Hot mess

Oh my days! It’s been a hot one today. Typically the day I was due to spend most of it in an indoor arena. Talk about sweatfest! Might as well sweat off a few pounds as I’m not riding as much at the moment.

It was so inspiring watching the latest batch of campers. So many new faces. Some I’ve watched more of their journey. It’s wonderful seeing people push themselves and enjoy time with their ponies.

This afternoon, I got to try something new too – dressage writing. Blimey, that’s stressful. Especially when I didn’t have that much to lean on. My writing was akin to a doctors. Either that or a spider crawled across the page. I have a deep respect for those who do it on a regular basis. I’m sure it gets easier. At least I can say I tried. I’m much better at shouting than writing. The irony when I write a lot for a living. Think I’ll stick to stewarding or commentating and leave it to those more skilled than me.

Poles

I went to a pole clinic today. Without Buddy. To support a friend. And pick up some tips for when Buddy is allowed to do poles again.

He’s not the best when it comes to poles. He has a tendency to clatter through them. I remember an instructor telling me she loved silent ponies. I didn’t get what she meant, till Buddy and I clonked our way through the poles. We don’t do them enough I know. We both prefer them when they are on off the ground on wings.

We can start with one on the ground soon. Oh the excitement!! Who knows by the end of his rehab, we might have a pole dancer…

Pay it forward

What a fab day jump judging at Great Witchingham Horse Trails. It’s the first time in 3 years I’ve been able to do it and it was as much fun as ever.

There were some incredible horse and riders. It’s really inspiring watching top riders in action.

I got a bit emotional coming home. Sad that I’m not competing tomorrow. And sad that it looks like it’ll be their last BE season. So aiming to do the one they’ll be holding in July.

At least they’ll still be doing Unaffiliated Events so I’m aiming for them too. Watch out Buddy, we’re getting back out there.

Garden envy

This afternoon Colette and I headed over to East Ruston Old Vicarage for her birthday treat. On my days, talk about garden envy!

We spend the whole time saying ‘wow’. It’s absolutely stunning. We both agreed we need to come back in every season. Next trip is already planned for my birthday. 👏🏻

We came away with loads of inspiration, ideas and a few plants.

Burnham Market

Headed to Burnham Market Horse Trials today to meet my friends Nigel, Julie and their dog Jeff. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. Forgotten how undulating it is there. Jeff was in training for Badders next year. He aced it! He wasn’t bothered by the horses at all. Clever boy Jeff.

It was great catching up with people too. It was inspiring watching the action. One day Buddy and I will be competing there too. 👏🏻