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!
Early start this morning as I headed to The Aylsham Show to help Samantha Hayes with her Haffy’s. I ended up being an au pair for her yearling. She’s sassy but super cute!
Lovely to be back at the Aylsham and catch up with so many people.
Another horsey outing without doing the horsey thing. Time to get back to doing the horsey thing though. We’ve got a big week ahead of us! Buckle up Buddy, we’re off to play with the big boys and girls.
Fear not good people, Buddy and I haven’t entered the boards. But I did get to watch some dressage today. It was fun being at a horse thing, without doing the horse thing.
Great catching up with some lovely people. And being extra groom and videographer. Saw this quote on the toilet wall and it made me smile. It’s rather apt too.
It might be time for me to dust off Buddy’s dancing shoes as well. Kinda felt a bit inspired watching it today. Of course, that may pass…
Today Buddy and I did something new. We had a go at side-saddle! I honestly wasn’t sure how it would go. But Buddy, once more, proved he really is an ‘all rounder’. He was bloody awesome! I, on the other hand, may need a few more sessions.
Given I’ve only had a go at side-saddle once before, and only in walk and trot, the fact we were cantering by the end of the lesson blew me away. My downward transitions weren’t great. Muscle memory kicked in and I tried to rise in the trot. But we definitely improved as the session went on.
The instructor was incredibly complementary about Buddy and my riding ability. The words ‘elegant’ were used. I’ll take that!
Buddy is a big fan of foraging in the hedgerow. So after our lunge session, I took him for a wander. He LOVES blackberries. So much so that he looked like he was wearing purple lipstick.
He was very happy. And that makes me very happy.
Buddy and I went on an adventure. We headed over to High Ash for a hack and picnic with some wonderful friends. It was great to wander round for a few hours before having a picnic lunch.
We rode past the archeological dig. So cool to know think that Roman artefacts and buildings are waiting to be discovered. I kinda wanted to get off and go and see what they’ve found. I do love archeology.
Buddy and I headed over to catch up with a friend and her horse this afternoon. It’s always fun to go and ride in a new place. Not sure how far we went, but we we’re out for 1.5 hours.
The stubble looked so appealing but with no real rain for months now, it’s way too hard to canter on. Maybe next year, we can go back for a blast. But this year, we stuck to walk.
We chatted the whole way round. A fabulous way to spend the afternoon. We’ll definitely be back soon.
My amazing friend Katie has come to visit this weekend. It’s been great showing her my part of the world. We walked down to the yard so she could meet Buddy. He gave her a good sniff and said hello. He’s heard a lot about her. And her him so lovely for them to meet each other.
After chatting most of the day and putting the world to rights, we headed to The Cantley Cock for dinner. Proper pub grub. Stuffed now!
Today I knuckled down and ticked lots of things off my to-do list. I’ve had a busy few weeks, so felt like I was behind with lots. Having said that, I had promised myself a bit of an easier month in August.
The heat has almost forced my hand as I’ve really struggled to maintain my usual pace in it. My brain hasn’t wanted to focus either.
Today I felt like I was firing on a few more cylinders. And finished my working day feeling like I’ve made a dent in stuff.
Took Buddy out for a leg stretch after his busy week too. One of the advantages of being the boss is that I get to decide when I work and when I play. Well, most of the time…
Sometimes it’s more works. Sometimes it’s more play. I think that’s called balance.
They say horses sweat and women glow. Well quite frankly, I’m not sure which of us sweated the most tonight!
We headed out for a jump lesson at a new venue and with a new instructor, Ellie Hurst. Normally I’d be a little apprehensive. But we were both chilled. Since I’ve put Buddy on a balancer, he’s like a different horse.
Buddy was soon flying round the course. Few dodgy moments. And one flying lesson for me (haven’t had one of those for a while). Lots to like though!
After getting back from my friends in Suffolk, I headed to the yard to see Buddy. I’d planned a relaxing hack and that’s what I got! And a Brucey bonus as we had company too.
A lovely way to end a lovely weekend.
Tales, Tails and Talus 