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!
What a fab horsey day out at Houghton Hall. Feeling very inspired watching the action. Also feeling a tad tired after walking 6.5 miles round the course. Though I was ‘sausage dog’ assisted as I was towed round for a lot of it. Well when he wasn’t humping my leg. 🤦🏻♀️ What can I say, it’s my animal magnetism…?!
I shall sleep well tonight for sure! 😴
Feeling a bit meh today. Found out last night that Great Witchingham BE in July has been cancelled. I’m gutted as I was aiming for it as our great BE return.
I know it’s silly, but I wanted to complete a BE there. It’s a special place for me as well as being my local BE venue.
After being eliminated there for my Wobbleberry in 2018, I’ve wanted the opportunity to try again. But it hasn’t happened for many, many reasons. Now it looks like it won’t happen there.
So I need to look at a new plan. And find a different way to tick that goal off the bucket list.
Just feeling a little frustrated with a few things right now. Nothing major. Just those silly little things that can build up over time.
So being kind to myself and looking at all the things that Buddy and I have achieved so far.
This was the perfect way to end my day. Me and my boy out for a wander.
Since he’s had his bit in the correct way, he’s been so much more relaxed and so light in the contact. Fingers crossed it continues. Poor boy must have been so uncomfortable.
After the rain and thunder today, it felt good to be outside. It definitely cleared my head.
Buddy and I headed over to Thurne to meet up with a friend and her horse for a hack this morning. It’s been a while, so we had a lot to catch up. Good job we were out for 1.5 hours then.
There were so many boats on the Broads. It was lovely to see.
When I got back I decided to give Buddy’s bedroom a clear out and packed away his winter rugs. So I apologise now if we have a cold snap…
Buddy and I went to a bitting clinic. It was really interesting to get a different perspective on things. Buddy was on high-alert for some reason. And wasn’t at his most co-operative. But we worked through that.
I showed her the video from our SJ round last week. That helped her get a sense of the issues we’ve been having with inconsistent contact. Then she watched us in action. She could see I’m trying to be consistent but he was too busy looking ‘outside the classroom’.
She said he was very fleshy lips and didn’t like too much tongue pressure.
All was going well, till she let me know that I had his bit in back to front and upside down. 🤦🏻♀️
Funnily, he went nicer in it when it was corrected. Honestly, I wish they came with instructions sometimes!
She likes him in it for SJ / XC but recommended a different bit for dressage. We tried a few before hitting on one that felt better. It was really interesting feeling his reaction to different bits.
It makes our achievements all the more special given my ineptitude with his bit.
So it seemed that I wasn’t to do any work today. My laptop did an update this morning. Nothing unusual there. 6 hours it took in the end. And multiple reboots, diagnostics and much swearing. I’m blaming the full moon, lunar eclipse and solar flares. 😂
Still my day wasn’t all bad. Took Buddy down the road to the Hall and popped a few jumps in the sun. He got a picnic hack on the way back. He loves this time of year when the cow parsley and cleavers are out. He practically inhales them.
Think my smile says it all. Still on cloud nine after our win yesterday.
What a fabulous day it’s been. Took Buddy over to Easton for a spot of show jumping. After doing so well at the last show, I stepped him up to 70cm and 80cm. Boy did he deliver!!
We only went and won the 70cm!!! It was a lovely flowing course so I knew we could cover the ground in the timed section. I let him run to the last and he came back when I asked to fly it.
It was a huge class too so had a long wait to get the result. I kept thinking that someone would get a faster time. But not today! It’s not often we bag a red one. So savouring it.
Then onto the 80cm. Still on a high, I didn’t care what happened. But Buddy was up for it. Punched a skinny out early in the course so decided to go for a fast 4 faults.
Once more, my little boy flew round. And we came away with 6th place and the second fastest 4 faults.
I’m still beaming!!
We’ve been training so hard and it’s a wonderful feeling when it all comes together. Back to Eventing soon me thinks. For now, I’m celebrating cause we did good!!
What a beautiful day it’s been. And a very productive one too. Mowed both lawns. Tidied the garden. Ticked a few more jobs off the list. And finished with a lovely ride out with Buddy.
Hugo made me laugh as he clearly wanted to catch the last rays of the day. He found the one sunny spot left in the garden. He looks so happy up there.
Took Buddy back over to Weston today for another Newmarket Salt Treatment. He was fascinated by all the horses there. Especially the Shetland’s. Got complements on how lovely and well behaved he is.
He really does seem to enjoy the treatment. He wanders off and then comes back to the nozzle.
I get a treatment too. Makes my nose tingle and gives my sinuses a good clear out!
Lovely to catch up with Tamsin Conyers too! Another bonus!
On my way there, I got told off by a lorry driver for not indicating when I slowed to turn. I was indicating so checked the lorry and the bulb had blown. Took it down the road to my local garage. They changed the bulb for the princely sum of £3. Bargain!
Tales, Tails and Talus 