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 made a friend today at the yard. This lovely black cat came to play in the arena with us. Now we all know that Buddy can be a bit hit and miss with new things. So wasn’t sure what he’d make of it sitting in the arena.
But it seemed the cat was more wary of Buddy than the other way round. Made me laugh as we all trotted round together.
Took Buddy to Carleton Riding Club’s first show of 2023. It was a beautiful morning as I sat having breakfast in the conservatory. Fast forward a few hours and it started to rain as I loaded Buddy. The closer I got to Easton, the heavier the rain got.
Tacked Buddy up and my thinking was do the course walk, then ride him in. They’d sensibly delayed the start of the class till after the emergency test thing. Went to check and once more, I’d missed the course walk.
Cracked on instead. Poor Buddy was soaked and so was I before we’d even jumped a fence!
Soon it was our turn. Entered the ring, only for the commentator to call out the wrong name. Quick trip to the box to sort it out and we were off. Super pleased with Buddy. He stormed round the 70cm. I’d seen a few fences causing issues in the 60cm so was mindful. Would have had a faster time too. We had a bit of a stag leap over the second to last fence. It meant I landed in a heap and had to get my knitting back before heading to the final jump. Still thrilled with a clear round and 4th place.
Then it was time for 80cm. Hallelujah, I walked the course this time!! It was a very twisty course, but looked easily doable. Popped Buddy over a couple of fences and he felt really good.
I got a big Gung-ho and pushed him out of his rhythm a few times. So even though we had a fast time, we had 3 down. Still I don’t care as he didn’t refuse and was definitely up for it today.
I’ve been playing around with my stirrup length and have found that just by putting them down one hole, it’s made a massive difference to the way I ride. I can now really get my leg on him before a fence.
I may have been rather moist and had to peel my riding tights off. But I’m a very happy girl today. Oh and my new show jacket is lush!!
Back home after a very long day at the BRC Intermediate Champs in Onley. I wasn’t competing, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t in on all the action.
Up for the Arena Walk, which mostly involved me taking my jacket on and off, jumping up and down and generally desensitising the horses to the fact the viewing gallery was rather close to the arenas.
Then it was helping one of the rider get ready for her test. Well I was until another rider’s horse managed to pull a shoe off and cut herself. Once the first rider was onboard, I rushed to get the vet and find a farrier. The later proved more challenging as there wasn’t one onsite. After ringing round as many farriers as we could Google. We found one who would put the shoe on. But only if we took the horse to him.
Cue 1.5 hour roadtrip to the farrier’s house! Where he put the shoe back on on his driveway. I kid you not!!
We managed to made it back in time for her to plait, get signed off by the vet and get ridden in for her test. Phew!
Good job I’m calm in a crisis.
Arrived at Onley this evening with my charge all ready for tomorrow’s competition. I’ve driven a friend’s lorry and her horse up here for as she’s coming back from holiday tonight. It made a change driving a 7.5t lorry. The joys of being of a certain age is that my driving licence means I can drive it without the need for an extra test.
Now snuggled up in the lorry for the night.
Well my day went sideward this morning. I had planned to be inspired at Burnham Market Horse Trails, but sadly the competitions were abandoned. Something made me check before I left. Grateful I did. But given I was woken up at 3am by torrential rain, it was hardly a surprise.
With a totally free day, I decided to have a house / garden day instead. I got two loads of washing out on the line. And spend a few very productive hours in the garden. I need a good few more out there though.
Finally I took Buddy out for a long hack in the sunshine. Someone was striding out today. He’s obviously feeling very well at the moment. Best view in the world.
I’m now going to Burnham Market tomorrow instead. So I will get my eventing inspiration after all.
I heard this quote today and it resonated. Especially as an equestrian where falling is a known risk.
A very windy ride round Blickling this morning. Made me think of the song ‘Dust in the wind’. Though it was a bit more like ‘dust in my eyes’.
Given it’s the Easter holidays, I’d expected it to be rather busy. Thankfully it wasn’t bad when we arrived. Much busier by the time we got back to the lorry. Lots of twists and turns around the estate today. And lots of off-roading. Still not sure I’ve seen all of it yet! I’ll just have to keep going back.
I saw this quote today and it made me smile. I’m definitely an outdoor girl. After being ‘grounded’ yesterday, today it was lovely to be out and about again.
Dropped The Comedy Car off at the garage. Picked up The Buddymobile instead. Grateful that I have alternative transport – even if it’s a bit more of a challenge to park.
After meetings and cracking through my to-do list, I sat on the conservatory steps to drink my coffee. There was some warmth in the sun but the wind had some bite to it still. It filled my soul, that’s for sure.
I headed to the yard to meet a friend and her two daughters. They wanted to see Buddy. They helped me poo-pick his field (child labour at its finest). Gave him a lovely groom. Then came for a wander with us round the field. So lovely to be able to share my love of horses with them.
Buckle up people, this could be a long one. Buddy and I headed over to Blackwater for a spot of SJ as it was Carousel’s show. I’d entered the 70cm and 80cm – all good training for the Champs.
It struck me as I was driving there. Buddy has only ever jumped in the grass ring as part of an ODE. So doing two rounds in that ring would be a new thing for him. My aim was to have fun and see how it went. It’s only our second jumping competition of the year.
Buddy warmed up slightly feral. His allergies are back so he was throwing his head around a bit and tanking off round the collecting ring. Still he was flying the practise jump and felt really good.
Not sure how, but I managed to miss the course walk again. I think I was tacking up. It’s definitely one for me to work on. It was another twisty turny course with some interesting lines. But seemed to be riding OK.
Soon it was our turn and we entered – me determined, Buddy anxious. Tried my best to stay calm and keep him the same. Positive Pip was in full force as I coached him the entire way round. Still I got a few more fans who commented on how wonderful it was to hear me chatting away to him in such a positive manner. Even when it didn’t go to plan.
We ended up on 16 faults. But to be honest, I was thrilled to make it round the whole course!!
Bit of a breather till the 80cm. Buddy was in heaven being able to munch on the lush grass.
Eventually we headed back for the next class. This time, I’d had a serious word with myself. And Bartholomew, my chimp who’d come out to play. He was firmly put back in his box. And it seemed that a bit of grass and Buddy was much more willing to listen to me. He warmed up nicely this time.
We popped one last practice jump before we headed into the ring. I didn’t realise someone had put it up to 90cm! So we were both a little surprised when we came round the corner.
In the ring, it was a much calmer and fluid affair. I brought Buddy back to trot when needed as I’d decided to go for a slow and steady round. Imagine my surprise when we finished with a clear round!
There were only two clear rounds in the class. And the other one was by a 5* eventer on a young horse. I’ll take that any day!!
Can’t tell you how chuffed I am. Buddy isn’t the easiest horse to ride. And I’m not the best rider. But today it came together in a wonderful way.
Took Buddy over to Brampton for a hack with Katie and Archie. I’ve taken Buddy over many times before, but not for just a hack. It was fun to ride out somewhere new. Buddy was a little confused as we rode past the arena. And then past the arena at Oxnead. Another place he’s been before for lessons.
We chatted the whole way round. And then had a lovely coffee afterwards. We’re both rather partial to a coffee. In fact it was part of the invite. I’m a cheap date it seems.
Tales, Tails and Talus 