Tag: horse

Reboot

Oh how I’ve missed this view. The world really does look a better place through a horse’s ears. I think you could probably see my smile from space it was that big.

And what a day for it too. Felt like Spring was in the air for sure. I had to pinch myself that it’s still only February.

Heavy traffic

Lorries seem to be a bit of a theme this week. Today we came across 3 huge lorries out on our hack.

Faced with huge HGVs that rattle and clank (the empty ones make more noise than the full ones), even the best horses can have a wobble. Today, we had hacking rockstars. Helped by the drivers. They were exceptional.

They stopped when asked so we had time to get onto the bank and settle the horses. They drove past us as slowly as they could. They checked to make sure our horses were calm. Then drove away with care and consideration.

It doesn’t always happen, so I sent an email to the company to thank you.

As if that wasn’t enough, we then had to deal with a tractor cutting hedges on the way back. Jeez that made a racket. Even though Buddy wasn’t sure, he donned his brave pants and walked past.

Pony cuddles

After a long day working, I popped to see Buddy for a quick cuddle. Even though he was more interested in his hay, he gave me a good sniff and lots of nuzzles.

He loves to groom my hair. So I brushed his mane in return. It’s such a special moment.

Yard time

Thought I’d head to the yard earlier today and take Buddy out for a hack. It seemed every man and his dog had the same idea. Rarely seen that many walkers or dogs out.

Buddy was slightly distracted by the kids screaming in a nearby garden so it gave us a chance to do some schooling on the field.

Even though I’d got there early, I still managed to lose 5 hours! Yard time really is different to normal time. Still it was very productive. Gave Buddy a hot towel wash after our hack. Cleaned my tack. And tidied my stuff up.

I call that a good Sunday.

Good tired

I have to admit, I’m a tad tired today. But a really good tired. The kind where you know you’ve done good stuff. I love driving but motorway driving can be tiring.

It was such a gorgeous day that I could resist heading down to the yard to ride. I’d missed his little face. He sniffed me all over so guessing he missed me too.

The kittens were like shadows today. They’d barely left my side. It’s nice to be missed.

Nicola

First clinic of the year. And it was with European Eventing Champion, Nicola Wilson.

We headed off to WHW this morning and after a detour due to the a closed road and having to stop twice to retie Buddy’s haynet, we arrived.

Buddy rarely eats while travelling, but today he was eating so vigorously, he pulled it off. Twice. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Second time I saw him do it on the camera. He’s so funny cause he stood starring at it.

The lesson was great. Really enjoyed it and learnt lots. Well once I got over my initial nerves and Buddy’s enthusiasm. One for me to work on as I know I get tight for the first 5-10 mins in a lesson. Once we start jumping, I totally relax.

We jumped a mix of show jumps and XC jumps. Buddy excelled himself. Even if some of my lines were more than iffy!!

Need to keep going and I know it’ll come together in a competition situation again.

Cuddle up

Apparently today is National Cuddle Up Day. Dodo is on point as he climbed onto my arms to have a cuddle. Hugo then decided to try and get on my lap. It did not end well. Now they’re both sulking at different ends of the sofa. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Buddy gave me a lovely cuddle too earlier. Perfect on a cold day. Thought it did take a long time to be able to feel my feet, hands and face again after riding.

Bank holiday hack

Last day of my Christmas break today, so seemed like a bank holiday hack was in order.

This is the first time I’ve made a conscious choice to have a break. When I was employed, I would cover for those with children. The last two years have been kind of enforced. So this year I decided to take a break. And I’m definitely feeling the benefit.

I’m feeling relaxed, refreshed and raring to go.

Jump into 2022

I’ve taken jumping into the new year literally of course. It’s been a couple of weeks since we last jumped (and we know how well that went!).

Decided to pop a few jumps as it was quiet at the yard. Think my smile says it all. I love jumping, but it doesn’t always make it to my face. I have a look of concentration most of the time. It’s either face like thunder or mouth open.

One for me to work on this year. 🤪 Maybe if I look like I’m actually loving it as much as I am it might make a difference. I’m game!