Not cricket

Blimey it’s been hotter than Satan’s armpit today! I thought I’d treat Buddy to a bubble bath this morning. Well you’d think I was trying to kill him from his reaction. Funny boy.

He was not happy at having his mane or tail washed. And tried to trash his new shoes by scrapping the ground in disgust. Still he looked very smart after a tidy up post-bath. And I was very happy to get wet!

He retired to his field. While I retired to the shade with the kittens and a few good podcasts. There are so many crickets in the garden. Found this chap on my car chirping away.

It was a little bit like being on holiday. Sat in the heat, listening to them. Headed indoors to watch England in the football and now the rugby. No cricket though. I’ll leave them outside.

Beat the heat

Up early today to beat the heat and meet Katie over at Blickling. We were in the saddle by 9:45am. And I’d mucked out before driving there. First time I’ve beaten Katie there. The traffic was very kind. Well for me.

There are so many paths through the woods, that for the most part, we were in the shade. It was blissfully cool in there.

The humidity soon started to build though so headed back for an afternoon of meeting. Then back to the yard as Buddy had the farrier. It was much cooler so decided to poo-pick his field.

Turns out, it wasn’t as cool as I thought. My brain was obviously a bit fried. I spent 10 mins looking for my car keys. Feared I’d dropped them in a field. Only to find them sitting on my car seat. With the windows open. Good job the yard is in a safe area. Though not sure there are many people who’d want to steal the Comedy Car.

Wilting

Headed over to Mousehold Farm for a jumping clinic this evening.

We haven’t been out jumping since Hickstead, so we were a little ring rusty. Buddy was full of it too. Still we jumped everything. And once I realised that I was getting ahead of the movement and changed my position, we left them all up. Funny how your horse can jump better when you stay out of his way.

For an English Rose who wilts in the heat, I was questioning if jumping tonight was a good idea. But it was cooler than I thought it would be. We were still a tad warm afterwards. There was lots to like and another new venue for us.

Achievements

I finally got round to framing some more photos. These represent three of my biggest achievements with Buddy. I’m very proud of them. And what we’ve achieved together.

Funnily it was FB telling me that it was a year since I posted the pictures from our first BRC Champs that spurred me into action.

I bought the frames a while back too. Today was the day to get them sorted. Just need to get them on the wall now. Let’s hope that doesn’t take me another year…

Saunter

Met up with Katie and Archie for a saunter round Blickling this morning.

It felt cooler when I got up, so I opted for long sleeves. I was regretting this choice by the time I got to the yard as it was warmer than I thought. Let’s just say I was a tad warm…

They say horses sweat and women glow, well I was definitely a horse today. Pity I didn’t get to spend the afternoon in a field eating. I let Buddy have that one while I cleaned out the lorry and tidied his bedroom.

Poonami

This is something equestrians will relate to I’m sure. The danger to poo picking with a very inquisitive horse.

Buddy was either trying to help or he wanted to keep me in his field longer. Maybe it’s pony payback for going away.

It’s a good job I love him and can laugh at his antics. He was not subtle when he knocked it over. He was very pleased with himself.

Peachy

So I’ve recently discovered that I am a big fan of flat peaches. Why is this my news? Well I’m not a huge fan of fruit per say. Give me a bowl of salad or a plate of vegetables over fruit any day. So when I find one I like, it’s a good day.

Peaches seemed to feature today as Buddy was complimented on his peachy bottom today at his saddle check. He’s templating more evenly and has come up through his back. Hurrah! He needed to go up a headplate too. He muscling in all the right places.

I’ve been working hard on being more disciplined with both of us. Especially with my position. So really good to hear it’s working.

We played around with the blocks on my saddle too. The aim is to keep my slightly wonky body straight to help Buddy’s slightly wonky body straight too. Definitely felt different. And much better.

Just peachy!

Dulcet tones

I was invited to judge and commentate at the first John Lake Riding Club show tonight. I had a co-commentator for a bit when this sweet little pup joined in.

It was a lovely, low key show. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to boost their confidence. It was great watching everyone in action.

Buddy and I will be joining the action no doubt.

I had lots of complements on my commentators voice. Seems I really do have a voice for radio….

Camp not camper

Headed over to Forest Edge today to catch up with the last BHS campers of 2023. I’ve done three of the four camps but decided to sit this one out.

It was lovely to catch up with everyone. And very different being at camp without a horse. Today is an exciting day as the dates for next year’s camps were released. They’re already in my diary. Along with an alarm on the day the bookings open.

Camps are my happy place. Closet I get to a holiday. Time away with like-minded people, learning lots and bonding with Buddy. And I get fed. A lot. There’s really no downside.

Therapy

This is by far the best therapy I can think of. Just me, my little boy and the sunshine. I know there are lots of my friends who totally get it. I know that there are others who don’t.

We all have our thing. This is definitely mine. After feeling overwhelmed yesterday. Today I felt grounded, calm and able to breath. Amazing what a few hours in the sunshine and fresh air can do for you.