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.

Hobbits

I love this tree. Every time I visit Burghley on XC day, I try and find it. It’s very healthy and happy. But the middle is like a little hobbit house.

It was lovely and cool in there too as the temperature certainly climbed today. So did we! You forget how undulating the course is. Having walked round it twice now, my legs are feeling it. There will be some very tired horse legs too. The course was definitely taking no prisoners today.

Burghley is such a wonderful event. The house looks resplendent in the afternoon sunshine.

Having walked the course, we retired to the shade to watch the final horses on the big screen. Jeff was very happy about this. He was so tired towards the end, he needed Auntie Pip to carry him. Well he’s only got very little legs. I think we’ll all be feeling it tomorrow. The trot up is going to be very interesting indeed.

Numbers game

Day 1 of camp down and lots to report. Two brilliant lessons (poles this morning and course jumping this afternoon). One new saddle pad (it was on sale!!). And zero falls. Now that’s what I call a very good day.

Weather-wise it was a game of two halves. This morning was awful with heavy showers. This afternoon saw glorious sunshine.

Round 2 of Newmarket Salt therapy was good too. Buddy spent more time by the nozzle this time. He seems so chilled out with life today.

Fingers crossed he stays like that tomorrow when we head out to XC.

Course creator

For the past 18 weeks, I have been doing an online course. Each Friday I’ve spent 4 hours learning how to create my own online course. Today was the last session.

I’ve met some amazing people on this course. I’ve made friends with people from all over the world. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s made me really look at who I am and what I stand for. It’s been quite the journey.

It’s been an incredible experience. Now it’s my turn to launch my own online course. More on that soon.

Tonight I raise a glass to my fellow course creators. You are all awesome!

Connections

Today I headed to Brome to meet up with a new connection. We’re both doing the same course and connected via weekly zoom meeting. It was brilliant to meet in the flesh.

We were both a little bit excited about meeting. I love connecting with new people. I’ve made so many brilliant friends over the years this way.