Tag: horse

Year end

Let’s face it, 2021 was an interesting year. We were so optimistic about how much better it would be than 2020. And in some ways it was. But boy did the challenges keep coming.

One thing I enjoy about the year end is looking back at the things I’ve achieved. This year I was struggling to see what those were. So I took some time to look closer. There was a lot that didn’t happen. But there was a lot that did.

In time honoured tradition, I made a list…

So, in 2021 I:

  • recovered from Covid
  • made the best of Covidland
  • saw my business grow
  • picked up new clients
  • met some incredible people
  • lost touch with some others
  • saw friendships deepen
  • saw friendships wain
  • laughed till I cried
  • cried till I laughed
  • watched people grow
  • learnt new skills
  • kept blogging even if no-one read it
  • kept putting one foot in front of the other
  • took Buddy to 4 training camps
  • won rosettes
  • got more bruises
  • had lots of lessons
  • visited new places
  • made more memories
  • supported my parents
  • lost Nero
  • watched the kittens grow
  • met my eventing heroine Lucinda Green
  • had her teach me and interview me
  • put myself out there
  • took time to develop myself
  • felt the love and support of others

But above all, I’ve taken time for me. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot about myself this year. I’m ending it in a better place than I started it.

If you’re reading this, I’d like to thank you for being part of this year and my journey.

Here’s to 2022 and whatever it holds for us all. Fingers and toes crossed it’s a good one.

Making plans

I’ve booked my first clinic for 2022 today. And it’s with European Champion Nicola Wilson. Well if you’re going to learn, why not from a champion?!

I met her at The Rolex in 2015. She was so generous with her time. And a really down to earth person.

I’ve been feeling a bit down about my horsey journey recently. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much this year. We’ve been a bit thwarted. I totally get it. There’s been a lot going on. It’s been hard to fit everything in. My focus has had to be on my business and my parents.

I adore Buddy. That hasn’t changed. And never will. But I’ve definitely lower the intensity in his training in the past couple of years. I’ve realised that I’ve been hesitant to set goals in case next year is more of the covid sh1tshow we’ve had so far.

Booking the clinic made me want to set goals again. So that’s what I’ve done. Horsey goals are set for 2022. Bring…. It…. On….!

Merry Christmas

I thought I’d try and get a decent picture with Buddy this morning. He had other ideas. Choosing to take my hat off and playing with it. This was the best I could do.

I hope you’ve all had a lovely day. I have. Mucked out first thing. Ate too many cheese straws. Worn my Christmas PJs most of the day. Had my non-traditional Christmas lunch. Watched movies and just flopped.

It might not be traditional or to everyone’s taste but it’s my kinda Christmas. And I’ve had a good one.

Battle scars

Well today’s show jumping was definitely a tale of two halves. We headed to Easton for Carlton Riding Club’s show. It was more like an eventer trail today and quite a testing track. Buddy seemed up for it in the warm up so I thought we were in for a good round. I’d entered the 70 and 80 as he’s been jumping so well recently.

He was flying till we reached number 8. When suddenly I was flying solo. Landed on the wing and got myself a bit tangled in the poles.

It’s never good when you have to walk out of the arena. But still we were both OK. It’s also never good when the photographer tells you she got a great sequence of my fall. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Quick regroup in the warm up where he felt OK. Decided to drop the 80 and ask if I could go round the 70 again HC instead.

After some pointers from Lewis, we entered the ring again. And this time made it round with 8 faults (4 of which were definitely my fault). 👏🏻

He jumped everything. Including a triple, a house and lots of XC style jumps.

Overall, I’m looking at the positives. I guess I just need to think HC every time. I know I get a bit competitive sometimes.

Bruises and grazes heal. One day I know it will all come together again. Till then, we’ll just have to keep trying.

Long wait

The last time this happened was nearly 6 years ago. And we were both riding different horses. It was worth the wait though. Lovely hack out with Colette and Sky today.

It was very, very windy. My new coat passed with flying colours (flying was right at points as everything was flapping in the wind). I was very toasty indeed. Thankfully we missed the rain too.

Sweatiest

Well it’s been a while since Buddy was sweatier after a lesson than me! First trip for Buddy over to Neric Equestrian for a jumping lesson with Lewis.

Bit of a dodgy start after Buddy took exception to the ponies behind the trees. Once we’d worked through that (and burnt off the excess energy someone had), we worked really nicely and jumped everything asked.

Jumping really is my favourite thing to do.

Good job Buddy’s next clip is booked in. It’s still so mild. It’s November, right?!