Appropriate clothing

My choice of t-shirt was absolutely on point today! Love it when that happens. I had a very lovely day planned. I was going to meet a friend for a lovely relaxed hack round Blickling…

First I overslept, then the weather forecast looks a bit suspect and it being school holidays all put pay to that. So we went for a very lovely lunch lunch instead. Just as enjoyable. We managed to sit out for some of it, but after being buffeted a little bit too much by the wind, we headed indoors.

Good job too as the heavens opened! That was a rather regular occurrence for the rest of the day. One minute sunshine, the next minute rain. I had to laugh as I ended up being stuck in a stable mid-muck out. Reminded me of the quote ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’. My t-shirt was may have been apt, but didn’t really help to keep me dry. Maybe not that appropriate after all…

Hickstead the return

I’m home after a very long, very emotional and very wonderful weekend at Hickstead. My god, I bloody love RI.

I am so proud of each and every one of the 11 other Carleton riders today. If I thought being team manager last year was an emotional rollercoaster, adding riding in too and it was one hell of a ride!

With hindsight, my focus had been on getting us and everyone there, rather than my preparation with Buddy. He was in one of his more feral moods. Still we started well and ended well, shame it unravelled a bit in the middle.

He got his legs in a muddle at Fence 3 and had it down. After a rather awkward jump at Fence 4, the arena came rushing towards me at an alarming rate. Thankfully I managed to stay in the plate. Just. But it killed our canter and we had a stop at Fence 5. He cleared it at the second attempt and we headed to Fence 6 – the iconic planks….

Yup, you guessed it. He had it down. He was in good company as so did many other competitors. And Fence 5 saw a number of stops. So I didn’t feel quite so bad about our round.

I realised that it was only his second competition of the year. Talk about throwing him in at the deep end. I know I can ride better. I didn’t eat or have coffee before my round. I didn’t get the best night’s sleep. Driving the new lorry took more out of me than I thought. These are things that I can work on.

Overall we did it. I can now say that I have jumped twice at Hickstead. Maybe third time will be the charm?! For now I have more memories and another two photos to add to the collection.

Resurrection

Well it wasn’t just Christ who was resurrected today. My show jumping ‘career’ with Buddy was too. For the first time since December 2023, we entered a show jumping competition.

It wasn’t pretty. We are VERY rusty (bit of an understatement). Given he had the majority of last year off games, I’m over the moon!

I kept it low by entering the 60cm & 70cm. It wasn’t the triumphant return it could have been. I went with low expectations. I just wanted to see how Buddy reacted.

Sure we had two poles in each round. Sure I couldn’t see a stride for toffee. Sure I rode like a muppet. But we did it and that’s what counts. I know my eye will come in the more we jump. I also know I’ve been a bit lack in our training.

My Baby Sprocker has been winning in those stakes. That is paying off. He came to his first competition. He even jumped a little fence. He got LOTS of fuss. He slept in the lorry while I took Buddy off to compete. Afterwards, he got to watch some of the action. It was all rather exciting to start off with, he soon settled though.

All in all a very good outing…

Technology

This photo sums up my day. Let’s just say it was a series of technology fails. And no it wasn’t user error. This photo also made me laugh. Two intelligent women taking photos of our screens to send to each other so we could see what the other one saw. Or not in my case.

We got there in the end. Thankfully. We live in a world full of technology. It’s getting more complex in some ways. Having spent many years working in IT, I’m a big fan. But it does concern me on other levels.

It’s hard enough to know what’s true without throwing AI into the mix. I’ve started questioning so many things I see. I wish more people would too rather than blindly believing everything they see, hear or read.

I’m of a generation that remembers what it was like before technology took over our lives. I remember a time before the internet. When we weren’t bombarded with data all day and night. Orr permanently attached to our devices. It was a simpler time I guess.

