Rollin’

Took Buddy down to the Hall today for their clear round SJ. I put him in the 80cm and 90cm as he’s been jumping so well lately. It was his first 90cm course in a competition-like setting, so thought I’d see what he made of it.

Once he’d gotten over his dislike of the bright pink pig fillers, he ate up the jumps. Frustrating cause it’s not like he doesn’t jump pig fillers we have at home. But they are a different shade of pink, so guessing I need to up the pink-factor.

No clears, but I went with the aim of having fun and using it as an educational round. Big ticks there! He made 90cm feel small. He’s getting stronger and stronger (in a good way).

Just need to recreate it in competitions now. Buddy loves his post wash down roll too. Thankfully he was more elegant jumping the jumps.

Layered look

Today saw the return of the overtrousers! It’s 1 June, right?! I’ve been cold all day. The fan heater made an appearance at one point. As did the layered look. I headed to the yard wearing many!

Decided to free jump Buddy. He made me laugh as I’d barely set up the channel and he trotted over the jump. He’s so easy to work with. He picks which way he wants to go. It’s so much fun.

Thought I’d let him play, so kept putting it up for him. He was loving it. Ended up at belly button height – an official measuring system right there! Guessing it was 1.10m or so. I’ve got long legs so who knows?!

We were both a tad warm by the end. I didn’t need all my layers after all.

Deery me

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than riding round a deer park, jumping a few XC jumps and having a bloody good gallop! And in the sunshine too!

Headed over to Gunton for a pony play date for Buddy.

We’re so lucky to have access to a country park like this. The deer weren’t bothered by us at all. We hacked round as a warm up, jumped some jumps, splashed in the water and finished on a gallop up the hill.

Buddy found top speed and fully embraced his TB bloodlines. I do love my little boy. If we can crack the rest of it, I have no doubt we’ll make the time after today’s turn of speed.

Peek-a-boo

Buddy has a new favourite spot to shelter from the wind and the rain. He’s a very happy boy there.

Of course I had a minor heart attack when I couldn’t see him in his field. Then his little head popped up from behind the brambles.

He definitely had the right idea though. The weather was beyond weird. Still we managed to avoid the rain showers and pop a few jumps in the sunshine.

Jump into 2023

Buddy and I had our first lesson of 2023. I was a little apprehensive as our last lesson of 2022 ended with a face plant for us both. I needn’t have worried. Buddy was in good form.

As it was the first lesson, we kept it simple. Still we were flying over a 105cm upright. Buddy found his springs for sure.

Got home and it was time to open the laptop and get back to work. I’ve really enjoyed my time off over Christmas and New Year. It’s been a fab break with lots of lovely people.

Dodo was very happy indeed that I was back at the laptop. He was purring so loudly on my lap.

Testing times

The world feels rather odd again. Lots of uncertainty about. Changes afoot. And confusion around. I’m getting used to it as it feels like a bit of an undertone for the past few years.

The parental tag-team is on again. My Dad is poorly at the moment. So all healing vibes gratefully received.

One thing that never changes is the smile Buddy puts on my face. Especially after popping some jumps in the Autumn sunshine.

Saddle sore

Buddy had his saddle check today. It was a good news / bad news situation as I kinda thought it might be.

The good new is that his jump saddle needed flocking and a change of girth strap position to help the balance (we’re both wonky). He’s templating more evenly each time too. And the saddler said he’s looking really good at the moment.

The bad news is that the dressage saddle is a no-no. I kinda thought it was going to be the case after his adverse reaction to it a few weeks back. I got to ride in two other saddles and the different was amazing. He came up through his shoulders. And was so soft in the contact. I always amazed at how a different saddle can make such a difference. But then I guess it’s like a good fitting bra or running shoes.

It seems Buddy has very expensive tastes. Typically he preferred the most expensive option. It’s going on the wishlist.

So anyone want to buy a dressage saddle or a kidney…?! 😂

But the best news was that Buddy felt amazing jumping in his newly adjusted saddle.

Gremlins

So it seemed that I wasn’t to do any work today. My laptop did an update this morning. Nothing unusual there. 6 hours it took in the end. And multiple reboots, diagnostics and much swearing. I’m blaming the full moon, lunar eclipse and solar flares. 😂

Still my day wasn’t all bad. Took Buddy down the road to the Hall and popped a few jumps in the sun. He got a picnic hack on the way back. He loves this time of year when the cow parsley and cleavers are out. He practically inhales them.

Jump high

Took Buddy for a jumping clinic over at WHW. It was with a new instructor, Simon Grieve. I get nervous with new instructors. I’ve learnt that if I tell the instructor, it helps me. I needn’t have worried. He put me at ease and couldn’t have been more supportive.

Lots of different lines and jumps today. Buddy was a superstar. Bit forward at times, but once we agreed on the appropriate pace, he flew everything.

So proud of my little boy. When it’s good, it’s really, really good.

Jump into 2022

I’ve taken jumping into the new year literally of course. It’s been a couple of weeks since we last jumped (and we know how well that went!).

Decided to pop a few jumps as it was quiet at the yard. Think my smile says it all. I love jumping, but it doesn’t always make it to my face. I have a look of concentration most of the time. It’s either face like thunder or mouth open.

One for me to work on this year. 🤪 Maybe if I look like I’m actually loving it as much as I am it might make a difference. I’m game!