Very happy camper

Back home after another brilliant training camp. 3 nights away, 6 brilliant lessons, 2 great instructors, many wonderful friends, countless laughs and 2 very tired campers.

Well I definitely am. You’d like to think Buddy was too.

Today we finished off our lessons with more course jumping with jumps on angles. And a flat work lesson with no stirrups and counter-canter. It’s a wonder I could drive home!!

It was also a camp tinged with sadness as it could be the last camp for some wonderful horses and inspirational people.

This was my motto of the camp. And by Jove, I did just that! I couldn’t have asked more from
Buddy. He tried his heart out for me. Even with my inept moments.

Thank you to everyone who made it such a special few days.

Less than a month till we’re back there for BIG camp. Eeek!! Best get the washing on….

Around the sun

Tomorrow I turn 53. I’ve packed a lot into the latest spin around the sun. I’ve done things I never thought I would. I’ve created a successful business. I’ve made more memories. There have been disappointments and drama too.

I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. To be a kind, caring and loving person. To help others where I can. To make a life that I’m proud of. And be a person to be proud of too!

I think I’ve done that. And will continue to do so. One thing’s for sure, I’m nowhere near done!

I spotted this beautiful iris today. It made me smile. As did the people I saw today. Thank you for helping me start my birthday celebrations.

Here’s to another year…

Ease in gently

We’ve arrived at Forest Edge for the first camp of 2023. I’m a little giddy about it. Buddy was more understated.

Boys all settled ready for our first lessons tomorrow. We took them for a lovely hack round the forest to ease them in gently. I asked a walker if she’d take our photo. I didn’t realise she was on the phone. Made us giggle as she told whoever she was talking to that she was taking a photo for some ladies on horses. I guess for many people, it’s not an every day occurrence.

Now snuggled up in the Buddymobile, full of pizza and looking forward to tomorrow.

Blathering

Fab day at Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials. Bumped into so many people, it was lovely catching up with everyone.

Made some new friends too. One of those random moments where you get chatting to someone at a fence. Next thing you know you’ve spent several hours chatting. Then they pop home and bring a bottle of wine to share with everyone.

The eventing at inspiring too. So many top riders to geek over. And top horses to dribble over. I came away rather rosey cheeked (sunburn not the wine), very inspired and with a new show jacket. We will definitely look the part if nothing else.

Today has been a very good day.

Woofed

I got well and truly woofed this weekend. Simon and Harry’s dogs do love their Auntie Pip. And I love them all too.

Banys has grown so much since I saw him at Christmas. He’s grown into such a cuddle monster too.

Another wonderful weekend in Suffolk. Till next time.

Chicken dinner

Another full on day for me. Early start too with a jumping lesson at 8:15am. Not sure either us were at our best but we came, we jumped and we learned.

Then a speedy turnout to get down to Simon and Harry’s for a long overdue catch up. Anyone would think we were having chicken for dinner… Thankfully there was lots left for us.

Sunday brunch

Headed off early to meet up with two of my camp friends for a hack round Blickling. We took a different route and were out for two hours! I could have kept going. It was so lovely. We chatted all the way round.

It seemed lots of people had the same idea as the car park was rammed. Two people had parked so close to the Buddymobile, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get out. Thankfully they came back as I was putting Buddy away so I didn’t have to do a 97 point turn.

Honestly, some people have no common sense. My lorry isn’t huge but I do need more than a couple of feet end. I wish I’d taken a photo of it. It really beggered belief. Still no harm done and it didn’t spoil a lovely morning.

Sunday stroll

What a lovely way to start the day. A Sunday stroll round Blickling with Katie and Archie.

Buddy and Archie are so cute together. This morning when I went to get Buddy in, I told him we were going to see Archie and he came trotting over.

It was rather busy on the estate. But I guess it’s the nicest Sunday we’ve had for a while. So many people wanted to say hello to the boys too. Can’t believe we both bumped into people we knew.

Got home to watch Brighton v Liverpool in the FA Cup. Managed to avoid the result. I’m so glad I got to watch it without knowing Brighton had won! So all in all a pretty fab Sunday. And a very good one for this Sussex girl!

Pony pats

I’m not sure where today has gone if I’m honest. It’s been a blur! I kind of love a day like that. One where you get to catch up with friends, work and ticking things off my ever growing to-do lists.

Buddy was super cuddly today. He spent a long time grooming me as I groomed him. He’s such an affectionate little boy.

Frozen

I know I sound like a broken record, but my goodness it was cold today. I had to scrape ice off the inside of my car last night when I left the party. That was interesting sitting in the car park waiting till I could see enough to safely drive.

Today I headed back to WHW Snetterton to watch day 2 of lessons. The fields were frozen but the ponies were very happy munching on the hay.

It was lovely catching up with everyone. It was the same jump floor plan as Buddy and I did yesterday. It was really interesting to see how it rode from the ground.

The downside to being on the ground is that I got very cold (even with multiple layer).

It may have taken a while for my feet to thaw out but it was fun watching everyone.