I don’t miss the sound of the modem. Man that was a horrid sound…

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Wonderful

What a difference a day makes huh? On Tuesday, I needed my layers as I rode round Blickling. Today, I needed less. It was wonderful to be back there. In the glorious sunshine.

I’ve had a wonderful day all round. One of those days where things line up and you seem to sail through things. Lots of wonderful things happened. Nothing earth shattering, but wonderful nonetheless.

Buddy had a wonderful day out with his friend Archie. Bert had a wonderful day when he discovered my yard owners dogs’ food. Little piggy!

The after effect of that aren’t quite so wonderful. His puppy farts are off the scale! He’s even spooked himself with them. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I think he’s disgusted himself.

The upgrade

Today’s been a busy one with a flying trip to my Dad’s. My Dad bought himself a new car (well it was his birthday). That means I get his old one! So I went down to pick up ‘The Upgrade’.

I got the train down. It’s the first time I’ve been to London in a long time. But it was plain sailing all the way. I had a few flashbacks to my commuter days. Especially when we stopped at London Bridge.

I’d gone back and forth over whether to take Bert with me or leave him with someone. I think he would have been OK with the trains, but I wasn’t sure. Thankfully two friends came to the rescue and looked after him between them. Sounds like he had a lovely day. You can see how tired he is.

Driving my new car meant I had a rather lovely day too. It made a huge difference on the M25 I can tell you. Let’s face it, the Comedy Car doesn’t go that fast, so made a refreshing change to put my foot down and get a reaction. Going to have to watch I don’t get too carried away. I’d rather not do another speed awareness course…

Lustre

Oh my goodness, what a difference a bit of sunshine makes! It’s been a beautiful day. So I wanted to enjoy it as much as I could.

First I took Bert out for his Sunday long walk. He loves having a run around the fields. His recall is getting so good now. There were lots of runners around today. So perfect opportunity to work on keeping him focussed on me. And not jumping at them.

Then it was Buddy’s turn for his Sunday long walk. He loves having a run around the fields too. My Oversized Labrador and my Baby Sprocker are quite similar in that respect.

Buddy and I were out for nearly 1.5 hours. Bert can’t do that much yet, won’t be long before he can! I may need more hours in the day. Thank goodness the days are drawing out. And I love being outdoors.

Aunt Sally

I have had the most wonderful day. I met up with this glorious human being, my ‘aunt’ Sally. I first met her when I lived in Sweden. Not sure of the exact year, but we moved there in 1983. Her husband worked with my Dad. She’s been a part of my life ever since.

She now lives in New Zealand so we haven’t seen each other in the flesh for a few decades. But we are in touch by email. She’s back in the UK to support her youngest daughter who’s had her first baby before Christmas. As her daughter and husband live near Newmarket, we arranged to meet at Elveden for lunch.

It was so good to catch up with Sally. Growing up in a foreign country is an amazing experience, but can be a bit lonely. Sally became a surrogate aunt/mother to me. She was always there for me. Even when she had her own kids. I valued her wise words and advice over the years. She’s always seen me and accepted me for who I am. Something we all need. Especially during adolescence.

I remember when her youngest was born, now she’s a Mum herself. Makes me feel rather old in some ways. But meeting up today was like no time had passed at all. Just wonderful.

I’ve been saying for a long time that I want to go back to NZ again. And see her. Wonder if 2025 is the year I make that happen…

Party animal

Bert had a busy day today. After meeting the yard dog, he had a quick trip back to see his Mum, Dad and Brother. It was so touching seeing his Mum’s reaction. She was very happy to see him. But put him in his place too when he needed it. He had lots of zoomies with his brother too.

Tonight he had even more zoomies with his new friend Jester at his first Christmas Party. I wish I’d taken some video of them chasing each other round the dining room table. Hours of fun! He will sleep well tonight, that’s for sure.

He’s brought so much joy to my life already. And everyone else’s given the impact me made at the party tonight. It seems he’s quite the Party Animal.