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.

Groom

Headed to the Suffolk Show bright and early today with Vic and Ernie. Well maybe not bright but definitely early. We were just about to leave when I realised I was wearing jeans. Not appropriate groom’s wear. See, not so bright. Not sure where my head was this morning. Too busy trying making sure I remembered my hat. Grateful I live so close to the yard as I was able to whizz home to pick up some more appropriate trousers.

A broken down bus meant a detour round the country lanes. We met a Good Samaritan who came to our rescue and told us to follow her. Which we duly did. Poor Ernie was bouncing around in the trailer down some rather narrow tracks.

Still we arrived in good time. Just as the heaven’s opened. Luckily it was a passing shower. Before we knew it, it was show time! It was all going on! It was rammed by the ring. Not seen that many people at the show for many a year. There was a motorbike display going on in the main ring. That was really loud. The ring was buzzing with music, people, children, dogs and a tannoy going on. Quite the challenge.

Still Vic and Ernie held it together and came away with second place. Very proud of my charges today.

Once we got back, I took Buddy for his constitutional. Before walking home. Cause I hadn’t walked enough today. My step count will be high today! Think we will all sleep well tonight.

Plait it up

Well that’s another Royal Norfolk Show done. It’s such a wonderful show. I really loved being back there. So much to see and do.

Sad that some classes didn’t have the entries of previous years. But those who did make the effort, looked great. And it’s made me want to take Buddy next year.

Today it was all about Hunters and Riding Horses for me. Another long day as we ended up staying for the Supreme.

Good job I can run on horse hair and show shine. And I’ve found a new favourite product for plaiting. It’s called plait it up. And boy does it! Love it when something actually works. Ernie’s plaits stayed in all day.

Banded

First day at the Norfolk done. And it was a long one. Arrived at the Showground before 7am and left after 4pm.

Was lovely to be back though. Caught up with so many people today. It was lovely. It was also lovely seeing everyone enjoying a cracking day out. And being with their horses.

Made me sad that I didn’t enter Buddy. I have so many happy memories of being there. Guess we’ll just have to go next year!

Today I was more of a spectator and cheerleader. Tomorrow I’m there to groom. Thankfully it’s a later start. Till tomorrow…

Rusty groom

The last time I was at the Suffolk Show, back in 2019, Buddy and I graced the ring. Today I donned my groom’s hat and grabbed the basket.

This was my charge – the most adorable Ernie. Though I wasn’t loving the early start. 5:30am is definitely not my best time of the day. And who decided that 7:30am was a good time to have a showing class?!

Still they were ready for the ring in good time. And learnt a lot from the experience. I have to admit, I was a little ring rusty. It’s been a while since I groomed at a County Show. Thank god for muscle memory. It really does come back to you.

Maybe next year, I need to bring Buddy out of showing semi-retirement and join the pony party…

Stressage

Fear not good people, Buddy and I haven’t entered the boards. But I did get to watch some dressage today. It was fun being at a horse thing, without doing the horse thing.

Great catching up with some lovely people. And being extra groom and videographer. Saw this quote on the toilet wall and it made me smile. It’s rather apt too.

It might be time for me to dust off Buddy’s dancing shoes as well. Kinda felt a bit inspired watching it today. Of course, that may pass…

Frillies

Popped over to Blackwater to catch up with the campers at T&N Equestrian’s camp. It was great catching up with everyone. It really got me in the camp vibe. Two more sleeps till Buddy and I head off to camp ourselves.

There were Dressage RC Area Qualifiers over there too so I caught up with even more people. Ended up grooming for a friend.

And collected two of the three rosettes I won last weekend at the SJ RC Area Qualifiers. I’ve had time to reflect on it more. To go to our first SJ RC Area Qualifiers and come back with three rosettes is pretty good going.

And we’ve qualified for the Championship in September too. Maybe we’re not that bad after all.

Pony cuddles

After a long day working, I popped to see Buddy for a quick cuddle. Even though he was more interested in his hay, he gave me a good sniff and lots of nuzzles.

He loves to groom my hair. So I brushed his mane in return. It’s such a special moment.

Show time

It’s been a long time since I was in the show ring. 2 years probably. It was good to have the smell of showshine in my nostrils again. To cheer my charges on. And bask in their performances.

It was the Norfolk Equestrian Show. Felt a bit odd being back at the show ground. It felt tiny without all the hustle and bustle of the normal show. Still it was lovely to be back with the horses.

I borrowed a hat for my grooming duties. I may look like a Victorian Orphan, but I think it really suits me. The owner did too, so she gave it to me. Great day out!