Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Headed over to Blickling Estate NT this morning to meet up with camp mates Katie Hall and Vicky Mary (and her daughter Jasmine). It was only last week that we were together at camp, but felt like longer. So great to catch up.
After an hour plus stroll round the estate, I introduced Jasmine to the now famous National Trust Hot Chocolate. Let’s just say she’s an even bigger fan of Blickling after that!
Her pony got a lot of attention too. He was very happy to say hello to the other children we met on our route. And we met another Buddy. This time a dog. He was a very good boy on his first time meeting the horses.
My Buddy’s ears pricked up when everyone said ‘good boy Buddy’. Which of course he was. In fact they all were. And so we’re us girls.
The big camp clear up began in ernest. Four loads of laundry done, several still to go. Managed to get some dry before the heavens opened. Now my conservatory looks a bit like a Chinese laundry.
It’s amazing how much stuff I get through being away. And don’t get me started on Buddy’s stuff…!
In between loads, I tried to rest. It’s been an intense few weeks and I’m feeling it a bit. Thankfully I had a lay in this morning. Only cause my alarm clock isn’t working. Looks like we had a power cut last night and now it won’t turn on. So that’s been added to the ever growing to do list.
This afternoon, my conservatory doubled up as the counting house as I bagged up the donations from yesterday’s show. Incredible generosity show at both events we’ve had collecting tins.
Tomorrow I’ll tackle more on my lists. And it’s back to the laptop for me.
Back home after another great camp. It was an emotional week for many reason. Camp is such a happy place for me. Time away from it all with good mates and Buddy.
So many more memories to add to the camp collection. And another camper rosette too. We came 4th in the jumping competition. I know I’ve ridden better but we went clear and it was a meaty course.
We won’t mention the utter car crash that was our dressage test. Good to know that even though we’re making progress in so many areas, we still make an absolute horlicks of pretty trotting.
Still there were definitely more pros than cons to my camp experience.
Talking of experiences, the journey back was certainly one.
The fan belt went on the Buddymobile not long after I’d left Swaffham. Managed to limp it to the garage at Necton. Fun times with no power steering!!
My knight in Hi-Viz then drove to Dereham to get a replacemen fan belt and fitted it in the pouring rain. Buddy was as cool as a cucumber on the lorry while we waited. I was definitely not. I was rocking the drowned rat, overly tired and slightly emotional look.
Still we were soon on our way again. Then got stuck on A47 and my diesel went from 1/4 tank to light on. Cue minor freak out!! But as soon as we started moving, it went back up to 1/4 tank. Bizzare.
Stopped at the next petrol station to get more, just in case.
It took us nearly 3 hours to get back. A journey that normally takes just over an hour. I’ll have to sort the lorry out on Sunday. For now, it’s bed for me ready for my 5:15am alarm call tomorrow as I’m working in London for the day. No rest for me!!
Another fab day at camp. This morning it was a play on the XC field. Many moons ago, Buddy and I had an issue with tyre jumps. So I’ve done the classic ‘let’s not do them’.
Today I faced that particular demon and not only that, we jumped the big tyres for good measure. Buddy was loving it! And I had the biggest smile.
Oh and the best bit?! I’ve got another cracking photo for the collection. I can feel a camp montage coming on.
Fear not, the only thing that’s died is my bucket. This is the result of someone having a teenager tantrum because they’d eaten all of their recovery mash. I fear I may have created a monster!
He got a bit of a time-out after that.
Thankfully he was exemplary in his two lessons today. First up was jumping. Finally we’ve cracked the perfect canter that Caroline’s been asking for. Only taken me 6 years!
This afternoon it was flat work with Jo. She put me in resistance bands. Well that was an experience! Not sure my thighs will be the same after that. But definitely helped with my lower leg.
In between, Buddy popped on the Spillers weigh-bridge. He’s now 646kg. Which sounds like a lot, but he’s all muscle. He got a perfect body score.
It’s so lovely to hear how well he’s looking. From many people. Sadly my bucket has seen better days…
Arrived at Forest Edge for our latest training camp. Buddy is such a pro at camp life. And so am I. It doesn’t feel that long ago that we were here before. Well I guess it has only been a few weeks. Feels very good to be back.
We took the horses out for a leg stretch before the welcome BBQ. We honestly didn’t get lost. We just took the slightly scenic route. Pip Nav was actually right. But we ended up adding on an extra loop. Made it back for foo though.
We’re not lost, you are?!
Looking forward to the first lessons tomorrow. Bring on the learning, aching and sweating…
I’m not surprised these two are tired. We all had a broken night’s sleep.
I was woken up at 1am by a cat fight on the roof. I thought they were going to come through the roof! Hugo was wailing so loudly. Woke me up with such a start.
Got up to see what was going on. Found Hugo was hiding on the conservatory roof. And Dodo was on the garage roof. Both looked very shaky.
Cue me on some steps checking them. Thankfully they were both OK.
Saw there was another stray cat in the garden. This one only had one ear! Guessing it was involved in the wailing.
The kittens spent most of the day asleep. Needless to say, I didn’t. But I am all packed ready for the start of Big Camp tomorrow.
It’s good to be home. Even if it means I have to fend for myself. I could get used to being catered for you know. It was lovely not to have to think what to eat. Just grab a plate and tuck in for the past few days.
Being back from camp, also means a mountain of washing, cleaning and tidying. Made a start on that. The glorious sunshine means the washing dries quickly.
While making one of many trips to the washing line, I stopped to admire this geranium. I love this one. Especially contrasting against the daisies. It was smothered in bees. So not only does it look good, it does good too.
My garden has exploded while I’ve been away. It was only 3 nights. Fingers crossed we get some rain soon as some bits are starting to look a bit sad. Looks like I will be getting the mower out this weekend. Cause I haven’t sweated enough this week…
Back home after another brilliant training camp. 3 nights away, 6 brilliant lessons, 2 great instructors, many wonderful friends, countless laughs and 2 very tired campers.
Well I definitely am. You’d like to think Buddy was too.
Today we finished off our lessons with more course jumping with jumps on angles. And a flat work lesson with no stirrups and counter-canter. It’s a wonder I could drive home!!
It was also a camp tinged with sadness as it could be the last camp for some wonderful horses and inspirational people.
This was my motto of the camp. And by Jove, I did just that! I couldn’t have asked more from Buddy. He tried his heart out for me. Even with my inept moments.
Thank you to everyone who made it such a special few days.
Less than a month till we’re back there for BIG camp. Eeek!! Best get the washing on….
Spotted these beautiful poppies across from the lorry this morning. What a glorious sight to bring start the day.
Two brilliant lessons today. First up a play on the XC course. Buddy was full of beans but jumped everything I asked of him. Really pleased with him.
After lunch, it was course jumping. Again, Buddy was up for it. He felt so balanced. We even got complemented on the quality of our canter. Something that rarely happens.
Buddy can be a bit of a mixed bag. When it’s good, my goodness it’s good. Today was very, very good.
Tales, Tails and Talus 