Club together

Day 162: club together. Back home after a fab weekend away at the BRC Arena Eventing Champs. Lots of driving, but the Buddymobile did me proud. And now has a new memento onboard.

First time that someone else has slept in the lorry with me. It was a little cramped but we made it work. The heater was needed to keep us warm during the night. Poor Sam had a hard night as the air mattress deflated.

Oh and I have a very cute snore. Whoops!

Buddy and the kittens were pleased to see me. And I will be pleased to see my bed tonight.

I love being part of a riding club. It’s so much fun doing stuff as a team. I also love being able to help a friend and support others. It makes me very happy indeed.

Support crew

What a fab day at the BRC Arena Eventing Championships in Aston Le Walls. I wasn’t sure how the day was going to go when I woke up to snow and ice!! Turned up at the yard to find the lock on the gate frozen and my lorry door frozen.

But I needn’t have worried, by the time we got onto the main roads it was smooth sailing all the way.

We arrived in time to watch the first two members of the team do their rounds. Vicky and Becca were awesome.

Then it was time for Samantha and Halo to go in. And in typical eventer-style, the heavens opened. They absolutely stormed round!

Big smiles all round. And the team came 15th.

Now snuggled up in the Buddymobile. Belly full of soup. Wine in hand. Little heater packing out some heat. What a good day.

Today has made me even more determined to get Buddy to another Championships. And goes to show that you can get as much from being the support crew as you can from being the rider.

Saddlery smell

I had an hour to kill today, so what better way to spend it than in a saddlery. There’s a wonderful smell about a saddlery. It’s the smell of leather, horse feed, lotions and potions. It’s hard to sum it up. But it’s one that’s very comforting.

I saw this card and it made me giggle. When you think about it, we are a little bonkers. We put our trust (and lives) in the hooves of an animal who’s terrified of a carrier bag (amongst other things). But it’s so worth it!

Chicken dinner

Another full on day for me. Early start too with a jumping lesson at 8:15am. Not sure either us were at our best but we came, we jumped and we learned.

Then a speedy turnout to get down to Simon and Harry’s for a long overdue catch up. Anyone would think we were having chicken for dinner… Thankfully there was lots left for us.

Chatty woman

Today has been one of those lovely days where I’ve got to catch up and chat non-stop. First with a number of client’s at the chiros.

Then with Anni as I got to met her new puppy Ruby, who is as adorable as her photos. And we had our first ride together of 2023.

Finally I met up with some of my Virgin Ladies for dinner. I am all chatted out. Who am I kidding?! I could chat for England.

Animal

Buddy and I headed over to Easton for a lesson with Simon Grieve. After a busy week, I was feeling a little jaded. Thankfully Buddy was in good form.

A couple of blips, but lots to like. Simon was complimentary and gave me a few notes to work on. Mostly keeping my hands stiller. I can get a bit flappy. I know this. Today I felt like Animal from the Muppets. Thinking of him made me laugh I can tell you.

Thankfully I didn’t look that bad. Or so I was told. And I was very lucky to have some videos. I can feel a montage coming on…

Centenarian

Today Buddy and I rode out with Jan and Sam. They’re celebrating their centenary this year, how cool is that?! Jan is 70 and Sam is 30.

Talk about life goals. I hope Buddy and I are going strong at 100. We’re not doing too bad for 66!!

You are my sunshine

Took Buddy out for a long hack in the sunshine. I wanted to check he was OK after the issue with his shoe yesterday. Thankfully he was sound as pound. Where does that phrase comes from?

It was such a glorious day. Spring is definitely on the way. Nature is definitely waking up too.

Sunday brunch

Headed off early to meet up with two of my camp friends for a hack round Blickling. We took a different route and were out for two hours! I could have kept going. It was so lovely. We chatted all the way round.

It seemed lots of people had the same idea as the car park was rammed. Two people had parked so close to the Buddymobile, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get out. Thankfully they came back as I was putting Buddy away so I didn’t have to do a 97 point turn.

Honestly, some people have no common sense. My lorry isn’t huge but I do need more than a couple of feet end. I wish I’d taken a photo of it. It really beggered belief. Still no harm done and it didn’t spoil a lovely morning.

Competition prep

My new competition sticky jods have arrived. A winter thermal pair and a lightweight pair. All part of the master plan to crack dressage (and competing).

Also part of the master plan is sorting out a snaffle for Buddy as he’s been unsettled in his mouth. Today we tried a different one and there was a definite improvement. Got a couple more to try too so fingers crossed we find one he likes.

I’ve also ordered some meal replacement shakes to try and sort out my nutrition issues. One thing I’ve realised is that I’m not setting either of us up for success by not looking after myself. So making a conscious effort to improve.

Just need to enter some competitions now….