Aesthetic

An early start for me as I needed to be at Easton College for 7am this morning. It was Carleton Riding Club’s show. After a morning on the laptop scoring dressage tests, it was time to set the course for the afternoon jumping. Much more fun than wrestling an excel spreadsheet.

The practise jumps has mismatched poles. This bothered me as it’s not a great aesthetic. Grateful that my friends know me and understand my desire for co-ordination. The poles were soon matched up, making me smile.

It’s a good job I’m not a demanding diva or anything…. I think they still love me after making them change them.

It was another great show. I love being part of such a supportive, friendly club.

Keep walking

Today we reached the first milestone in Buddy’s rehab. We completed four weeks of walk. I can now start introducing a little bit of trot. Going to take it really slowly though. We’ve got four more weeks before he has to be rescanned to check how his injury is healing.

To celebrate, we went onto the grass track for the first time. Wasn’t sure how he was going to be. Buddy was more interested in eating the long grass.

So far he’s been quite the model patient. Fingers crossed he remains the same throughout his recovery.

Heals your soul

I saw this quote yesterday when I got back from camp. It totally resonated. My horsey family includes so many people that I don’t see regularly. But when I do it’s wonderful.

Got to catch up with a few more today. In between loads of washing. Camp not Buddy does mean I have less washing to do. Still seems like a lot though.

Totally worth it for the lessons learnt, laughs had and memories made.

Zigzag

Well that’s another camp done and dusted. It’s been great being away – even if I was a tad envious of everyone. I think I’m more shattered being a camp helper than I’ve ever been as a camp rider!! I have a new found respect for the instructors.

I clocked up an average of 5 miles each day. And I barely left the arena! As soon as one group finished, the next were in and ready to get going. It was a marathon each day. Never picked up so many poos. Or moved so many poles and jumps. I certainly got a workout.

It was very emotional at times watching the riders’ improvements over the lessons. Seeing riders overcome their personal demons and achieve things they didn’t think they could.

And it wasn’t just the riders. The horses grew in confidence. So wonderful to see them smiling as much as the riders.

As much as I want to get back there with Buddy. I know I can’t rush his rehab. We will be back, better than before I have no doubt about that.

It was great catching up with everyone. Some I’ve known a long time. Others I’ve just met. All bonded by the shared experience and memories made. Till next time…

Candles and cakes

Day 2 of camp done. Many more poles and poos done. Massive improvements from so many riders. It was a pleasure to watch.

You really do get a different perspective from the ground. I’m finding it fascinating. I’m also getting just how much I’ve learned over the years. Well you’d like to think so after the hundreds of lessons I’ve had something’s would sink in.

Got to walk off another horse today after his lessons. The beast that is Bruno. He’s massive! But such a sweet boy.

We spent our last evening in a gazebo chatting the night away and eating cake. There are no calories at camp! The camp onesie was much needed tonight. As were the candles. They do make you feel a bit warmer. I know it’s psychological.

Poos & poles

First day of camp done. I was on poos and poles duty. So lovely watching everyone progress throughout the day. Seeing confidence boosted by great instructors.

I did have a couple of moments where I wished it had been us. Especially when the jumps went up. It will be before I know it.

I did get to put my bum in a saddle as I took Archie for a little hack to cool him off after his lesson. He’s such a dude!

Luxury

I’ve arrived at Forest Edge for camp. This will be camp not Buddy. I decided to come solo and be a helper instead. The advantage to not coming with Buddy or in the Buddymobile is that I get to sleep in luxury as I’m sharing a friend’s motorhome.

Very grateful for heating and a proper bed as the temperature has dropped. Honestly, it’s June! Not sure I’ve brought enough warm clothes…

If all else fails, I will be supporting everyone from the warmth of the cafe. It’ll be rather different. But looking forward learning lots.

Archie

Another day and another set of ears. I am a very lucky girl indeed to get the chance to ride so many different horses.

Each one makes me smile in their own way. They’re all very different. Today I got to jump Archie. He was a total dreamboat.

Reminds me that not only am I good rider. I am a confident rider too. Having only sat on him once very briefly, today I got on and popped him round a few jumps.

Took me a few jumps to work him out. And him me. I haven’t jumped a different horse for a while so I’m rather used to Buddy. Once we worked each other out, it felt so good to be jumping again.

It wasn’t that long ago that my confidence was shattered. It’s been a long road to getting back to me. I’m sure there are many silver linings to Buddy being off games. This is definitely one.

Special lady

This afternoon I had the honour of riding a very special horse. One I’ve known for a number of years but have never ridden before. So when I was offered the chance, I wasn’t passing it up.

That and it meant I got to catch up with a good friend too. It’s wonderful that people trust me with their horses. Carla and I chatted the whole way round. It was lovely to ride somewhere else too. We clearly need to catch up more regularly as we talked for another 4 hours!!

Missy was a total poppet. I understand why Martine adored her. And how special she really is. It’s clear that Carla has the same love for her. So made it even more special to be able to take her out.

More ears

Today has been a lovely horsey day. Made even more lovely by the fact the sun shone!

I started the day judging the show jumping for John Lake Riding Club. It was lovely to see so many competitors having fun in the sun. They start at x-poles. So lots of classes to judge.

We know I love the commentary bit, but I’ve found I love the judging bit too. So I’ve applied to do the BS Judge Training. As much as I love jumping. And can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. There will come a day when I can’t or don’t want to. So paying it forward if that makes sense. Horses are my thing. I want to still be involved if I can.

Once back home, I was lucky to ride two horses. Took Buddy out for his 15 mins of walk. Then took Ernie out for a longer ride. At this point, I could make a joke about the fastest milkman. But I really would be showing my age…