a few pounds as I’m not riding as much at the moment.

It was so inspiring watching the latest batch of campers. So many new faces. Some I’ve watched more of their journey. It’s wonderful seeing people push themselves and enjoy time with their ponies.

This afternoon, I got to try something new too – dressage writing. Blimey, that’s stressful. Especially when I didn’t have that much to lean on. My writing was akin to a doctors. Either that or a spider crawled across the page. I have a deep respect for those who do it on a regular basis. I’m sure it gets easier. At least I can say I tried. I’m much better at shouting than writing. The irony when I write a lot for a living. Think I’ll stick to stewarding or commentating and leave it to those more skilled than me.

Surprise surprise

I did my best ‘Cilla’ impression this evening. I headed over to Forest Edge to surprise and catch up with the campers. It ‘Big Camp’. And the first one I’ve missed since I started going in 2016.

Tuesday morning I woke up feeling really sad that I wasn’t going to be there with Buddy and catch up with everyone.

I’d asked if I could be helper for a day instead. As I was coming tomorrow to help, I thought I’d have a night in the Buddymobile too! I know how to live huh?!

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…

Candles and cakes

Day 2 of camp done. Many more poles and poos done. Massive improvements from so many riders. It was a pleasure to watch.

You really do get a different perspective from the ground. I’m finding it fascinating. I’m also getting just how much I’ve learned over the years. Well you’d like to think so after the hundreds of lessons I’ve had something’s would sink in.

Got to walk off another horse today after his lessons. The beast that is Bruno. He’s massive! But such a sweet boy.

We spent our last evening in a gazebo chatting the night away and eating cake. There are no calories at camp! The camp onesie was much needed tonight. As were the candles. They do make you feel a bit warmer. I know it’s psychological.

Poos & poles

First day of camp done. I was on poos and poles duty. So lovely watching everyone progress throughout the day. Seeing confidence boosted by great instructors.

I did have a couple of moments where I wished it had been us. Especially when the jumps went up. It will be before I know it.

I did get to put my bum in a saddle as I took Archie for a little hack to cool him off after his lesson. He’s such a dude!

Luxury

I’ve arrived at Forest Edge for camp. This will be camp not Buddy. I decided to come solo and be a helper instead. The advantage to not coming with Buddy or in the Buddymobile is that I get to sleep in luxury as I’m sharing a friend’s motorhome.

Very grateful for heating and a proper bed as the temperature has dropped. Honestly, it’s June! Not sure I’ve brought enough warm clothes…

If all else fails, I will be supporting everyone from the warmth of the cafe. It’ll be rather different. But looking forward learning lots.

Beachy

Carleton RC are holding a beach camp up at Wells this weekend. As I was in Dereham having my hair cut, I thought I’d pop up and say hi. Well I was kinda halfway there.

It was lovely to catch up with people. I got fed (which is always a bonus). Then helped set a course of jumps for them.

It’s a beautiful setting for a camp. North Norfolk really is stunning. Not the best photo as you can’t actually see the beach. But it is there. They’ve been heading out for beach rides. Sounds like they’ve been having lots of fun!

It’s rather different to the camps I usually go to. Maybe next year I’ll take Buddy for a splashing time.