Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Buddy finally had his first clip today. I’ve had to put it back twice as he didn’t have much to clip! It’s been so mild that he’s been getting a bit sweaty. So glad he’s done.
Clipping with Buddy has been quite the journey. He’s gone from histrionics to mild indifference. We were reminiscing about some of his antics. He’s rather ticklish so he’s still expressive. He still doesn’t like his ears or face doing. But for the most part, he was a really good boy for Beki.
Doesn’t he look smart?
Strictly is back! And I am one very happy girl. It’s one of the wonderful things about the end of Summer. Weeks of watching fancy footwork, enjoying the journey and seeing how the celebrities grow.
Welled up watching Amy back dancing. It’s been quite the journey for her too. I have a few favourites already. And there are a few who have further to go…
In fact, fancy footwork was a bit of a theme as I also got to go to Carrow Road to watch Norwich City. They not only won, they played really well too. Though it was so warm, it felt more like a pre-season match. Very odd to be at the football wearing a polo shirt and not layers. I am not complaining though. It won’t be long before I’m lighting the twig burner and breaking out the big coat.
Today is my Mum’s 81st birthday. So I drove nearly 350 miles and spent nearly 7 hours in the Comedy Car to go and sing her Happy Birthday.
The nursing home where she is had put balloons and birthday banners in her room. And baked a cake specially for her. It’s a really lovely home. They do so much for the residence. 8 of the staff came in with the cake and sang Happy Birthday too.
The cake was delicious by the way. As was dinner with my Dad before I drove back.
My Mum has deteriorated so much since I saw her at the end July. She’s still here. And every day I have two living parents, I am grateful. One day I know I won’t and I will be the top of the tree. I’m not sure I’m grown up enough to have that level of responsibility.
Ageing is such a weird thing. I still think I’m in my twenties. Odd to think that one day, we’ll all be gone. Till then, I’m enjoying the ride… And aiming for 100 not out!!
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.
Well I’m back home after another mammoth weekend. Not sure how many miles I’ve done. Quite honestly, I’m too tired to work it out. Thankfully the M25 was very kind to me today as I headed home.
It was smooth sailing all the way back. Unlike my hair, which looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge. I was back to windows open and being buffeted after the joys of AC yesterday.
Still the kittens were pleased to see me. As you can see they were very keen to leave their sunbathing to say hello!
Staying the extra night meant I got to see Mum again before I left. She’s not doing great so grateful to have been able to see her.
I’m a big fan of a cracking photo. Especially one of Buddy in full flight. I’ve bought one or two (hundred) over the years. There’s a reason.
I don’t have many photos of my first horse Mac. In fact I only have a handful. And no footage. I had him in a time where we didn’t record every minutia of our lives. Some may say it was a simpler life. We lived with the jeopardy of sending a roll of film away to be developed. You could get a masterpiece. More likely you’d get a packet of blurry images. We were busy making memories to think about recording it.
So when I bought Murphy, I said I was going to document our journey together. I’m grateful to have professional photos of my horses. And videos too.
When I’m feeling down, I sit and relive the memories we’ve made together. When I’m struggling to see my achievement, I look at the Wall of Fame and I remember I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
So I had to buy this photo from Sunday’s clinic. I really need to work on my jumping face…
You have no idea how grateful I was to find this care package on the door step when I got home tonight. Not the best journey back as it took me nearly 5 hours! Sat in traffic for 1.5 hours to get through the Dartford Tunnel. The joys of the M25.
Even though I had snacks on the way back, I didn’t realise how hungry I was. I practically inhaled this. I have some amazing friends.
It’s good to be home. The kittens are very pleased to see me too. Hugo threw up and Dodo is asleep on my feet.
My parents? Dad is behaving. Mum is back on oxygen.
And me? Well I’m shattered…
I think someone missed me. He’s been a limpet since I got back. Long journey back as there was an incident near the Dartford Tunnel.
One thing’s for sure, I’ll be looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.
I’ve been pondering stuff today. I took a friend and her horse out for a saddle fitting. As I sat in the lorry waiting, I had another chance to reflect on this journey so far. Sometimes we need to look back to see just how far we’ve come. And bloody hell have I come a long way! I’m still here. I’m still smiling. And I’m still doing my best.
Tales, Tails and Talus 