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!
Took Buddy over to Blickling this morning to meet up with Katie and Archie. It’s been a while since we met there. It’s amazing how the crops have grown up. They’re almost ready to harvest.
Of course they also make good hiding places. We saw a deer jumping across this field. It makes me smile watching them bounce through the crop. Thankfully away from us…
Today Buddy and I headed off to Geldeston for the BRC SJ Qualifiers.
After making the Champs last year by turning up (when the rest of the team were amazing), I was determined to do better this year. We’ve been working so hard on our jumping and are definitely seeing improvements.
On arrival, I heard the ground was hard, slippery and causing some issues. Walked the course and it felt firm but there was still a bit of spring in it. It seemed a really nice course. This team competition is run over two rounds. The first round was 80cm. The second one at 85cm and had 4 more jumps. I was feeling confident as we warmed up.
My confidence was well founded. Buddy stormed round the course for a super clear. I brought him back to trot for the bit that seemed the most slippy. Came out with a huge smile.
Then the day took a sad turn when one of my team mates had a nasty fall. The competitions were suspended while we waited for first an ambulance, then the air ambulance.
With Buddy safely back at the Buddymobile and munching away, I went back to check on her. I sat with her for over an hours stroking her hair and doing my best to keep her calm. She was in a lot of pain.
Thankfully when the air ambulance arrived, they gave her serious sedation so she could be transported. We did feel that it was a bit ironic when as a riding club we are raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. This is why!
After she was safely on her way to the N&N, the competition recommenced. I wanted to do the second round. I felt I had to. So warmed Buddy up again. There had been a number of withdrawals so didn’t have too much time to think about it before it was our turn.
It wasn’t the best round we’ve ever done. Halfway round, the previous 1.5 hours hit me. Buddy had switched off a bit in the break too and I know I didn’t ride very well. I burst into tears as I left the Arena.
Christ knows how but, we ended up with 6th place individually.
We all know the risk we take when we ride a horse. The love, enjoyment and partnership built outweighs that risk. But days like today remind me how it can go. So I’m focusing on the wonderful clear round we had, the camaraderie shown and the amazing support from our emergency services.
First day at the Norfolk done. And it was a long one. Arrived at the Showground before 7am and left after 4pm.
Was lovely to be back though. Caught up with so many people today. It was lovely. It was also lovely seeing everyone enjoying a cracking day out. And being with their horses.
Made me sad that I didn’t enter Buddy. I have so many happy memories of being there. Guess we’ll just have to go next year!
Today I was more of a spectator and cheerleader. Tomorrow I’m there to groom. Thankfully it’s a later start. Till tomorrow…
Knowing I had an afternoon of meetings today, I switched things round and took Buddy out for a long hack this morning. It was so fresh. Almost chilly at times. I know right?! One minute it’s like we’ve moved to the Sahara. The next it’s positively nippy.
I’m not knocking it. It was a wonderful relief after the heat. And I’m sure the animals and competitors at the Norfolk tomorrow will be thankful for it too.
It was so quiet out today. Didn’t see a single soul till we were almost back home. Sheer bliss. After my day of rest (well rest for me), this definitely helped to fill my tank back up too.
Bring on the Show Shine… Groom Extraordinaire is ready for action.
Back home after a very long day commentating at the Riding Club ODE at Poplar Park. It’s the fourth time I’ve been asked to commentate and run XC Control, so must be doing something right.
It’s great fun. Stressful at times. Today Helen Elizabeth Barnes and I saw most things. From a jump broken by the second rider on course, to a loose horse jumping the course in reverse and ending up back in the start box. Sadly we also had to hold the competition while we waited for the Air Ambulance to land and take off again. Thankfully the rider was released from hospital earlier.
This year, they’d introduce a 70cm class. This was a great addition so hope they keep it.
There weren’t as many combinations as in previous years. I wonder if the heat put a lot of people off. There was a lovely cooling breeze and the course was riding really well.
It’s very inspiring watching the competitors come through the finish line with big smiles on their faces.
I am now all talked out (a miracle I hear you cry). And ready for my bed. The past week has been very long days and lots of driving. I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight.
