Wonderment

Well it’s the first day of 2025 and to be honest it’s been a pretty nothing day. I really wasn’t feeling the whole NYE thang, so I was in bed by 10:30pm.

Of course, I was woken up by the fireworks at midnight. That and the howling winds. Why would people want to let off fireworks when it’s so stormy?! Seems a bit of a waste but there you go.

The storm continued today. With the added bonus of hail as I was mucking out. Bert was doing his best Dumbo impression with his ears flapping in the wind. Not sure he was that enamoured with walking in the driving rain.

He did throughly enjoy his hot shower when he got home. As did I. Not together, I’d like to point out.

We had a pretty chilled one. Rounded off with the Christmas tradition that is World’s Strongest Man. Well I didn’t attempt the annual ‘Christmas tree’ carry, so might as well watch the professionals. It’s the little things…

Thunderclouds

I wasn’t expecting two thunderstorms today. None of my four weather apps mentioned that! As a good equestrian, I have multiple to try and stand a fighting chance. They usually all say something different. But they failed to mention thunder, lightening and hail.

Thankfully I dodged the first one. I watched it roll over from the safety of the conservatory. But the second one hit while I was mucking out. The hail caused a few issues. Several wide eyed horses and rather disorientated swallow fledgling. Poor thing got stuck in the worst of it, clinging to a door hinge. I kept a good eye on it and as soon as I could I rush to its aid. Wafting a poop skip to encourage it to fly off. As you do!

It soon found a parent and flew off. I felt like I did a good deed.

Complaint

Pretty stunning huh?! A beautiful calm sunny day you say? Not for my jumping lesson. I had high winds, rain and hail.

You know the type of weather where you have to laugh as you’re question your life choices. Where you’re coming into a jump eyes closed in the rain praying one of you can see it.

Thankfully Buddy was on great form. He locked onto every jump. Lewis brought a couple of his jumps over for us to have a play with. Buddy ate them up.

He had us working on straightness and curving lines. It wasn’t long ago that Buddy would have had a meltdown at such technical tracks. Now he’s taking me into the jumps. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Typically the wind dropped and the sun came out after we finished. I did put in a complaint that I got the more challenging weather. I guess it was typical eventing weather. Time to break out the body protector and get back to it.

Super pleased with my little boy today.

Cloud busting

Buddy and I got trapped today. I was planning on taking him out for a hack. But as I was tacking up, the heavens opened and it threw it down!!

And not just rain, hail stones, thunder and lightening. A proper Summer storm. It was so heavy, I didn’t want to leave his stable. In fact I could barely see the other side of the stable yard. Eventually it eased enough for us to make a break to the indoor arena.

As you can tell Buddy was thrilled by it all.

Four seasons

It was definitely four seasons in one day today. And no I’m not talking about the pizza or the hotel. Woke up to a dusting of snow. Then had sunshine, hail, snow, sleet and high winds! Sometimes all at the same time!

This was what Dodo thought of it. He and Hugo didn’t leave the house all day. Can’t say I blame them. I kept thinking that I would brave it to the yard when the sun shone, but 5 mins later it was snowing / hailing / sleeting.

Bizarre when last week I got sunburnt…

Hail Buddy

I’m coming out of my malaise. Rover, my ‘black dog’, is heading back to the shadows once more. I’m processing more layers of my onion. Things I thought I’d resolved, clearly need more investigation. It’s exhausting so I’ve been really kind to myself today.

Thought I’d take Buddy out for a hack to clear my head. The weather had other ideas as we got trapped in his stable due to a hailstorm. So we headed to the indoor school instead.

Thank you so much for the messages, comments and love you’ve sent me. It helps more than you know to know I’m loved and supported.

Storm Eunice

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent most of the day watching the weather change. It’s been howling most of it. In between sunshine, rain, hail and black skies.

My little house has been creaking. The conservatory sounded like it was going to take off at one point. Thankfully it’s all still standing so far.

After Storm Dudley yesterday, Storm Eunice was much fiercer. They sound like an old couple who’ve had a tiff! Dudley gave his best, but my god Eunice has had the last word!

Hope you’re all safe.

Bluebells

Well today felt like we’d gone back to winter! It’s been torrential rain, hail and very cold. Rather fortunate to time it right and be able to hack in the sunshine.

The rain has meant that the bluebells in my front garden have exploded! I do love bluebells.

Hail Dodo

This is the face of a cat who’s been woken up by the hail on the conservatory roof. I was listening to some online training, had to stop it as I couldn’t hear it over the noise. All 3 cats weren’t impressed!

It’s been one of those days where we’ve had 4 seasons in one day. From glorious sunshine to sleet, with rain and hail mixed in for good measure.

My garden day turned into a house day instead. Ticked lots off the list, so can’t complain. Happy Sunday everyone.