5 years

5 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.

I found him at a time when I was broken emotionally as I was grieving for Murphy and accepting it hasn’t worked with Phoenix. I was broken physically as I was recovering from a broken finger. My riding confidence was at an all time low. But he was the best cure for everything.

It’s not been an easy 5 years. There have been amazing highs, crashing lows, more broken bits, but I wouldn’t change a second. Winning a trophy at the Norfolk Show is still a high.

In the last year we’ve had lessons with not one, but two eventing legends. We’ve been to 4 training camps. Weve been to lessons and clinic. We’ve been to new places. We’ve met more people. We’ve made more memories together.

It hasn’t been the year we’d planned. Again. But again, who saw a global pandemic!!

I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He is now and always will be ‘My Absolute Diamond’.

Happy anniversary Buddy. Here’s to the next 5 years…

Autumn explosion

It seems like the Autumn colours have appeared overnight! I know I’ve been away and all that. Even in the drizzle, the colours were vivid.

After another trip away, it felt so good to go for a wander with my little boy. I’ve missed this. It really does my soul good. Even if we did get soaked. Never let it be said that I’m a fair-weather rider.

No place like home

Someone was very happy I’m home. Dodo was my shadow as he slept in the office. Hugo kept coming to check on me, between naps on the sofa.

Buddy seemed pleased to see me too. Thought he was a little sluggish when I lunged him. He had his vaccinations yesterday so problems an aftereffect from that. After 4 days off, I’d expected a bit more enthusiasm.

As for me, I’m very happy to be home. I love travelling and going places, but I love my little house, my boys and my bed too.

Autumn hue

The weather chose well today. After yesterday’s indecisiveness, it was sunshine today. My goodness the wind was bitter though. Winter is on its way.

After the chaos of the past few weeks, this was the calm I definitely needed today.

Rear view

Well I haven’t seen this view for a long time!

It’s been a really weird weather day. Showers and sunshine were the order of the day. Wasn’t sure if I’d have time to ride without getting soaked. So I decided to long-rein / double lunge Buddy instead.

We haven’t done this for a while, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. Pleased to report we had a lot of fun and no tangles.

Halloween

Given Buddy’s had a bit of time off while I was away, I thought it best to lunge him today. I was expecting a bit of a horror show but he was rather sedate.

I’ve been forgiven it seems as he gave me lots of nuzzles and a bit of grooming. He makes my heart burst, he really does.

Looking forward to hacking out tomorrow.

Home again

Do you think they missed me?! The kittens and I are snuggled up on the sofa together. It’s good to be home. I missed them while I’ve been away.

I swung by the yard on my way home to see Buddy. He seemed more interested in his hay than me. I must be in the bad books. Either that or he thinks he’s retired. He’ll get a shock tomorrow when I go back and ride him.

Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Bruises

I’m currently sporting another corker of a bruise thanks to horses. And this one was so innocuous too. Buddy nudged me on Sunday as we were waiting between classes. He sent me flying, right into a wooden fence post. I banged my elbow but thought nothing of it.

Unfortunately my arm has other ideas and is rather black and blue. Good job I’ve got lots of arnica!

Pretty in pink

Today we headed to Easton College for Carlton Riding Club’s Pink Show for Big C. For lots of reasons, we haven’t been out competing recently and it showed. We were a bit rusty.

Still we successfully competed in 70cm (with 12 faults) and 80cm (with 8 faults). No placings today but lots to be pleased with.

I know the faults came from poor lines on my part. Definitely something to work on. Guess we’ll just have to get out more over the winter.

Recovery

Woke up feeling a bit better today. So, of course, I totally overdid it in my excitement. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I also had some healing needles from Colette. They definitely helped.

This evening I took Ruth to meet the other men in my life. First I took her to meet Cyril (my wisened old tree) for a hug. Then on to meet the main man himself, Buddy. He was overjoyed to see me, pausing from inhaling his hay for at least 30 seconds! 🤪

It was about 3/4 of the way back that I felt my energy tank drain. So back on the sofa and another early night for me…. It’s progress.