Results

Blimey that was a rather long and fraught day. With lots of good results! First up I was judging the last show jumping show for John Lake RC. It was wonderful seeing so many smiling rounds. Bit fraught at times. Some fab costumes too. But everyone seemed to enjoy the day.

We ran a bit behind, so it meant a speedy exit to head over to Carrow Road. After NCFC taking an early lead, expectations were high. Then Middleborough scored 3 goals before halftime. A very tense second half and 2 more goals for City. Meant the final score was 3-3. Bonkers match! Great result!

The final result was getting the last Sunday Roasts for dinner at the pub after the match. Yum!

Stable relationship

So it’s World Mental Health Day. Well this is the single biggest thing that keeps my mental health stable. You could call it my ‘stable relationship’.

I’ve been very open about my mental health struggles over the years. I’ve been a frequent visitor to dark places. Horses have always helped me to find a way back to the light.

I’ve cried so hard I’ve feared I’d never stop. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve never wanted it to stop. I’ve had times when I felt like I could conquer the world. Then I’ve been scared to leave my house.

I’ve felt such pain and such joy I couldn’t breathe. I’ve felt nothing and everything. I’ve loved. I’ve lost. But I’m still here. Getting up over and over again. Trying to give more than I taken. Finding joy in the little things. Smiling, laughing and loving.

Mental Health isn’t obvious. It isn’t straightforward. It is something we all have. We shouldn’t need a day to tell us to think about it. It should be part of our daily life.

So let’s all try to look after ours. Do what makes you feel good. Be with people who make you feel good. But most importantly be kind – to yourself and others.

And if you’re struggling right now (as many seem to be), know that you are safe, you are loved and you are very much appreciated.

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.

Freaky Friday

This was the best way to finish a rather freaky Friday. A lovely ride round Blickling in the evening sunshine.

My day didn’t get off to the best of starts. I was halfway to the Chiro’s when I realised I’d left my coffee on the counter. I’m going to let you into a secret. Part of the reason I’m so positive is my first coffee of the day. Without it, I’m in a bit uncoordinated. Even more than normal!!

I popped to the shop en route and bought a jar. But the dye was cast. Managed to set the alarm off when I did arrive at work. Not totally my fault as one of the keys on the keypad wasn’t working. First time I’d set it off. And boy was it loud!!

After that, it was one thing after another. By the end of the shift, the chiro and I were both laughing at the goings on. I checked the date – definitely not Friday 13th.

Given the way the day had been going, I wasn’t sure if a trip out in the Buddymobile was wise. Thankfully, the gods were back side and it was wonderful. We haven’t been to Blicking for such a long time. It was lovely to be back. We’ll be back again soon.

Cotoneaster cull

Thought I’d have a quiet day today. Well quiet for me. I needed to pick up a new horsey washing machine, so the Buddymobile got a run out. As he was at home, I thought I’d take advantage of the extra space to clear my garden. I’ve been wanting to have a cull of the cotoneaster at the front of my house for ages.

It had gotten a bit out of hand if I’m honest. I’ve tried to keep on top of it. But it was beyond rescuing. So it was time to go.

My little chainsaw made short work of it. Getting it in the garden bag was a more interesting challenge. Still got there in the end.

With the Buddymobile suitable filled, I thought I’d better check what time the recycling centre closed. Annoyingly I’d missed it by 15 mins.

So I headed back to the yard to walk Buddy over some poles. And put the windows up on the Comedy Car. Not sure if it was going to rain, but better safe than sorry.

The Buddymobile is now pine-scented from the old hedge branches I cut off a while ago. Who needs an air freshener?!

I’m going to plant Agatha in the space. I love roses and think it’ll like quite fetching there. The rest of the cotoneaster can have a stay of execution. I ran out of garden bags (and steam).

It’s amazing what a difference it makes. And how much lighter my living room is!

Irish

I had the honour of jumping Irish today. Oh my goodness, what a dude. I’ve known him a few years and have always wanted to ride him. So when I got the chance, I eagerly agreed.

He’s an ISH like Buddy. But very different. We had a couple of steering issues. Mostly me forgetting that he’s not Buddy, so doesn’t turn on a sixpence.

Boy did it feel good to be jumping again. It’s true what they say that you don’t realise how much you miss something till you do it again.

Buddy and I will be back to it soon enough. In the meantime, I’m so grateful that people trust me with their horses. Thank you Kim, it means so much.

As if that wasn’t enough horsey excitement, this afternoon I headed over to have foal cuddles with Poppy. She’s a proper sassy pants. Absolutely stunning in the flesh. I’d seen photos of her, but they don’t do her justice. She is going to be a star in the show ring.

What a lovely horsey day indeed! I need a lie down after all the excitement. Oh wait, I’m about to watch England.

More ears

Today has been a lovely horsey day. Made even more lovely by the fact the sun shone!

I started the day judging the show jumping for John Lake Riding Club. It was lovely to see so many competitors having fun in the sun. They start at x-poles. So lots of classes to judge.

We know I love the commentary bit, but I’ve found I love the judging bit too. So I’ve applied to do the BS Judge Training. As much as I love jumping. And can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. There will come a day when I can’t or don’t want to. So paying it forward if that makes sense. Horses are my thing. I want to still be involved if I can.

Once back home, I was lucky to ride two horses. Took Buddy out for his 15 mins of walk. Then took Ernie out for a longer ride. At this point, I could make a joke about the fastest milkman. But I really would be showing my age…

Raving

Well I have had a VERY productive day. Ticked soooo many things off my list. I won’t bore you with everything. It involved a lot of housework and gardening.

I charged up my iPod (shows my age right there). It’s got so many bangers on it. I was raving in the garden while I battled with the mower. Bopping while I was planting some veg. And wiggling while hanging out the laundry. So many tunes I haven’t heard for a long time.

Not sure I needed to burn extra calories dancing, but when you hear a tune, you just can’t help moving. Music is so uplifting.

At least tomorrow I won’t have a hangover, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be feeling it. Good job I won’t be doing much walking tomorrow, oh wait I’m off to Burnham Market to watch the eventing.

Naked pony

They say things come in threes, but today mine were all good.

First, I got laundry on the line. With the sunshine and high winds, it was dry rather quickly.

Second, Buddy had a naked day in the field. He was very pleased to see me

And finally, the Buddymobile is fixed. More on that tomorrow.

All in all a good day.

All hallows

Happy Halloween everyone. It was very foggy when I got to the yard this morning. Pretty apt for Halloween.

Thankfully it had cleared by the time I took Buddy into the arena to pop a few jumps. I’ve found that riding first thing really sets me up for the rest of the day.