Freaky Friday

This was the best way to finish a rather freaky Friday. A lovely ride round Blickling in the evening sunshine.

My day didn’t get off to the best of starts. I was halfway to the Chiro’s when I realised I’d left my coffee on the counter. I’m going to let you into a secret. Part of the reason I’m so positive is my first coffee of the day. Without it, I’m in a bit uncoordinated. Even more than normal!!

I popped to the shop en route and bought a jar. But the dye was cast. Managed to set the alarm off when I did arrive at work. Not totally my fault as one of the keys on the keypad wasn’t working. First time I’d set it off. And boy was it loud!!

After that, it was one thing after another. By the end of the shift, the chiro and I were both laughing at the goings on. I checked the date – definitely not Friday 13th.

Given the way the day had been going, I wasn’t sure if a trip out in the Buddymobile was wise. Thankfully, the gods were back side and it was wonderful. We haven’t been to Blicking for such a long time. It was lovely to be back. We’ll be back again soon.

Puzzle pieces

Buddy had a saddle fitting today. It was really interesting to see the difference in him since he’s been on rehab.

The last time he had his saddle checked was before his injury diagnosis. Then the back of his saddle needed attention. This time, his back has come up more and it was the front that needed adjusting.

Shows that the strengthening work I’ve been doing as part of his rehab is working. And all the treatments he’s been receiving.

Speaking of treatments, he also got a massage today. Again, the differences were marked. His muscles are so much softer and mailable.

I can’t help but wonder if these changes show just how much he was compensating for his injury. And if it was grumbling for a while before it really showed itself. Not beating myself up for that. Hindsight is 20/20
for a reason.

The good news is that he’s making great progesss. And I have more information and puzzle pieces. I know he will come back stronger than ever from this.

Mucky puppy

Look at the sheer pleasure on Buddy’s face. He was beyond happy to get recovery mash after his hack today. Well it was a tad warm today. He was such a good boy.

Recovery mash is a little bit like crack for horses. God knows what they put in it, but he goes mad for the stuff!

I’ve learned that I have to hold the bucket. Otherwise he has a tendency to spill it everywhere. He still managed to make a mess with it. And got a lot of it all over his face.

He’s a mucky puppy sometimes. Such a happy mucky puppy though.

Canter

This is the face of someone who just cantered her horse! Another massive milestone in Buddy’s rehab.

He’s given me a few strides before when we’ve been doing poles. But this was the first time I’d intentionally asked for it. And the first time since 23 April!!

I took him out for a 40 min hack first, to make sure he was definitely warmed up. Then took him in the school. Think he was a bit surprised at first that I was asking him to canter.

We didn’t go mad. Just tested both reins. Oh my goodness, it felt so good!

We’re coming back…

Dark waters

One of these horses overcame a fear tonight. He was a proper warrior. Frankie isn’t a fan of dark water. By dark water, I mean the run off from a steaming pile of manure. Tonight he crossed the river of poo juice. Buddy wasn’t phased at all, so he just walked straight over it.

This played to our advantage as Frankie was much more willing to give it a go seeing Buddy standing in the poo juice. My Equilab looked like Buddy was doing the Hokey Cokey going back and forward showing Frankie that it was safe.

Finally Frankie took the plunge and took the step to cross the river. And by river, it was a few feet across. We were all cheering him on! Credit where credit is due, he was really brave to overcome his fear.

Thankfully the rest of our ride was smooth sailing. It was a lovely way to end the week. Think we all needed a giggle tonight.

Insta v reality

Buddy and I definitely had an Insta v Reality moment on our ride today. The wind picked up just as I was trying to take a photo of him, so his mane was a tad wild. By the time we headed back, his mane was lying perfectly.

Which do you prefer?! Wild or tamed?

When we got back, I gave him a hose off and tidied his mane and tail. Tomorrow he might look like Last of the Mohicans. Who knows?!

Horsey people

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!

Cressida

I headed over to Great Hockham today to meet up with a friend for a ride in the forest. I was rather honoured to be offered the chance to ride her mare, Cressida.

Now I’m much more of a gelding girl. Mares and I haven’t always seen eye to eye.

She’s also a chestnut. And chestnut mares have a bit of a reputation for being rather fiesty. Dragon riding has been mentioned in the past.

I love the film ‘How to train your dragon’. I’ve watched it many times. So was hoping that would put me in good stead. I didn’t need any of it. Cressida was on her best behaviour. She was very lovely to ride indeed.

The irony is that it was also a Cressida who wrote the book the film is based on. Must have been a good omen.

Fashion fail

I was sent this photo of Buddy today. Not a clue how he ended up like that! It was definitely on both ears when I left him in his field earlier.

There must be something in the air today as the horse in the field next to him rolled while I was poo picking and ended up without her fly mask on. Maybe it’s a new fashion trend that I’m not aware of. Or maybe it’s just a fashion fail on Buddy’s part. Who knows?! He’s clearly not bothered by it. Funny boy.

Reverse curtains

It felt very good to be back behind these ears tonight. I’d love to say he was a wild beast after four days off. He could barely drag himself away from his hay.

He did have a sudden burst of energy when a deer startled in a wheat field and ran across the road. It was short lived though.

As we were walking back, I noticed that his forelock looked like it has been tucked behind his ears. Sort of reverse curtains. He didn’t seem bothered. Made me laugh though.