Terminator

We’re back home after another epic training camp. Epic in so many ways. Bert’s first camp and to be honest, he totally aced it! He waited patiently while I went for my lessons. He made himself comfortable in the Buddymobile. He slept through every night. He had zoomies in the forest and played nicely with the other dogs.

Every time I left him, I told him ‘I’ll be back’. I’m no Arnie, but it did make me giggle. Just call me Terminator.

Buddy aced camp too. Six lessons, massive lightbulbs and huge leaps forward in our training. He feels stronger, straighter and much more rideable since his injury.

The only ‘downside’ was the heat! Talk about from the sublime to the ridiculous. Last year, I didn’t take enough layers. It chucked it down and was freezing. This year, it was like someone had left the oven on…

Very draining for us all. We coped with a heady mix of fluids and electrolytes. I am very tired now. We shall all sleep well tonight.

Two kids

Well I’ve made it to our first training camp of 2025. Hurrah! This is the first time I’ve been away with two kids, Buddy and Bert. My god, they need a lot!

The Buddymobile felt a bit cramped with it all. I also needed three lists! And I still forgot the poo bags and toilet roll. It’s much better now Buddy is tucked up in his stable and Bert is tucked up in his crate in the horse area.

I’m tucked up in the living. As much as I love the Buddymobile, it’s definitely time for a bigger lorry! Bert’s arrival means I need more living. Well that’s my excuse! I want a toilet and a fridge too.

So far both kids are behaving very well. Coming to Forest Edge is such a happy place for me. I know Buddy loves it here. And it seems Bert might too after zoomies in the forest. Buddy, on the other hand, had a leisurely walk before the lessons start tomorrow. Bring on the learning…

Solar powered

Day 157: solar powered. When the phone rang early this morning, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thankfully it was a friend asking us out for a puppy play date. We took the dogs over a local dog park. Bert had a blast. We had coffee and a good catch up.

I am clearly solar powered! Bit of sun and I’m back to boundless energy. So when I got back, the horse hoover was deployed and cleaned out my lorry. I’d brought it home yesterday after Newmarket.

Then Bert had Puppy College. He was a little tired from his morning exertions. No bad thing for Storm Bert. He was definitely ready for his afternoon nap. So I left him home while I went to the yard to muck out and popped Buddy over a couple of jumps.

What a lovely day!

Keep learning

Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.

His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.

Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.

Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.

It was a very educational day all round…

Camper fans

On my way back from my Dad’s, I stopped at Elveden to catch up with some of my camp friends for lunch. Going to camps with Buddy have been some of my favourite times over the years. They’re time away from the chaos of my life. Time with like-minded people, great instructors and of course my best camp Buddy.

I love this photo of us. It’s one of those natural ones where I had no idea I was being snapped. It sums up camp to me. Lots of smiles, laughs and love.

I’ve made so many friends at camp. I love catching up with them. After a few very emotional days, it was just what I needed. Lots of hugs, love, good food and even better company…

Candles and cakes

Day 2 of camp done. Many more poles and poos done. Massive improvements from so many riders. It was a pleasure to watch.

You really do get a different perspective from the ground. I’m finding it fascinating. I’m also getting just how much I’ve learned over the years. Well you’d like to think so after the hundreds of lessons I’ve had something’s would sink in.

Got to walk off another horse today after his lessons. The beast that is Bruno. He’s massive! But such a sweet boy.

We spent our last evening in a gazebo chatting the night away and eating cake. There are no calories at camp! The camp onesie was much needed tonight. As were the candles. They do make you feel a bit warmer. I know it’s psychological.

Luxury

I’ve arrived at Forest Edge for camp. This will be camp not Buddy. I decided to come solo and be a helper instead. The advantage to not coming with Buddy or in the Buddymobile is that I get to sleep in luxury as I’m sharing a friend’s motorhome.

Very grateful for heating and a proper bed as the temperature has dropped. Honestly, it’s June! Not sure I’ve brought enough warm clothes…

If all else fails, I will be supporting everyone from the warmth of the cafe. It’ll be rather different. But looking forward learning lots.

Horses inside out

What a fab demo at Easton College this evening from Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out. She paints the anatomy on the horses so you can really see the movements. Learnt a lot. And came away with some more pole exercises to do with Buddy.

Reminded me of many years ago when I went to another demo with her. And got to paint Murphy. It was so insightful seeing how he moved.

Lovely seeing so many people too. I do love a horsey outing. In fact it’s been a bit of a horsey day. This afternoon, I was an Emotional Support Person for a friend who was taking her horse to the vets. While we waited, we went for a walk through the bluebells and chatted in the sunshine.

I’m definitely horsey inside and out.

Made it

Well I wasn’t sure if we would get here, but we did. We’re all set for our first training camp of 2024. After the Buddymobile pulling a sicky, then Buddy calling in sick, I was fearing the worst.

But we locked and loaded! Eases Buddy in gently with a stroll round the forest.

It’s a tad fresh so hoping I’ve brought enough layers. Time to snuggle up for the night. Bring on the learning!

Keep learning

Just cause we didn’t get to be demo riders today, didn’t mean that I missed out on the learning. Headed over to Forest Edge to watch everyone in action.

It was a really interesting and insightful day. Came away with lots of tips, exercises and things to play with when Buddy is back in action.

It was lovely to catch up with everyone too. It’s been a long winter. Not long till our first camp. More healing vibes for Buddy please people.