5 star

Back home after a fab day out at Burghley Horse Trails. A mere 10 miles walked round the course today. And what a course. It was very testing. But then you come to expect that. It’s not a 5* for nothing.

There seemed to be a few bogey fences out there. It was quite an achievement getting round. Saw some amazing riding. Some incredible partnerships.

I’ve been to two 5*s this year. Badminton and Burghley. They’re so different. I love them both. Glad I managed to get to both. Even if it was just for cross country day.

Clocked up some more miles on the Comedy Car and my step count is high. My feet and legs are aching. I’m tired, but a good tired. It’s so worth it for the memories made.

Team Manager

Today was the big day at Hickstead. No, not the King George V Cup. The BRC Team of 3 competition of course. Carleton Riding Club were there with four teams. I was there as the Team Manager. I had 12 riders and horses to support. That’s a lot!

It was a hot day, but they rattled through the class. It meant getting all the riders down to the ring at the right time was a bit of a challenge. Every one of our riders out a score on the board. With our highest placed team taking 5th out of 38.

I’m exhausted. But then I rode 12 rounds today. I shall sleep very well tonight.

Paper thin

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well this one doesn’t tell half the story. It looks lovely, right?! Nice fluffy clouds. Bit of sunshine. Perfect for a spot of dressage. This was after the BRC Dressage Qualifier had finished…

What the day had ACTUALLY been like was torrential downpours. It could have been renamed to ‘dancing seahorses’.

I was there to steward as Carleton RC were hosting. We all know how much I love a clipboard and some hi-viz, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn’t check the weather and didn’t get my layering right. Very grateful for the full length rain coat I was lent to keep me dry at least.

And can’t be said for my running orders that were so wet, they all stuck together. That made it rather challenging to work out who was meant to be where.

Four arenas is a lot to steward so I felt a bit chaotic at times. Luckily there was a dry running order to hand. With the use of a clear plastic lid and a bit of creativity, we got through everyone with military precision.

I left the Showground looking forward to a hot shower and a relaxing evening. Oh wait, I watched the England match. Great result, but my god, we like to do it the hard way…

Family ties

18 years ago, my family changed forever when my brother choose to end his life.

This is one of the last photos that I have of him. It was taken the last time that we were together as a family.

It took me a very long time to accept that it was his choice. I will never understand why he felt that was his only choice. It’s not one I could make as I have too much I still want to do. The past few years have been challenging to say the least. And at times, pushed me to the brink. But I’ve always made it through. I wonder if his death in some way has driven me on. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. Like I’m doing it for both of us!

Wherever you are, I hope the decks are hot, the drinks are cold and the party is banging. RIP Chris.