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!
It was Carleton Riding Club’s AGM tonight. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the club this year. I’ve had some great training sessions with them, attended their shows and even represented them in teams and at the Championships.
Seems they have enjoyed having me around too. Tonight I was awarded the ‘Contribution to the Club’ trophy. For supporting, helping out and generally being a good egg.
Such a lovely surprise to be recognised for something I do willingly. I do love to help if I can.
6 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.
When I was looking for my next partner-in-crime, I said I wanted an all-rounder. He’s certainly proved to be that! We’ve tried so many different things in the past 6 years.
There have been amazing highs, crashing lows and more broken bits. We’ve had so many ’firsts’ together. We’ve been to so many new places. Met so many people. Had so many experiences.
In many ways, we haven’t achieved what I set out to do. But in others, we’ve achieved more than I dared to dream.
Who’d have thought we’d be good at sidesaddle? Or represent our riding club at the National Championships. Or win a trophy at the Norfolk Show. Just goes to show that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
It also goes to show how far we’ve come that we were casually popping a 110cm oxer at the end of a grid today in our lesson.
I’ve owned Buddy half of his life now. He is and will always be ‘My Absolute Diamond’. And I couldn’t love him more if I tried.
I’ve had a mini-Buddy made. Isn’t he adorable?! Even the wild mane is perfect. My very talented friend Tamara made him. Though I think she’s regretting her decision after being inundated with requests.
Can’t decide whether to hang him on my Christmas tree or put him in the Buddymobile.
Wherever he goes, he will definitely make me smile.
It may have only been a week since I rode last, but it’s felt like longer. This was the perfect tonic to my ‘jet-lagged’ state this morning. Even though I haven’t left the time zone, it’s the only way I can describe how I felt when I woke up this morning.
After a morning of catching up on life, Buddy and I went out for a long stroll. It’s a weird time of the year. I can’t tell what time it is. Or to be honest, what day! This photo was taken at 1:30pm, but felt like 3pm. Weird.
What was also weird was the temperature! It was so mild today. Buddy was dripping when we got back and he’s been clipped. I overlayered too. So we were both hot messes.
Mother Nature is as confused as we are in this weird world. Still, it means I haven’t had to break out the big rugs or thick coats yet.
I had another full on morning at the Chiro’s. Cause I haven’t done enough hours this week! I’m still going, but boy am I really tired now.
I went to see Buddy. He was more interested in his hay than me. Well he did say hello. He was more enthusiastic on the lunge I can tell you. He really does make me smile.
I’ve finally flopped. Feeling slightly jet-lagged now. Early night tonight me thinks.
It’s been an incredible week!
We headed over to Wakefield Farm Stud today for a lesson with Piggy March. The first lesson in 2020 when she was the reigning Badminton winner. This time, she is the reigning Burghley winner. Amazing!
She said Buddy looked very well. And that we clearly have a strong partnership. She was very complimentary about him and my riding.
We tackled a mix of SJ and XC jumps. It was like a mini-Arena Eventing course. Lots of skinnies and some technical lines.
Afterwards he got to go on the weight bridge. He’s now 615kg. Again, the lady said he’s very well muscled and in perfect condition.
So happy with my little boy today.
There are many times when I question my life choices. A 4:30am alarm call on a Sunday morning is definitely one of them! Think Buddy was questioning them too when I turned up at stupid o’clock. He looked a little confused to be honest. Breakfast on the Buddymobile made it more appealing.
We were heading off to the Suffolk Equestrian Centre in Bury St Edmunds for RC Arena Eventing. Another new venue for us. And our first time doing Arena Eventing. But not our first time representing Carleton RC.
I wasn’t sure how today was going to go. We haven’t had the best build up if I’m honest. I’d dropped back to 70cm to give Buddy a really confident run. It proved to be the right decision.
After walking the course, I felt really positive about it. There wasn’t anything that I felt would be an issue. But this is Buddy. So anything was on the cards. And there were lots of questions. Including a water splash.
I had to stop watching the early rounds as there were so many eliminations and issues. So I told Buddy we were there to have fun!
He warmed up like a dream. Then when it was our turn, he wasn’t sure about the white barriers or standing in the rain by the ring. In the ring, everything came together! My little boy flew round! Even when he wasn’t sure, he trusted me and stormed round for a clear round, including the 80cm joker fence.
Flew a little bit too much as we were 8 second under the optimum time. Still good enough to take 5th place individually (out of 49) and to help the team take 4th place (out of 12).
To say I came out with tears in my eyes is an understatement. And the biggest smile you can imagine. Days like today are the reward for the hard work, bruises and disappointments.
When it comes together, it’s worth more than gold.
This made me so happy today. It felt so good to be back in the saddle.
Even though it was really balmy again today, the autumnal colours are really coming out now. These ferns have gone the most beautiful russet colour. But everything looks better through Buddy’s ears.
Buddy had his annual visit from the dentist. He wasn’t sure to start off with, but he soon settled. The dentist said he’s got really good teeth. So that’s really good to hear.
It was so wonderful to see Buddy. He came wandering over to see me when I went to get him in. After he’d had his teeth done, I lunged him. After over a week off I wasn’t sure what to expect. He threw some interesting shapes. He does makes me laugh sometimes.
He was really cuddly afterwards. I think he’d missed me too.
Someone is looking rather sexy after his clip. I love it when he’s first clipped. He’s so soft.
Clipping with Buddy has been a bit of a journey. He’s not always been a fan to say the least. Today, he got a gold star from Auntie Beki. He got a big kiss and a hug from her as he was the best he’s ever been!
It wasn’t just Buddy who got chopped today. I had my first professional haircut for nearly two years. Feeling much lighter for it too.
A proper pamper day! Much needed too.
Tales, Tails and Talus 