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!
Buddy was a very happy little boy today. He’s moved to a different field and there’s lots of lovely long grass for him to graze on. He was so happy that he barely registered it when I drove past and said hello.
I love this field. It’s got the most amazing view towards Norwich. The sun sets behind it. So I’ve seen a few stunning sunsets. I miss sunsets. Please can we have them back? I’m done with grey clouds and rain. We’re not even getting the joy of a rainbow to balance out the drizzle.
It’s true what they say, you can’t control the weather. Whoever’s got the sunshine, I hope you’re enjoying.
I had the honour of jumping Irish today. Oh my goodness, what a dude. I’ve known him a few years and have always wanted to ride him. So when I got the chance, I eagerly agreed.
He’s an ISH like Buddy. But very different. We had a couple of steering issues. Mostly me forgetting that he’s not Buddy, so doesn’t turn on a sixpence.
Boy did it feel good to be jumping again. It’s true what they say that you don’t realise how much you miss something till you do it again.
Buddy and I will be back to it soon enough. In the meantime, I’m so grateful that people trust me with their horses. Thank you Kim, it means so much.
As if that wasn’t enough horsey excitement, this afternoon I headed over to have foal cuddles with Poppy. She’s a proper sassy pants. Absolutely stunning in the flesh. I’d seen photos of her, but they don’t do her justice. She is going to be a star in the show ring.
What a lovely horsey day indeed! I need a lie down after all the excitement. Oh wait, I’m about to watch England.
Today was a very big milestone in Buddy’s rehab. We headed back to the vets for his 8 week scan of his injured ligament. He was most perturbed at not going out to his field, but having to get on the lorry. Soon all was forgotten when he was given haylage by the vet nurse while he waited for the vet.
Soon he was off to be sedated for the scan. I sat like a nervous parent waiting for news. After what seemed like an age, the vet appeared with a big smile!
It’s REALLY good news. His injury is healing well. Still a long way to go before we’re back to ‘normal’. Definitely heading in the right direction though.
We can slowly increase amount of trot. And in 6 weeks time, test the canter (cause he definitely hasn’t been cantering in his field!!).
Buddy is going to have to channel his pole dancer as we can soon include those in his rehab. Buddy tends to view them (and small jumps) as a trip hazard. So that’s going to be fun! Who knows, he might get the hang of them after a few weeks…
We have to go back in another 8 weeks for another check up. Everything crossed that he gets another smile then.
I shed happy tears on the way back. I’ve been following the plan set out for us. I’ve been patient and taking it slowly. Seems I’m pretty good at rehabbing a horse as well as myself. He’s worth taking the time to get him right.
Another long day at the Showground. Another BRC Qualifier being run by Carleton Riding Club. This time Combined Training. Another day of stewarding – not only the dressage, but the showjumping too!
Thankfully the weather was kinder than yesterday. Good job too as my boots were still wet this morning. That wasn’t particularly pleasant. A bit like putting on a wet swimming costume. Only a few showers to contend with today.
We cracked through the dressage and even faster through the showjumping. Finishing early!!
This made me giggle when I’d finished. We talk about nature’s power, well this looked like the electric was coming from the tree. Got to witness nature’s true power when I got home as there was an almighty thunderstorm! So grateful that didn’t hit while I was standing in a big field!!
I ache from standing for two days, my face aches from smiling at everyone, but I’ve had a fantastic weekend. Volunteering, supporting and being part of equestrian events really does make me feel good about myself. I love helping. I love riding more, so fingers crossed we’ll be back to that too. And I’m sure my boots will dry out at some stage…
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well this one doesn’t tell half the story. It looks lovely, right?! Nice fluffy clouds. Bit of sunshine. Perfect for a spot of dressage. This was after the BRC Dressage Qualifier had finished…
What the day had ACTUALLY been like was torrential downpours. It could have been renamed to ‘dancing seahorses’.
I was there to steward as Carleton RC were hosting. We all know how much I love a clipboard and some hi-viz, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn’t check the weather and didn’t get my layering right. Very grateful for the full length rain coat I was lent to keep me dry at least.
And can’t be said for my running orders that were so wet, they all stuck together. That made it rather challenging to work out who was meant to be where.
Four arenas is a lot to steward so I felt a bit chaotic at times. Luckily there was a dry running order to hand. With the use of a clear plastic lid and a bit of creativity, we got through everyone with military precision.
I left the Showground looking forward to a hot shower and a relaxing evening. Oh wait, I watched the England match. Great result, but my god, we like to do it the hard way…
It was an exciting post day today. And a bittersweet one. The wristbands and lorry passes arrived for the BRC ‘Team of 3’ Carleton Riding Club have entered at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead.
I’m excited for those who are competing there for the first time. I’m excited for those returning. I’m excited that our Riding Club gets to be there again this year. I’m sad that Buddy and I won’t be a part of it. Achieving that dream was so last year. I can’t remember if I mentioned it?!?!
I am the Team Manager for the four teams we have entered. So I have played a tiny part in it. I’m hoping to be there as well to cheer them all on. Hickstead will always be a special place for me. It’s a wonderful place and RI is a wonderful show.
Here we have Buddy sporting this Summer’s look – hay and more hay! It’s not just a good look, it’s snacks for later.
Being the oversized Labrador that he is, Buddy definitely loves his food. It’s the best way to keep him occupied too. And boy did he need it today. First he had new shoes. Then Auntie Jess came to give him the once over and some laser treatment to help his recovery.
Poor boy was starved by the time the laser came out. He was practically wasting away. Lucky for him, it was best to distract him. So he was a very happy boy to get his hay.
Having a food-oriented horse comes in handy sometimes…
I’ve been using Equilab to track Buddy’s rehab. It’s amazing how hard it is to time yourself. Especially in trot. It’s also amazing how accurate it is!
I’ve been building the trot up slowly. First few times I was worried I was doing too much – till I checked and I’d barely done a minute. Of course it did record a few seconds of canter when Buddy spooked at something. Let’s keep that bit between us huh?!
Today it recorded Buddy’s antics as he decided he didn’t want to leave his friends and go for a hack in the rain. Mr Nappy Pants was back in full force today! Sadly, it’s not accurate enough to track his moonwalking back down the lane.
We’re booked in on 8 July to have his leg rescanned. Let’s hope his dance moves haven’t put us back. Let’s also hope that Mr Nappy Pants does one too. At least I know how to deal with him…
I saw this and it kind of sums up my week, not just my day. I’ve done lots of things this week that have made someone’s day just a little bit better.
It’s amazing how simple things can make a big difference. I helped a friend move. I took another friend’s horse to the vets. I went with her to collect said horse. I made people feel seen and heard at the chiropractors. I listened to people in my life who needs to vent. I’ve been there for others.
Two exciting things happened today. This was one of them. It’s by far the best thing I’ve found for pulling ragwort and weeds. It can be a quite onerous job. But this makes it so much fun! I think I was having too much fun. Buddy was very interested and followed me round the field.
Definitely didn’t fire the ragwort into the barrow like I was loading a shotgun. Almost certainly didn’t do my own sound effects. And my horse most definitely didn’t canter round his field…
Might have got a bit carried away when I got home too. Let’s just say my ‘lawn’ looks more like Swiss cheese after my efforts.
Is it a measure of how dull my life is that this makes me very happy?! Good job I can laugh at myself.
The other exciting thing that happened was that I trotted Buddy under saddle for the first time. Just to see how he felt. He was a bit tense for the first few strides – as was I! We both soon relaxed into it. Now I know he’s feeling more level again, I can slowly increase it. Slow and steady wins the race!
Tales, Tails and Talus 