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!
First hack of 2024 for Buddy and me. And the first time I’ve ridden for over 2 weeks. It felt so good to be back in the saddle. If a little weird to start off with.
We went for a lovely wander round the village with Carla and Missy. Now Missy and Buddy are firm friends. They’re so relaxed in each other’s company. Carla and I chatted the whole way round too.
Got to ride in my new Equidry coat as well. My gosh, it’s so comfy. I was very impressed indeed.
Back home after a lovely Christmas in Suffolk. Simon and Harry always make me feel so welcomed. It really is my home away from home. And they’re family for sure!
I was welcomed home by my family. The kittens haven’t left me since I got back. Maybe they missed me. Or maybe it was cause I came home with cat food.
Buddy was pleased to see me too. Maybe he missed me. Or maybe it was cause I came home with haylage.
You draw your own conclusions…
This evening I met up with 3 former work colleagues for dinner. Even though we haven’t worked together for nearly 4 years, we still have so much to discuss.
I now have a full belly and a full soul.
These beautiful blooms were delivered today. From the friend I met for coffee yesterday. She wanted to bring some more joy to my life as she knew I was having a tough time. Made me cry when they arrived.
I feel very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Who check in on me. Who put an arm round me. Who left me cry on them. Who give me a hug. Who make me smile. Who make me laugh. Who make me feel seen. Who love me.
It was our riding club AGM tonight. My first time as a Committee member.
I had the honour of presenting the Martine Holden trophy. It was bought by her family to honour her. I managed to get through the presentation without crying.
The same couldn’t be said when I presented the Horse of the Year trophy to her mare Missy. The tears were flowing then. It’s been an emotional week!
Of course, Buddy is always my horse of the year. And he’s going to be very happy to see this bag of treats I was given.
This was the scene that greeted me when I arrived at the yard. Not sure where Buddy was aiming?!
Took Buddy over to meet Katie and Archie at Blickling. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together. There was a lot to catch up on. It was very busy there today. Guess that’s cause it was such a lovely sunny morning. Still we managed to have a lovely wander about.
One comedic moment when Archie stopped for a pee. My god, it lasted forever! We were both laughing as it didn’t stop! Not to be outdone, Buddy decided to join in too. Cue more giggling from us. They also picked a spot in full view of the walkers. After an age, they both finished.
We were giggling about bodily fluids. And yes, we both needed to go when we got back to the lorries. You’ll be pleased to know, we were much more discrete about our ablutions.
Back home after an amazing weekend at HOYS. So honoured to be invited to join my friends Simon and Harry on their first HOYS adventure.
HOYS is the premier UK horseshow, so no wristband so for us. Oh now, we had wristlets. And two at that!!
It was surreal watching my friend ride around the International Arena. Somewhere that felt so familiar even though I’d never been before.
Reggie was a delight to look after. He’s such a sweet boy. But no-one tell Buddy that I’ve been with another horse (or two hundred). He’s still my favourite of course. Though there were a few showjumpers I’d have liked to sneak in the lorry.
I’ve walked a marathon in the past 48 hours. Literally! I ache all over, I am beyond shattered and I feel like I could sleep for a year. It was such an incredible experience and one that I will treasure.
Greetings from North Wales! Guess who thought it would be good idea to drive here on a Bank Holiday weekend?! 7 hours it took me! So many hold up. Still I got to catch up with a few people on my travels. Lovely to chat to so many people. And listened to a few podcasts.
On arrival, I was greeting with lots of puppy kisses. Well after I’d unfurled myself from The Comedy Car. It’s not the most comfortable on a long journey. Lily was very pleased to see me. As were the rest of the Birkett’s.
Back home after a lovely flying visit to Suffolk to catch up with Simon and Harry. And Bailey of course. He does love his Auntie Pip. I got to meet their new puppy too. My goodness, he’s a bundle of energy and fluff!
It’s always good for my soul to go and spend time with them all. We had a BBQ feast for dinner. So I can home feeling refreshed, refuelled and ready to go again.
I’m very lucky to have such special people in my life.
Impromptu road trip over to Brampton to meet up with Katie and Tash for an afternoon hack.
It was one of my favourite kind of afternoons – catching up with friends, being outdoors and time with Buddy. 3 things that always put a smile on my face.
Tales, Tails and Talus 