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…

Make your own

Another successful stint of commentating today. This time back at the Area 14 & 8 RC ODE at Poplar Park. The weather was perfect as was the going. The same can’t be said for my pronunciation of all of the horse and riders. I did my best as always.

Helen and I have a fab partnership now. Even thought we only do this together once a year, it’s like no time has passed. She even created her own version of the horse tracker to make sure things ran as smoothly as possible. It worked. Not a clue how many combinations we got round today. I know for sure that there were no fallers on XC today.

It was as inspiring as ever seeing so many happy faces come through the finish line – horses and riders. Till next year…

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…

Adventurer

Tori James was one of the speakers at the Hoseasons Conference I worked on last month. Her story was so real. She’s an ordinary person who achieved something extraordinary. And she was such a lovely person. She gave me a copy of her book when she’d finished.

Today I woke up feeling a bit flat and rather snotty. So I thought I’d read it. It was a quick read. But a very inspiring one. Her journey to being the first Welsh woman to climb Everest is pretty special.

I love her sign off. ‘With passion, planning and self-belief you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Remember your next adventure could be just around the corner.’

It got me thinking. As the year draws to an end, I can reflect back on the many adventures I’ve had this year. I’ve ticked many things off my bucket list. I’ve achieved things I never thought I could. Think it’s time to start making my 2024 adventure list…