This is the latest upgrade for the Buddymobile. It can run hot and with the hot weather, I wanted to make sure Buddy is as comfortable as possible.
He’s already like an oversized Labrador with his head out the window as I keep the living one open. I can see him sticking his head towards it was we drive along.
This is the next logical step. And works a treat. Took Buddy over to a friend’s this morning, so while we went for a hack, her partner fitted the fan.
It’s been so hot today, Buddy definitely approved. It also helped to keep me cool while I was cleaning the lorry after getting back.
After yesterday’s impromptu hack, today I took advantage of a withdrawal for a spot of impromptu show jumping at Carleton Riding Club’s show.
I was wondering if it would be too much for Buddy after camp. And with the very muggy weather today. But he handled the heat better than I did that’s for sure.
I made sure he was well watered. Me, not so much. I was too busy rushing around. Arrived early to help out the jumps out. Ended up stewarding for the first two classes before heading back to the lorry to get Buddy ready for our class.
I’d got him in the 70cm and 80cm. He’d jumped so well at camp, I wanted to test it in a competition environment.
My first challenge was getting my competition gear on. I was dripping from the humidity so had to peel my jeans off and my riding tights were sticking to me. Then my hair decided that it wasn’t going to go in a bun and kept escaping. So I scrapped the hairnet.
As it was hot, I decided to forgo Buddy’s SJ boots and ears. Mr Nappy Pants made a couple of appearances, but was dealt with quickly. For the most part, he flew round the 70cm. We had a fence at the beginning of the timed section, so I pushed him on for a fast 4-faults.
It was a good strategy, as we got the fastest 4-faults. So picked up 3rd place.
After a bucket of water for Buddy and a new course for me to walk and learn, it was time for the 80cm. Oh and I put on his ears and SJ boots for good measure. Not our best round as we had two down but another good time.
Overall, I was really happy with Buddy today. They were both twisty courses and he proved again he can handle the turns. And even though he had his little wobbles, he jumped everything I asked him to. Just need to work on keeping them all up now.
Buddy is so easy to take out. He stands on the lorry patiently waiting for his turn. He plays nicely with others in the warm up. There’s a lot to be said for that. He also acted like a brat waiting for his recovery mash and threw the bucket across the car park when it was empty.
Can’t win them all…
Back home after another brilliant training camp. 3 nights away, 6 brilliant lessons, 2 great instructors, many wonderful friends, countless laughs and 2 very tired campers.
Well I definitely am. You’d like to think Buddy was too.
Today we finished off our lessons with more course jumping with jumps on angles. And a flat work lesson with no stirrups and counter-canter. It’s a wonder I could drive home!!
It was also a camp tinged with sadness as it could be the last camp for some wonderful horses and inspirational people.
This was my motto of the camp. And by Jove, I did just that! I couldn’t have asked more from
Buddy. He tried his heart out for me. Even with my inept moments.
Thank you to everyone who made it such a special few days.
Less than a month till we’re back there for BIG camp. Eeek!! Best get the washing on….
Spotted these beautiful poppies across from the lorry this morning. What a glorious sight to bring start the day.
Two brilliant lessons today. First up a play on the XC course. Buddy was full of beans but jumped everything I asked of him. Really pleased with him.
After lunch, it was course jumping. Again, Buddy was up for it. He felt so balanced. We even got complemented on the quality of our canter. Something that rarely happens.
Buddy can be a bit of a mixed bag. When it’s good, my goodness it’s good. Today was very, very good.
This is the face of a rather sweaty Pip! And that was after I’d stuck my head under the tap. It’s been a tad toasty today. Not sure who sweated more – me or Buddy!
Two cracking lessons down. Lots of electrolytes and fluids down too. Buddy has found a new favourite snack: recover mash! Though he looked like he was wearing most of it by the time he’d slurped it up.
Finished the day by giving CPR to the shower plug hole to get it to drain. Thought for one moment I was going to flood the place. That wouldn’t have been a good look. Neither was the colour of the water when I’d finished in the shower.
Have I mentioned I love camp life?
Tales, Tails and Talus 