Highlands

This is my favourite jump on the Scone Palace International Horse Trials course. I spotted it on Wednesday, but today I got closer as we walked the course. How cool and adorable is it?! Not sure it’ll fit in the caravan though.

Flynn did his dressage test this morning. Think I was holding my breath for most of it. They scored 33 and are in 7th place overnight. Amazing!

I must admit I was a bit giggy with it all. And then I met Ian Stark!! What a lovely man he is?! 71 and still competing. He’s in the 2*L. Murphy Himself was a legend of a horse. I’ve always had a soft spot for a grey. Then I got a grey called Murphy.

I also got to watch London 52 do his dressage test in the 4*S. I’ve watched some great tests in the past two days.

Tomorrow is the start of the XC and for Flynn too. My step count is high, my heart rate will be as well. Bert is settling into eventing life. I still can’t quite believe I’m here…

Little D

Another day, another horsey venue ticked off for Bert. He’s getting quite the pro now! This time it was a trip to Little Downham to catch up with some friends. And watch one of my friend’s horse Flynn in the OI.

Bert got to meet Jeff the dog too. Who was rather amorous. Let’s just say there was a lot of humping. Given Jeff is at least half the size of Bert, it made for comical viewing. Bert’s legs were getting a lot of action. Not that he seemed bothered.

We did get to see lots of horses in action too. Between the chatting, laughing and catching up. It’s been a while.

Today was very good for the spirits. It reminded me how wonderful friendships can be when you pick right up where you left off.

The Thai meal we had afterwards was very good for the stomach. Well we needed to celebrate Flynn’s win! Winner, winner, Pad Thai Dinner.

Overcooked

Well Bert was a very tired puppy today. I think he overcooked it yesterday round the XC course. Last night he was asleep by the time I got into my bed. And slept through. Today he was less enthusiastic about things.

He got lots of spaniel love today. So many people wanted cuddles, which he was very happy to provide. He had many spaniel fans cooing at how well behaved he is.

Considering he’s only 7 months, it’s a lot for him to deal with. The shops were much busier today. I made sure he had time out so he didn’t get completely overwhelmed. He got lots of treats from a number of stands. That helped too.

He’s clearly a fan of Henry James as he decided to fall sleep on their stand. The lady there said I could have one of everything in exchange for him!

I also managed to completely embarrass myself in Stubben. When asked if I needed any help, I replied ‘I love your bits’. To a rather attractive chap. Thankfully he saw the funny side of it, as did his colleagues. Apparently I made his day. While I was wishing the floor would open… Trust me to take something innocent and make it sound smutty. It’s a talent.

Crammed

Well it’s a good job that I have a bigger car now! Not sure I would have gotten this much in the Comedy Car.

Bert and I are all packed ready for our next adventure to Badminton Horse Trails. We head off tomorrow and are there till Sunday. I’m very excited about staying for the whole duration.

I feel like I’m taking a lot of stuff. I’m packed for many weather options. Let’s see which one I get! After last week’s camp and soaring temperatures, it’s much cooler this week. So I have t-shirts and hoodies. And a few bits in between.

Luckily, there will be one or two shops there. So if all else fails… I have a short list for me, a little list for Buddy and Bert. I don’t need much. Good job I don’t have a weight limit coming home.

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.

Coffee in a can

I headed over to Blackwater tody to cheer on a few friends who were evening today. Lovely to catch up and watch the action. I really do miss eventing. So glad I can be a tiny part of it again.

On the way back, I stopped for petrol and spotted this. Who knew iced coffee in a can was so delicious?! My Mum used to like them, but I never actually tried one. It was most refreshing.

Wish I’d bought a few more…

Make your own

Another successful stint of commentating today. This time back at the Area 14 & 8 RC ODE at Poplar Park. The weather was perfect as was the going. The same can’t be said for my pronunciation of all of the horse and riders. I did my best as always.

Helen and I have a fab partnership now. Even thought we only do this together once a year, it’s like no time has passed. She even created her own version of the horse tracker to make sure things ran as smoothly as possible. It worked. Not a clue how many combinations we got round today. I know for sure that there were no fallers on XC today.

It was as inspiring as ever seeing so many happy faces come through the finish line – horses and riders. Till next year…

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…

Ground support

Popped over to Blackwater today to be ground crew for the Carleton RC clinic being held there. It’s been a while since I’ve been over there. In fact, this could be the first time I’ve been back there this year. It hasn’t been a conscious thing. Just for one reason and another I haven’t got there.

It was lovely to be back there. Walked the 80cm course. Interesting to see the changes there. Lovely catching up with people and watching them ride. As soon as we can, I’m going to take Buddy back out XC. It’s time to get back to running and jumping. I miss eventing…

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…