Little Lodge

What a fabulous way to spend a Friday afternoon. Wandering through the forest with lovely friends and horses.

It’s been a long time since I came to Little Lodge. Last time was with Murphy so shows how long ago it was. Buddy was very happy to be out and about. Well when we got there. There was a hold up on the A11, so my sat nav rerouted us. Unfortunately it sent me on a magical mystery tour of Thetford Forest. Some very small, windy roads and an equally small bridge to cross. Then I missed the entrance. So after another u-turn, we made it. And to think I thought I would be really early!!

Poor Buddy arrived a bit like a milkshake. And the Buddymobile was very hot and bothered with it all. Thankfully once we got onboard, it was a much calmer affair.

It’s the longest I’ve spent in the saddle for a very long time, so I was feeling it when we got back. Sure Buddy will be feeling it too. At least he gets a day off tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will be walking round Burghley. My legs might be on strike by Sunday.

Groom

Headed to the Suffolk Show bright and early today with Vic and Ernie. Well maybe not bright but definitely early. We were just about to leave when I realised I was wearing jeans. Not appropriate groom’s wear. See, not so bright. Not sure where my head was this morning. Too busy trying making sure I remembered my hat. Grateful I live so close to the yard as I was able to whizz home to pick up some more appropriate trousers.

A broken down bus meant a detour round the country lanes. We met a Good Samaritan who came to our rescue and told us to follow her. Which we duly did. Poor Ernie was bouncing around in the trailer down some rather narrow tracks.

Still we arrived in good time. Just as the heaven’s opened. Luckily it was a passing shower. Before we knew it, it was show time! It was all going on! It was rammed by the ring. Not seen that many people at the show for many a year. There was a motorbike display going on in the main ring. That was really loud. The ring was buzzing with music, people, children, dogs and a tannoy going on. Quite the challenge.

Still Vic and Ernie held it together and came away with second place. Very proud of my charges today.

Once we got back, I took Buddy for his constitutional. Before walking home. Cause I hadn’t walked enough today. My step count will be high today! Think we will all sleep well tonight.

Badminton

Well Badminton 2024 didn’t disappoint. It was a challenging XC course that really shook the pack. Not sure I could have called the top 3 before they started. SJ tomorrow will be exciting!

I’m so glad I made the trip. I often wonder if other people do the slightly bonkers things that I do. I only decided to go on Tuesday.

After yesterday’s mammoth journey, the thought of another one wasn’t as appealing as you’d think. Especially after the Comedy Car started making a weird noise. My lovely Dad lent me his car today. I felt very spoilt in such luxury – AC and a very smooth ride.

The M25 had another sting in the tail. It was closed! I kid you not. Two junctions worth in both direction. Cue several detours there and back. Still made it in good time this morning. And good time back to my parents. Staying here again tonight before heading home. Fingers crossed the M25 is kind going home.

I walked nearly 8 miles today. Not a clue how many miles I’ll have done by the time I get home. Let’s just go with a lot…

Magpies

As I was driving back from Wymondham this evening, I spotted 8 magpies. Not sure the rhyme goes up that far?! I’ve not seen that many together before.

I’d popped over for Express Equine’s Spring sale evening. I wasn’t aiming on buying anything. Still managed to come home with a base layer for me and a saddle pad and supplement for Buddy. Whoops!

It was a rather eventful journey back. They’d closed to road to recover a rather large lorry that had crashed into a field. So I had a 20 mins diversion round the countryside. Saw some new bits of Norfolk. Some very nice bits too.