Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
I got to hold an Advanced Event horse today. That’s the eventing equivalent to ‘I carried a watermelon’ from Dirty Dancing. Closest I will ever get to that level.
This is Flynn, my friend’s horse. He was doing his first Advanced at Little Downham. So I went over to support her. Gosh he’s a bit lush!
It was wonderful watching him in action having heard so much about him. Another horsey day to finish off my birthday week. I have the feeling I will be seeing Flynn in action again…
Long overdue catch up tonight with my friend Colette. And on Fish Friday, it would be rude not to. I haven’t had fish cakes for ages. Forgotten how nice they were. These were bloody lush!
Dinner with a good friend is good for the soul as well as the stomach.
Arrived at Onley this evening with my charge all ready for tomorrow’s competition. I’ve driven a friend’s lorry and her horse up here for as she’s coming back from holiday tonight. It made a change driving a 7.5t lorry. The joys of being of a certain age is that my driving licence means I can drive it without the need for an extra test.
Now snuggled up in the lorry for the night.
I saw this quote today and it made me smile. I’m definitely an outdoor girl. After being ‘grounded’ yesterday, today it was lovely to be out and about again.
Dropped The Comedy Car off at the garage. Picked up The Buddymobile instead. Grateful that I have alternative transport – even if it’s a bit more of a challenge to park.
After meetings and cracking through my to-do list, I sat on the conservatory steps to drink my coffee. There was some warmth in the sun but the wind had some bite to it still. It filled my soul, that’s for sure.
I headed to the yard to meet a friend and her two daughters. They wanted to see Buddy. They helped me poo-pick his field (child labour at its finest). Gave him a lovely groom. Then came for a wander with us round the field. So lovely to be able to share my love of horses with them.
Took Buddy over to Brampton for a hack with Katie and Archie. I’ve taken Buddy over many times before, but not for just a hack. It was fun to ride out somewhere new. Buddy was a little confused as we rode past the arena. And then past the arena at Oxnead. Another place he’s been before for lessons.
We chatted the whole way round. And then had a lovely coffee afterwards. We’re both rather partial to a coffee. In fact it was part of the invite. I’m a cheap date it seems.
I headed down to Suffolk today to meet up with a friend. We went out to a local pub for lunch and I made the fateful mistake of ordering Fish & Chips. When will I learn that this is usually code for ‘Small Whale & Chips’.
It was bloody good though. And so was the company.
Today Buddy and I rode out with Jan and Sam. They’re celebrating their centenary this year, how cool is that?! Jan is 70 and Sam is 30.
Talk about life goals. I hope Buddy and I are going strong at 100. We’re not doing too bad for 66!!
I’m back home after a full on two days at St George’s Park. It’s been so much fun. I’m one of those special people who loves running around like an idiot making sure everything goes smoothly.
It was a great venue too. You can’t help but feel inspired when you’re surrounded by images of legends and so much memorabilia and trophies.
I left Burton-on-Trent later than I’d planned with another Burton on my mind. Today was the funeral of a friend’s partner, Steve Burton. Steve was a lovely bloke so I wanted to be there to show my respect. And support a family who’ve been a great support to me over the years.
What a treat for a Thursday night. A curry and a catch up.
I actually tried something different too. I say I’m going to but when it comes to ordering the words ‘chicken tikka bhuna’ comes out of my mouth.
Not tonight. Tonight I had chicken shashlak. And it was bloody lovely!!
Oh my goodness what an incredible day!! I got to walk in the London New Year’s Day Parade as supporter for my friend Sam and her amazing Haffy Halo!
It was worth the 4:15am alarm call. The Buddymobile made good time to Hyde Park ready for the parade briefing. After a leg stretch through Green Park for Halo, it was time to get Sam into her stunning costume.
Then we headed to the start of the parade. The crowds cheered and waved. And I’ve never said ‘Happy New Year’ so many times!
The atmosphere was electric. I couldn’t get over how well-behaved the horses were.
After we’d finished the parade, we headed to Horseguards Parade for a photo. Then up The Mall to have more photos outside Buckingham Palace. What an honour!
Definitely a special way to start 2023. Lots of memories made today, that’s for sure!!
We will all sleep well tonight….
Tales, Tails and Talus 