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!
Bert met the girls today. They’re two of the lovely dogs that I housesit for. It’s really good for him to start meeting other friendly dogs. Blimey he looked tiny compare to them. Even Flip who’s not the biggest. They were very sweet with him.
Afterwards, their owner, Jan and I popped to the garden centre while Bert had a nap. She secretly bought this sign for me. I was given a similar one for the cats many years ago. So seems guests will now have to be approved by us all!
The trio became a duo today. We’d arranged to do another arena hire this afternoon, but Sam was poorly. So Carla and I went together as a duo.
After a lovely session we walked the horses off round the tracks. It was a tad warmer than last time as the strange orange thing in the sky had returned. Not complaining! We were careful not to scare it off…
Headed over to Mousehold Farm for an arena hire today. Met up with these lovely ladies (and their ponies) for a pony play date.
The wind had some bite to it! I was a tad chilly when we’d finished. Clearly not working hard enough. 
It was lovely to pop Buddy over some jumps too. I feel like he’s had to take a bit of a backseat in the past few months. So it felt good to be doing something fun together.
On my way back from my Dad’s, I stopped at Elveden to catch up with some of my camp friends for lunch. Going to camps with Buddy have been some of my favourite times over the years. They’re time away from the chaos of my life. Time with like-minded people, great instructors and of course my best camp Buddy.
I love this photo of us. It’s one of those natural ones where I had no idea I was being snapped. It sums up camp to me. Lots of smiles, laughs and love.
I’ve made so many friends at camp. I love catching up with them. After a few very emotional days, it was just what I needed. Lots of hugs, love, good food and even better company…
Well my cup runneth over this weekend. My Riding Club family have given me such a boost. So did Buddy.
It’s been a fab weekend. I’m still beaming from yesterday’s clinic. Being able to get back out jumping definitely filled me with joy.
Last night, I had a lovely dinner with Nicola Wilson, Simon Grieve and most of the Carleton Committee. It was great to catch up with them. So many laughs over great food. Very much needed.
Today, I was driver and support crew, heading to Wakefield Stud for Nicola’s second clinic of the weekend.
There are times when organising clinics like this seem a very daunting and thankless task. Seeing the smiling faces over this weekend, makes it worth it. Very proud to have played a tiny part in it all.
I know that this week is going to be tough as I head back down South for my Mum’s funeral. This weekend brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and more memories for the archives.
Today has been about poles and puppies. Started the day taking Buddy to a pole clinic. He was exceptional. Well for Buddy and Poles! Think we were both a bit excited at being back out doing stuff.
And I suspect he was waiting for the poles to turn into jumps. Sadly he was out of luck there. Still lots of positives to take away.
This afternoon I headed down to Simon & Harry’s for a long overdue catch up. It’s been far too long since I visited them. Definitely got a very warm welcome.
I got to have cuddles with their puppies too. Oh my day, talk about scrumminess!! I’ve known almost all their dogs since they were puppies. So fitting that I got to meet these squigglings. They all have lovely homes lined up. Some people are going to be very lucky indeed.
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…
After mucking out 3 horses this morning (and sweating about 3 gallons), I headed over to Forest Edge to catch up with the campers there. And a lot more sweating for good measure.
There were road closures so I ended up on a magical mystery tour of Swaffham. I saw bits I have no idea were there!
Finally arrived, very hot and bothered, so it was lovely to see so many friendly faces. Lots asked how Buddy was doing. It was sweet to hear that we’ve been missed.
It was sweltering over there, so part of me was glad I wasn’t riding. Of course, the much bigger part wished I was.
As I drove home, I reflected on how lost I would be without the horsey people in my life. I’ve made so many friends as a result. Friends that have become family. Friends that I can’t imagine life without.
Very grateful indeed to my horsey family. Buddy and I will be there for the final camp of the year. So watch out campers, we’ll be back!
I saw this and it kind of sums up my week, not just my day. I’ve done lots of things this week that have made someone’s day just a little bit better.
It’s amazing how simple things can make a big difference. I helped a friend move. I took another friend’s horse to the vets. I went with her to collect said horse. I made people feel seen and heard at the chiropractors. I listened to people in my life who needs to vent. I’ve been there for others.
It’s been a good week. I will sleep well tonight.
I saw this quote yesterday when I got back from camp. It totally resonated. My horsey family includes so many people that I don’t see regularly. But when I do it’s wonderful.
Got to catch up with a few more today. In between loads of washing. Camp not Buddy does mean I have less washing to do. Still seems like a lot though.
Totally worth it for the lessons learnt, laughs had and memories made.
Tales, Tails and Talus 