Tag: horses

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Man down

The trio became a duo today. We’d arranged to do another arena hire this afternoon, but Sam was poorly. So Carla and I went together as a duo.

After a lovely session we walked the horses off round the tracks. It was a tad warmer than last time as the strange orange thing in the sky had returned. Not complaining! We were careful not to scare it off…

Armistice Day

Today is Armistice Day. So feel right to remember my Mum’s Dad. Meet Albert (my Grandfather). He was born in 1897 and died before I was born so I never met him. My Nanna used to tell me we were similar. Seems I got my love of horses from him.

When WWI broke out, he was working in a mine in South Wales. As he had come from a farm in Somerset and they had put him to work with the horses.

He tried to sign up but he was under age and in a reserved occupation so wasn’t allowed to join up. He took the King’s shilling and joined the Middlesex Regiment on the 15 January 1917 he went to France and worked with the horses there, driving a supply wagon between camps.

He was gassed at Ypres (known by the troops as “Wipers”) and later came home with Bronchitis. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 2 December 1917 where he was in France until the end of the war in 1918.

He came back, but war changed him. He wasn’t the same, how could he be?! The price of victory was huge. It was meant to be the war to end all wars. Sadly we’re still fighting. I wish I’d had the chance to meet him and say thank you.

We will remember them.

Stable relationship

So it’s World Mental Health Day. Well this is the single biggest thing that keeps my mental health stable. You could call it my ‘stable relationship’.

I’ve been very open about my mental health struggles over the years. I’ve been a frequent visitor to dark places. Horses have always helped me to find a way back to the light.

I’ve cried so hard I’ve feared I’d never stop. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve never wanted it to stop. I’ve had times when I felt like I could conquer the world. Then I’ve been scared to leave my house.

I’ve felt such pain and such joy I couldn’t breathe. I’ve felt nothing and everything. I’ve loved. I’ve lost. But I’m still here. Getting up over and over again. Trying to give more than I taken. Finding joy in the little things. Smiling, laughing and loving.

Mental Health isn’t obvious. It isn’t straightforward. It is something we all have. We shouldn’t need a day to tell us to think about it. It should be part of our daily life.

So let’s all try to look after ours. Do what makes you feel good. Be with people who make you feel good. But most importantly be kind – to yourself and others.

And if you’re struggling right now (as many seem to be), know that you are safe, you are loved and you are very much appreciated.

Irish boys

Today Buddy got to show his friend round one of his favourite rides. Kimberley Fulcher and Irish came over to ride out with us.

It was a beautiful day for it too. Kim and I chatted the whole way round. Irish was very taken with the view from the top too. I love getting to share the beauty of where I live with someone new. I never take for granted how lucky we are to have the hacking we have.

Two gorgeous Irish boys out together. What a wonderful way to start the week.

Pooches

Flying visit to Suffolk to round off a lovely Easter weekend. Simon and Harry have loads of pooches for me to cuddle. At one point I had three dogs trying to get on my lap. Banys won. But only by sitting on his brother Boris! They’re all so cute.

Bailey is still my favourite. He was very happy to see me as always. There’s something really heartwarming about seeing a pack of happy pooches running towards you.

It’s been a lovely Easter. Full of friends, horses, cats and dogs.

Star

Buddy had a pony play date today. With a rather large pony. Becca and Star came to visit. Star is a lot bigger than Buddy, kinda makes him look like a pony. We were out for nearly 2 hours working our way round the roads and tracks. We hardly saw a soul. Sheer bliss.

We were meant to go over to see them, but the Buddymobile is in the sickbay. Again. So they came to us. I love being able to share our hacking with people.

Buddy clearly guessed we were going out for a long one as he tried to take snacks with him. He was a bit miffed I wouldn’t let him take a huge mouthful of hay out. Star was a bit surprised by our hills. Yes we have hills in Norfolk.

It was so funny cause Star clearly knew his way round. He strode off so confidently, you’d think he’d been there before. Buddy on the other hand acted like he’d never been down the routes we took. Talk about role reversal.

All in all two perfectly behaved ponies. The riders had a laugh too.

Stepping out

Impromptu road trip over to Brampton to meet up with Katie and Tash for an afternoon hack.

It was one of my favourite kind of afternoons – catching up with friends, being outdoors and time with Buddy. 3 things that always put a smile on my face.

Camp Amigos

Today the camp amigos got back together for a wonderful hack round Blickling. It’s not even been two weeks since we were last together but I’ve missed them. We walked and talked round the estate. And topped it off with a spot of lunch in the car park. Don’t say we don’t know how to live…!?

Four exceptional horses. Of course, we proved once again how hard it is to get a good photo of horses and riders. When selfies didn’t work, we asked a passing walker to help us out.