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!
It’s total gridlock on the garden fence today. Or is it a Brundall stand-off? You decide. Whatever it is, it made me laugh.
Neither of them was moving. In the end Dodo climbed over Hugo. I guess that’s one way to resolve it. Probably a good job we can’t do that when we’re in congestion. Though there have been a few times when I’ve feared the Comedy Car would go under an HGV. It’s rather small!
I jokingly asked if I could have a doggy bag when I left camp yesterday. They said yes! So I was dispatched with four pieces of quiche for the road.
Arrived home with three. I have to admit that there are easier things to eat while driving. I had two for my dinner tonight. One more piece for lunch tomorrow. I do love quiche. Especially homemade ones. This was mushroom and peppers. Yum!
It always reminds me of my childhood. My Mum is a big fan. My Dad not so much. He used to joke that men didn’t eat quiche. Well this one was made by an Army one at that!
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!
Oh boy did I need this after an afternoon at Carrow Road. It was a tad fresh! I couldn’t feel my feet, thighs or face! Sadly the match was a bit dull, so that didn’t keep me warm either. I ws back to hat, gloves and the big coat.
I do love a hot chocolate. It’s like a meal in a mug. The downside? I wasn’t hungry when I got home. Even after a hot shower, my feet haven’t warmed up.
Guess I’ll be packing extra layers for camp next week. It could be cold overnight. I am not a fan of cold feet, that’s for sure.
Check out my posh new floor! The Buddymobile has gone up very market. It’s amazing the difference it’s made and it’s just a bit of new lino!
Of course, now I want to take the carpet off the walls and replace that with lino too. Baby steps Pip.
I’ve got enough leftover to do the two other lockers when needed. Very grateful to have a friend help me get the Buddymobile camp ready. It’s coming together nicely.
A new floor needs an upgraded floor mat, so that’s next on the list. Well the one I’ve got is starting to fall apart but then it’s almost as old as the lorry! I definitely like getting my money’s worth.
Woo fricking hoooo! Buddy and I headed out in the Buddymobile today. Cause for celebration indeed. It drives like a dream and so did Buddy. He was striding out round the tracks. Sound in walk, trot and canter. Phew!
It felt so good to be out and about again. The Equidry was out and about too! Have Spring and Winter had a tiff?! Cause Winter feels like it’s doing the whole ‘…and another thing’. It was so cold, windy and wet!
The bluebells were out and even in the wet, miserable conditions, they put a smile on my face. As did the cheese toastie and mocha. Well I needed warming up and there was cause to celebrate. We were out out!
The Buddymobile is back after having a lot of work done on it. One of the rear wheel arches needed replacing. Sounds like a simple job. Right?! This is me, so of course not!
It was bad. First I knew was when a bit fell off. Never a good thing!!
It seems that the wheel arch has been an issue for a while. Water had been coming into one of my side lockers, as well as hitting the living floor. As a result, there was a lot of rotten wood that needed to be replaced. Good job I didn’t go through it. Or my bed collapse overnight.
So I have a rebuilt wheel arch and new floor in the locker and living. Need to get some replacement lino to complete it.
It will need to go back at some point to have the other rear wheel arch done.
I did get an upgrade while it was being done. A new step to make getting in and out a bit easier. Made good use of that as I was giving it a deep clean this evening.
They say things come in threes, but today mine were all good.
First, I got laundry on the line. With the sunshine and high winds, it was dry rather quickly.
Second, Buddy had a naked day in the field. He was very pleased to see me
And finally, the Buddymobile is fixed. More on that tomorrow.
All in all a good day.
Greetings from Arena UK, Grantham. Last night at the Carleton RC Committee meeting, I found out that one of the members was heading to a Champs the next day solo. So I offered to stowaway in her lorry and come with her.
Ended up volunteering for a few hours. It’s been ages since I was away for a horsey adventure. It’s good to be back out. Even if I’m not here with Buddy.
Sat in the lorry, cider in one hand, waiting for a posh fish finger sandwich. Living the dream. Sometimes you just have to say yes to things.
Today was the first ODE at Blackwater. I didn’t enter and I’m OK with that decision. My preparation hasn’t been right and I don’t like winging it when it comes to eventing.
I’ve felt rather thwarted recently. I understand it. The first quarter of 2024 has been challenging. First the back and forward to my parents, then getting floored by the flu, my saddle being reflocked, working long hours and finally the Buddymobile being off the road.
I’m not making excuses, I’m reflecting. Today I noticed I’d picked my BRC Combined Challenge hoodie. Last year I represented my Riding Club on many occasions. And even with similar challenges, we still achieved an awful lot.
So while the first quarter we haven’t done much, there are still three more quarters to go. I’m happy for people who are out there having fun with their horses. It makes me so happy to see people overcoming hurdles and achieving things.
It’s been us so many times. And I will be us again. But for now, I’ll just have to be content to cheer from the sidelines.
The Buddymobile will be fixed- hopefully quickly and cheaply (I’m running out of body parts to sell). Bring on Q2…
Tales, Tails and Talus 