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!
Well my plans were blown away today as it’s been a very blustery here.
Pretty sure Buddy was trying to convince me that the wind blew the wheelbarrow and tools over.
Pity I saw him knock them all over. He gave me a much needed laugh today. He’s such a curious little boy. Likes to check everything out.
Buddy and I headed out for a wind assisted hack this morning. It was a tad blustery! Met up with Lottie and Mick again.
Buddy was rather happy to find some haylage while we were waiting. Then he and Mick had a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment with it. It was super cute. Buddy looks like a giant next to him.
On the way back, the heaven’s opened. Made me think of the film ’Singing in the Rain’ as Buddy splashed through the puddles.
As luck would have it, it was on the TV this afternoon. So I sang along with it while I pottered around the house. It’s such a wonderful film. I do love a bit of Gene Kelly. It was a very different age. So glamorous. Perhaps we should all randomly burst into song…
Well well I started this blog 3 years ago! It may not had be been the success that I’d hoped for. But I’ve enjoyed it nonetheless. I keep blogging even if no-one reads it.
I started it as a way to chart my progress after breaking my talus. But it’s become a bit of a diary now. I enjoy looking back at the momories and seeing how things have gone.
Thank you to everyone who’s been along for the journey.
OK so today was rather weird. I went for a hack in a fleece. It’s January, right?! It was so mild today I was too hot in my coat. And that wasn’t even my winter coat.
It was very grey and murky out today. There were so many geese out there too. God they’re loud!! Buddy and the geese had a bit of a stare-off. Eventually he caved and spooked as they flew off. Which then caused more of the geese to fly away. Then they got even louder!!
The honking made me laugh.
Buddy and I had our first lesson of 2023. I was a little apprehensive as our last lesson of 2022 ended with a face plant for us both. I needn’t have worried. Buddy was in good form.
As it was the first lesson, we kept it simple. Still we were flying over a 105cm upright. Buddy found his springs for sure.
Got home and it was time to open the laptop and get back to work. I’ve really enjoyed my time off over Christmas and New Year. It’s been a fab break with lots of lovely people.
Dodo was very happy indeed that I was back at the laptop. He was purring so loudly on my lap.
Oh my goodness what an incredible day!! I got to walk in the London New Year’s Day Parade as supporter for my friend Sam and her amazing Haffy Halo!
It was worth the 4:15am alarm call. The Buddymobile made good time to Hyde Park ready for the parade briefing. After a leg stretch through Green Park for Halo, it was time to get Sam into her stunning costume.
Then we headed to the start of the parade. The crowds cheered and waved. And I’ve never said ‘Happy New Year’ so many times!
The atmosphere was electric. I couldn’t get over how well-behaved the horses were.
After we’d finished the parade, we headed to Horseguards Parade for a photo. Then up The Mall to have more photos outside Buckingham Palace. What an honour!
Definitely a special way to start 2023. Lots of memories made today, that’s for sure!!
We will all sleep well tonight….
Each new year, I pick a word for next year. For 2022, I picked stability. I should have picked relentless, it would have been more appropriate!!
After the past few years, I’d hoped to get back on an even keel. Boy did the challenges keep coming. It was curveball after curveball.
This photo represents my biggest achievement with Buddy. Competing at our biggest competition by far. It wasn’t the success I’d hoped for. We learnt a lot that day. And left the ring with tears and a huge smile! It’s also is a good metaphor for 2022. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I learnt a lot. And I’m leaving it with tears and a huge smile.
Even with all the challenges, I still achieved so much in 2022. Here are some of the highlights:
If you’re reading this, I’d like to thank you for being part of this year and my journey.
Here’s to 2023 and whatever it holds for us all. After the past few years, I know I can handle it – the good, the bad and the downright ugly!
Buddy and I are back home after a fab Christmas away. It was an amazing few days. Spent with loving people, six dogs, seven horses and two cats. What’s not to love?!?!
Always sad to leave. But it’s definitely au revoir. The kittens were very happy to have me home, I can tell you. I’ve swapped puppy kisses for kitten purrs.
You know you’re pretty special when your amazing friends build you a stable so that your horse can come to stay for Christmas.
Buddy is loving his festive stay away. We’ve arrived and ridden in their arena. Buddy thought he was having a holiday. He got a workout instead.
So excited for our holiday. Christmas has officially started.
One last trip round Blickling with Katie and Archie this morning. We checked the weather forecast yesterday and it said it would be dry. It lied. It was very wet indeed.
We waited in the car park to see if it was going to clear up. It definitely eased. So we headed off. As is the law of sod, we were at the furthest point away from the lorries when the heavens opened and we got soaked.
Blickling is such a beautiful place. Here’s to more adventures in 2023.
Tales, Tails and Talus 