Brown cow

‘How now brown cow’ was the mantra for today’s walk. They’ve moved the cows back onto the fields round the back of my close. Normally I have no issue walking through them. But this was the first time Bert had come across so many. And a rather large bull. So we used it as a training session instead.

I walked Bert up to the cows and away. He barked a few times, so kept it all low key. The cows weren’t the least bit bothered by him. He was very interested in them. I think he thouhght they were big dogs. Though some of the calves were tiny.

The cows soon got bored and moved away after a while. Bert sat patiently and watched them go.

I love the fact I live so close to these cows. It reminds me of listening to the cows lowing at night when I was a kid. I grew up near a cattle market so it was a weekly sound. Such a soothing sound…

Cerulean

What a blissful way to start the day. Just me, my Baby Sprocker and Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s been a glorious day. One where I seemed to have been in my own strip poker game judging by the number of layers I removed. I even took off my over-trousers and fleece. Yes it was that warm!! It’s March, right?!

I love days like this. Blue skies, bird song, fresh air in my lung, the sun on my skin, a full heart and an empty mind. It makes me rather sad that people have to be told about the benefits of being out in nature.

And the constant threat of destruction for housing, solar farms and all manner of other stuff. It makes no sense to me. With one hand there a programme to rewild and plant trees, while there’s another to destroy it.

If it was down to me, we would protect the great outdoors at all costs. The Countryside is in my heart. Always will be…

Humble by nature

This was one of my Christmas presents. I’ve been looking forward to reading it. Today was the day I started it. I took my turn to bask in the sunshine in the conservatory. Just me and the kittens while Bert had a nap after our lovely walk this morning.

It makes me smile whenever I walk out on to Braydeston Hills. I’d lived in the close for over 7 years before I found out there was a footpath at the bottom. It leads out onto the most beautiful countryside. One of the more positive things that came from lockdown!

Taking Bert out there this morning was so lovely. He was such a good boy on the long line. He even sat and waited while a rather nervous dog walked by.

Sitting in the sunshine reading about Kate’s move from London to Wales really struck a chord. I can totally understand why she wanted to move to countryside. I’m definitely a country girl too…

Irish boys

Today Buddy got to show his friend round one of his favourite rides. Kimberley Fulcher and Irish came over to ride out with us.

It was a beautiful day for it too. Kim and I chatted the whole way round. Irish was very taken with the view from the top too. I love getting to share the beauty of where I live with someone new. I never take for granted how lucky we are to have the hacking we have.

Two gorgeous Irish boys out together. What a wonderful way to start the week.

Fuzzy

I woke up feeling fuzzy still so decided to switch my day around and ride this morning instead. See if I could shift the fuzzy feeling.

That and the builders next door were ripping the roof off. It was a tad loud and hard to concentrate.

This really is the best therapy. Just me, my little boy and miles of beautiful countryside.

It filled my soul for sure. And emptied my sinuses for a bit…

Selfie fail

Today we put the band back together! It’s been a while since we hacked. It was like no time had passed at all. We chatted the whole way round. The boys seemed pleased to see each other too.

Another thing that hasn’t changed is my inability to take a selfie on a horse. This photo made me giggle when I saw how it came out.

Sometimes it’s the little things in life. A catch up with a good friend, a good ride in the beautiful countryside and at good laugh at your own ineptitude.

Junction 21

I ended up in Themelthorpe for lunch today. At Junction 21 Tea Room. What a wonderful find that was! Stunning views out across the fields. Made me very happy indeed. I do love it when I can’t see another house. Just nature.

It’s on the Marriotts Way. Somewhere that I’ve realised I’ve not explored yet. So I must rectify that. You can ride along it too I’ve heard. So I’ll have to bring Buddy next time.

Though it might make lunch a bit more of a challenge. Thankfully the owner is horsey, so you never know.

Snooper

As I was on the phone today, I watched this little chap wander across the garden. He stopped a few times snooping around. Very brave of him. Having said that, Dodo was asleep in the conservatory with me. And Hugo was galavanting.

Little things like this make me happy I live in the countryside.

Deery me

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than riding round a deer park, jumping a few XC jumps and having a bloody good gallop! And in the sunshine too!

Headed over to Gunton for a pony play date for Buddy.

We’re so lucky to have access to a country park like this. The deer weren’t bothered by us at all. We hacked round as a warm up, jumped some jumps, splashed in the water and finished on a gallop up the hill.

Buddy found top speed and fully embraced his TB bloodlines. I do love my little boy. If we can crack the rest of it, I have no doubt we’ll make the time after today’s turn of speed.

Countryside code

I’ll never tire of this view. We’re so lucky to have access to such off road hacking. I’m definitely a country girl at heart. That’s why it upsets me when people have no respect for the countryside. Seeing the flytipping today made me very angry indeed.

We have the countryside code for a reason. I want to preserve the countryside for generations to come. Not just for riders. But for everyone to appreciate the beauty that’s around us.

One good thing about lockdown was that more people came out to the country. I know I explored what was on my doorstep more. If you are coming out, please respect it. You could be walking next to your next meal. You’re definitely walking near someone’s livelihood.