Playtime

When I got to the yard, someone had set out some working equitation style obstacles. So I thought it would be fun to have a play.

It was brilliant fun. Buddy had to focus and listen to me as we twisted and turned our way around it all.

Processing

Today I’m better than I was. My brain isn’t working very well. I’m exhausted from the crying.

Nero was such a big part of my life for so many years. It’s going to take time to get used to him not being here.

I knew it was coming. Doesn’t make it easier though.

I did a great healing meditation earlier. Then took Buddy out for a hack. And had a blast up the gallops on Buddy.

That helped. Put a huge smile on my face.

B&B

Arrived safe and sound in preparation for our 3 day training camp. Took much longer than expected due to roadworks and my rather foolish plan to try and circumnavigate them. Would have been quicker to have stayed in the queue. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Still we’re all settled in for the night. Buddy seems to love B&B. Not sure if that’s just cause he gets haylage?!

Looking forward to learning lots in our 6 lessons. Bring it on…

Start right

Great way to start the day. A fab hack with Beth and Hugo. Fab weather and fab company.

Happy place

This feeds my soul more than anything else. Me and my boy out for an afternoon stroll. Everywhere looks so lush and green. It was great to feel the sun on our backs too.

Hardly a soul out either. Sheer bliss!

Gave him his first full bath of the year too. His mane was disgusting. Buddy made his feelings known on the situation by standing on the shampoo bottle. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So we now have a very clean yard floor. 🤪

Birthday Boy

It seems turning 11 is a bit too much for Buddy. 🤪 He’s crashed with the excitement.

Happy Birthday Buddy Boy!!

Storm clouds

That moment when you can’t work out if the rain is coming towards you or going to head past. Sadly it was the former. Another hack, another soaking. ☔️🤦🏻‍♀️

Buddy wasn’t impressed with the rain down ear look. Have to say I agreed with him there! It’s May for crying out loud. I couldn’t feel my thighs or hands by the time I got back.

So glad I watered all of the plants that I planted out today… Still it was a very good Sunday.

Pony play date

Another lovely trip to Blackwater Farm today. And glorious weather to boot. No need to change my clothes this time. 😝

Buddy was a complete star. Just need to recreate it in a competition now.

Snack hack

I think it’s safe to say that this is Buddy’s favourite type of hack. Slightly twisty hack as one of the roads was closed. Still lovely though. And Buddy LOVES cow parsley. 🐴😍

Gold star

Back home after a brilliant training camp with T&N Equestrian at Blackwater. It was bloody brilliant!!

Even the weather couldn’t stop me smiling. Buddy was a superstar all weekend. Yesterday we both got soaked in our two lessons (poles and SJ course riding).

Today the sun shone on us for XC. Buddy was definitely up for it. Especially when I remembered to keep my leg on. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So I’ve now got a new mantra ‘look up, leg on’.

Sadly the rain returned for the last lesson (grids) but only at the end. And got a little wet packing up.

All in all I couldn’t fault Buddy. He definitely deserved a huge Gold Star!

We shall both sleep well tonight.