Gratitude

I took some time to reflect today. I consider myself lucky that I can create my own schedule. It’s one of the benefits of being the boss. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of challenges to being the boss too.

I get to do something I love, work with some amazing people and make a difference in people’a lives.

Same goes for my personal life, I’m grateful to have an amazing horse, two loving kittens and fabulous friends. I get to try new things and make memories along the way.

Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the things we don’t have rather than the things we do. So today I celebrate what I have. And I’m working on the things I don’t….

Camp veterans

Back home after another cracking training camp. After watching some of the Badminton XC yesterday I was inspired and intimidated in equal measure. As we headed out this morning, I’d decided that we’d stick to the 60/70s. Well we hadn’t been XC for 6 months. I wasn’t sure if Buddy would remember the drill.

I needn’t have worried in the slightest. He was clearly up for it! After warming up over a couple of 70s, we spent the rest of the time jumping the 80s and finished with a 90.

Couple of wobbles when I forgot to ride. And a terrifying ‘puddle of doom’ before the ditch. Mr Nappy Pants returned at one point, but I’m so much better at nipping it in the bud. Started with a smile and ended with a bigger one.

This afternoon it was grids. It was really hot and we were both flagging. Still we came, we saw, we jumped everything. And that’s no mean feat.

All in all, I’m so happy with my little boy. And I stayed in the saddle all weekend! No unscheduled dismounts for me. Not always the case. I must work out how many training camps we’ve done now…

Think we’ll definitely sleep well tonight. Buddy gets time in the field tomorrow. I have the lorry and my tack to clean. And a huge pile of laundry. Worth it though.

Blackwater

First day of camp and what a belter. Two brilliant lessons. It feels so good to be back at Blackwater Farm training again with T&N Equestrian.

First lesson this morning was poles. Finally something has clicked in my brain and I actually enjoyed a pole lesson rather than wondering if we’d get through them unscathed. It seems Buddy has had a similar revelation as we positively floated through them.

This afternoon it was course jumping. The hard works of the past few months is paying dividends. Buddy was on top form and flew round the course. Got lots of complements from the other campers. Always lovely.

Even got to watch some of the XC coverage from Badders. Gosh it was a very testing track. Lots of thrills and spills. Fingers crossed we have more thrills tomorrow when we go XC (mere twigs in comparison).

Now tucked up in my lorry. And Buddy is loving the haylage that comes with camp life. Today was a very good day indeed.

Camp countdown

Buddy and I are off for our first training camp this weekend. I was originally meant to be at Badminton. But that didn’t happen. So what’s better than watching Eventing? Training for Eventing, of course.

I needed to get some shavings and haylage before we head off on Saturday. It’s amazing how much I can get in The Comedy Car. It may be small, but it really is a Tardis inside. I also treated myself to a shavings fork. I know how to spoil myself!

I was giggling as I drove back. Luckily I have more space in The Buddymobile. We need to take a lot of stuff with us. I say we…… 😂

The horse does all the work

It’s always made me laugh when people say that the horse does all the work. And as riders, we just sit there. Today I’ve definitely disproved that.

We headed off for a lesson this morning over at Martham. We were put through our paces for sure.

After getting back and sorting Buddy out, I took the lorry home to give it a deep clean. We head off to our first training camp of 2022 this weekend. So I wanted it to be neat and tidy. 2.5 hours later!!! It doesn’t take me that long to clean my entire house.

Pretty sure it’ll needs another clean when I get back!

Rolex

This came up on my memories today. 7 years ago I was ticking another thing off my horsey bucket list. The Rolex, Kentucky. It was an incredible experience.

I was listening to a build-up podcast about this year’s event as I drove home from Birmingham. Sounds like it’s going to be another special event. I’ve been fortunate enough to go to Burghley, Badminton and Kentucky. There are a few more 5* events I’d love to go to. As well as WEG, the Olympics and HOYS to name a few.

So as I drove, I mentally created my updated horsey bucket list. And I want to do the Grand Slam in Eventing and Show jumping! Dream big they say. So that’s mine!

Redemption

First competition of 2022 done! A spot of show jumping at Easton College. The last time I was here, I had a rather interesting time. And a flying lesson from Buddy.

To say I was a little apprehensive would be an understatement. But I honestly couldn’t fault Buddy today. He warmed up beautifully for the 60cm class. He felt switched on and ready to go. I haven’t felt so calm before a competition for a long time. Few sticky moments in the ring, but he listened and responded when I asked. Thrilled with a clear round and 3rd place.

Then onto the 70cm. Again, he felt up for it and flew round the course in a much better rhythm. Just the last down but still bagged 6th place as it was a decent time. Totally my fault as I knew I’d got the turn wrong so it was an awful line. But he tried his best for me.

To come back with two placings was beyond my dreams. I was aiming for understated and to enjoy myself. I’m trusting him more. I’m trusting me more. And more than anything I’m trusting our training.

Hard work paid off today. Onwards and upwards.

His and hers massages

Today was a bit of a self-care one with massages all round.

First Sam from Touch Equine came to check Buddy. I wanted to get him checked after not feeling quite right on Tuesday. She found quite a few tight spots. Buddy can be rather expressive so it’s clear when she hit a tight spot.

Then it was my turn for a massage with Jess Greenacre Massage Therapist. She found a few tight spots too. I’m not as expressive as Buddy though…

Two halves

Today we headed back to Forest Edge Arena for a BHS clinic with Jo Winfield. We haven’t been back there for a while. Buddy soon made himself at home.

We had a 9am lesson so meant a rather early start for us. Then we arrived super early as traffic wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. Better that way than late I guess.

Our first lesson was flatwork and a bit of a washout as Buddy didn’t feel right. Wasn’t sure if he’d tweaked something or it was because he hadn’t had a chance to loosen up.

Thought I’d take him for a hack round the forest so said I’d change my saddle from the dressage to my jump. Jo suggested I come back first. The difference in him was marked. So it seems it could be the saddle that was the issue. Or maybe he’s just not a fan of early morning work…

Second lesson this afternoon and Buddy was back to his normal exuberant self and by the end we were jumping round a course of 90s. Such a relief I can tell you.

I will get him checked over, just to be on the safe side. I’ve got the saddle fitter out soon so will stick to my jump for now. And looks like I may have to start saving my pennies for a new dressage saddle. Buddy has expensive taste in saddles. Anyone need a kidney?!