Chauffeur

Today I did a good thing. I took a friend and her horse over to Mousehold Farm so that they could have a lesson there. She doesn’t have transport, so I decided to pay it forward. I remember what it was like before I got transport.

I get a warm fuzzy feeling doing a good turn for people. That was about the only warm bit of me! It was blinking freezing! Honestly, I was wearing lots of layer. Felt like we’d either gone back to January.

It’s like Winter and Spring can’t decide who’s turn it is. Let’s hope Summer gets in on the act soon.

Not sure I’ve ever lit the twig burner in April before. At least I’m toasty now.

Not right

I’m back home after a wonderful camp. It wasn’t my best camp, but not my worst either. The weather was a bit of a challenge. Talk about sunshine and showers! And blooming cold!

Sadly Buddy isn’t right. Not sure what the issue is, so going to go through the MOT checklist for him. I’ll get to the bottom of it. Or top depending on where the issue is.

Still I got to watch most of the lessons. And we were able to take part but in walk only. Learnt so much though – even in walk. It’s not something I’ve spent much time working on before. I guess I’ve sort of assumed that a horse can walk. Some of the exercises really made my focus on my position and isolating my seat.

Today I learnt how to halt by clenching my bum. Buddy halted square EVERY TIME! Something I’ve really, really struggled with over the past 7 years with him. I swear it’s witchcraft.

Although this camp wasn’t the success I’d hoped for, it was still wonderful being away. It’s always a joy spending time with likeminded people. And of course my Buddy Boy.

Next camp is booked for June. So I need to get Buddy sound and my lorry water tight. It’s good to have a deadline. Wish me luck!

Porker

One of the glorious things about camp is that I get fed three times a day! This isn’t common place in my world. I know people find it weird that I can forget to eat. But I honestly do!

Seems I make up for it at camp when I practically inhale food! Same can be said for Buddy. He’s loving stuffing his face with haylage.

Good job we’re burning a few calories too. Thought today I shivered a lot off! I was very cold last night. I’ve got an extra duvet for tonight. Today the temperature dropped while I was watching lessons. I had to break out the woolly hat!!

Good job I packed for every eventuality. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. And all that!

Made it

Well I wasn’t sure if we would get here, but we did. We’re all set for our first training camp of 2024. After the Buddymobile pulling a sicky, then Buddy calling in sick, I was fearing the worst.

But we locked and loaded! Eases Buddy in gently with a stroll round the forest.

It’s a tad fresh so hoping I’ve brought enough layers. Time to snuggle up for the night. Bring on the learning!

Grey hairs

Buddy needs to start using Grecian 2000! I spotted two grey hairs in his mane today. Or is this payback from the grey hairs he’s given me over the years?

It was a bit of a hairy one today as the wind was whipping around today. So we did a spot of indoor hacking instead.

I was feeling a little bit unsettled this morning. It wasn’t just the rain and the wind. While I was getting things ready for camp, it struck me that the last time I was away at a training camp was when I found out that Martine and my friend’s Dad had died. No wonder I was feeling a bit unsettled?! Big reframe needed there. Martine loved her camps too. So I’m going to ‘be more Martine’ next week.

Honestly the brain is a funny old thing. The weird and wonderful connections it makes. Good job I have the tools to handle it. Well most of the time.

Monarch

It’s new rug day for Buddy. His old one has seen better days. The tail flap is hanging by a thread. It’s covered in scratches where he insists on standing with his bum in the brambles. Starting to regret buying him a new one already.

This one is called Monarch and is Royal Blue of course. Only fitting for my little boy. Well he does have King of Diamonds and eventing royalty in his bloodlines.

I think he looks super handsome in it. Of course, this is probably the last time it will be this colour. Tomorrow it will be brown…

Lino

Check out my posh new floor! The Buddymobile has gone up very market. It’s amazing the difference it’s made and it’s just a bit of new lino!

Of course, now I want to take the carpet off the walls and replace that with lino too. Baby steps Pip.

I’ve got enough leftover to do the two other lockers when needed. Very grateful to have a friend help me get the Buddymobile camp ready. It’s coming together nicely.

A new floor needs an upgraded floor mat, so that’s next on the list. Well the one I’ve got is starting to fall apart but then it’s almost as old as the lorry! I definitely like getting my money’s worth.

Out out

Woo fricking hoooo! Buddy and I headed out in the Buddymobile today. Cause for celebration indeed. It drives like a dream and so did Buddy. He was striding out round the tracks. Sound in walk, trot and canter. Phew!

It felt so good to be out and about again. The Equidry was out and about too! Have Spring and Winter had a tiff?! Cause Winter feels like it’s doing the whole ‘…and another thing’. It was so cold, windy and wet!

The bluebells were out and even in the wet, miserable conditions, they put a smile on my face. As did the cheese toastie and mocha. Well I needed warming up and there was cause to celebrate. We were out out!

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…

Sound

Today I had some great news, Buddy is sound. Looks like he tweaked something in the field judging by where he was tight. Auntie Sam came and gave him the once over. He was VERY tight and VERY reactive. He left us in no doubt where the issues were.

I’ve been trying so hard not to worry or panic about it all. It’s really tough. I know it’s horses. They are even more accident prone than I am (and that’s saying something). When I got back from Burnham yesterday, I realised I’ve been flirting from anxious to sad. More tears followed.

Horses are such an important part of my life. Buddy gets the best I can afford. I got without at times. Going away to training camps, competitions and having adventures are really important.

Last night, I played the ‘what if’ game. I didn’t get the best night as my brain was whirling (don’t worry, I also included ‘what if he’s fine’). This morning, I sat and journalled. A lot came out. There isn’t an area of my life that doesn’t need some sort of attention.

So much of it is outside my control. Knowing that Buddy is OK really does make me feel better in myself. The rest, well I’m doing my best. That’s all I can do. At least I can put a few things down today.