Afternoon Tea

Who doesn’t love a spot of Afternoon Tea? And a birthday one at that! In fact a double birthday one. Colette and I have a birthday outing tradition. We couldn’t fit one in for my birthday, so we decided to share one. We headed to The Orangery Tea Room for an amazing Afternoon Tea. Happy birthday us!!

It was sooo good. But way too much, so I had the rest for dinner.

Afternoon Tea is a wonderful concept. It’s a firm favourite. Along with room service. But then I guess I’m a big food I don’t have to prepare myself.

SOS

Yesterday I got an SOS. So today I went to the Lincoln Showground and back. As you do. Or rather as I do.

One of my friends was competing at the BRC Championships today and needed company / support. We all know I love a horsey roadtrip. Even better when I’m fed, caffeinated and get two lorry dogs to cuddle.

It also meant I got to surprise the other Carleton RC competitors. I have very fond memories of competing at the Champs in 2022. It wasn’t our crowning glory. But we did it. I have some lovely photos and a rosette. I was rather jealous of the stable plaques. They didn’t have those my year, but I did get a medal.

We will be back one day I’m sure. For now, I was happy to be groom / cheerleader / emotional support Pip.

Wedding guest

They say that it’s lucky to bring a horseshoe for the bride. Well tonight, I brought four! They were of course still attached to Buddy. My friend Kirsty was having her wedding celebration party at the community hall near the yard. I know how much she loves Buddy, so I walked up to bring him down to see her.

He was such a good boy. Posing for the guests. A few more members of the Buddy fan club I’d say. In fact her brother-in-law said he’d been to many weddings, but had never seen someone turn up with a horse!

Kirsty said it was the cherry on top. I’m so happy that I could do that for her. May you and David have a long and happy marriage.

Dark waters

One of these horses overcame a fear tonight. He was a proper warrior. Frankie isn’t a fan of dark water. By dark water, I mean the run off from a steaming pile of manure. Tonight he crossed the river of poo juice. Buddy wasn’t phased at all, so he just walked straight over it.

This played to our advantage as Frankie was much more willing to give it a go seeing Buddy standing in the poo juice. My Equilab looked like Buddy was doing the Hokey Cokey going back and forward showing Frankie that it was safe.

Finally Frankie took the plunge and took the step to cross the river. And by river, it was a few feet across. We were all cheering him on! Credit where credit is due, he was really brave to overcome his fear.

Thankfully the rest of our ride was smooth sailing. It was a lovely way to end the week. Think we all needed a giggle tonight.

Cressida

I headed over to Great Hockham today to meet up with a friend for a ride in the forest. I was rather honoured to be offered the chance to ride her mare, Cressida.

Now I’m much more of a gelding girl. Mares and I haven’t always seen eye to eye.

She’s also a chestnut. And chestnut mares have a bit of a reputation for being rather fiesty. Dragon riding has been mentioned in the past.

I love the film ‘How to train your dragon’. I’ve watched it many times. So was hoping that would put me in good stead. I didn’t need any of it. Cressida was on her best behaviour. She was very lovely to ride indeed.

The irony is that it was also a Cressida who wrote the book the film is based on. Must have been a good omen.

Lucky girl

Something very wonderful happened today. The wonderful Kim let me compete the equally wonderful Irish at our RC Show today. I took him for a spin round the 70cm, taking 6th place for the fastest 4 faults.

It’s wonderful for many reasons. Firstly, that someone would trust me with their precious horse. Secondly, the fact I’ve only ridden him once before and hasn’t jumped a course with him. Thirdly, it’s my first competition of 2024!

I didn’t ride as well as I know I can. I was too busy having a wonderful time – smiling and chatting away like a lunatic. I know the 4 faults were totally on me. I took an ‘eventing’ line to the last and he took it out.

I’m still beaming!! I’m such a lucky girl. I really am…

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.

Nomad

I’m back to my nomadic ways as I’m dog & house sitting for a good friend. New charges for me – Dotty and Bobby. Both adorable. Bobby is only 6 months old. He’s a bundle of fluffy energy for sure.

I’m getting my dog and puppy fix in one go!

Sausages

I met a friend for brunch this morning. I might have mentioned I’m a fan of brunch. Especially when this is the view.

Decided to push the boat out and have more than just a breakfast bap. I had ‘The Greenhouse’. Yes it was mostly veggies. But I swapped the vegan sausages for proper ones.

I don’t eat much meat, but I’m partial to a sausage (insert your own jokes there). I only ate one, opting to split the other one between my friend’s dogs. They were very happy with that deal! I has eyes bigger than… Let’s just say I didn’t need much for dinner.

Special lady

This afternoon I had the honour of riding a very special horse. One I’ve known for a number of years but have never ridden before. So when I was offered the chance, I wasn’t passing it up.

That and it meant I got to catch up with a good friend too. It’s wonderful that people trust me with their horses. Carla and I chatted the whole way round. It was lovely to ride somewhere else too. We clearly need to catch up more regularly as we talked for another 4 hours!!

Missy was a total poppet. I understand why Martine adored her. And how special she really is. It’s clear that Carla has the same love for her. So made it even more special to be able to take her out.