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!
Today has been a bit of a surreal day. I drove to Essex, took some photos and drove home. I love the bonkersness of my life, I really do.
I was very tempted to stop at Colchester Zoo on my way home. I do love a zoo. But I’ll save that pleasure for another day.
I used the driving time well, catching up on some phone calls and podcasts. I dread to think how many miles I’ve drive in the past week or so. Let’s just go with a lot. Good job I love driving too.
I got well and truly woofed this weekend. Simon and Harry’s dogs do love their Auntie Pip. And I love them all too.
Banys has grown so much since I saw him at Christmas. He’s grown into such a cuddle monster too.
Another wonderful weekend in Suffolk. Till next time.
I’m slightly in love with the balloon arch we had at the event tonight. It’s been a very long day. But a very successful one. The feedback has been great. And my client is very happy.
I’ve been on my feet so long, they have their own pulse. I‘m now officially off duty and can have a drink. I will sleep very well tonight.
I consider myself very lucky to have created a business where I get to do so many things I love. And people pay me to do it!
And I have some wonderful clients who trust me to do a good job.
7 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. He was the horse of my dreams. He saved me from myself. After having my first ‘Pip blip’, I realised I needed another horse. A focus. An outlet for my stress. A reason to leave the office.
I’d always wanted to event. But never had the horse to do it. So when I started looking, I was keen to find one to achieve that dream. Murphy ticked every box for my dream horse. 16’2, KPWN, grey, event horse…
When I bought him, I’d never even done a dressage test. Let alone had the first clue how to event or what it entailed. I mean, how hard can it be?! Right?! Very it seems.
One of my strengths is determination. Sometimes to my own detriment. So I put in the hard work and after years of lessons, fall, bruises, highs and lows, we completed our first ODE. I was officially an eventer!
I’m eternally grateful that this gorgeous creature came into my life. He taught me so much. Tolerated even more. I loved him then and I love him still. And I miss his quirks.
He laid the foundations for Buddy. I hope he’s proud of how we’re doing.
Lovely evening at the Belgium Monk tonight. I bloody love mussels. So any chance to have them, I’m taking it.
They’re the kind of thing I would never cook at home. I mean, seriously?! I’m culinarily challenged at the best of time. Me cooking mussels has food poisoning written all over it…
It was the perfect end to a very good week.
Christmas 2022 done! Thank you Simon and Harry for a truly wonderful Christmas.
Buddy and I have been utterly spoilt. They say that family is not always by blood, it’s by heart. Well these two are definitely in my heart.
6 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.
When I was looking for my next partner-in-crime, I said I wanted an all-rounder. He’s certainly proved to be that! We’ve tried so many different things in the past 6 years.
There have been amazing highs, crashing lows and more broken bits. We’ve had so many ’firsts’ together. We’ve been to so many new places. Met so many people. Had so many experiences.
In many ways, we haven’t achieved what I set out to do. But in others, we’ve achieved more than I dared to dream.
Who’d have thought we’d be good at sidesaddle? Or represent our riding club at the National Championships. Or win a trophy at the Norfolk Show. Just goes to show that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
It also goes to show how far we’ve come that we were casually popping a 110cm oxer at the end of a grid today in our lesson.
I’ve owned Buddy half of his life now. He is and will always be ‘My Absolute Diamond’. And I couldn’t love him more if I tried.
Check out this stunning location I went to today for a client meeting. It’s an old farm building that’s been turned into offices.
I’m so thankful that I get to go to different locations and do so many different things with my business. And my life.
The older I get, the more I crave experiences and memories rather than material stuff. I love the life I’ve created. Don’t get me wrong, I have my challenges, stresses and disappointments. But I’m grateful for every lesson, opportunity and challenge.
This came up on my memories today. Not sure what was going on when I posted this 7 years ago. But it’s just as true today.
So much is out of our control. Having faith (whatever that looks like to you) can be really hard. Especially when things are wobbling. I’m spinning a lot of plates, it’s inevitable that some will wobble from time to time.
Let’s face it, sometimes you just need to put the world to right with some good friends, not take yourself too seriously and do the things you love.
I’m coming out of my malaise. Rover, my ‘black dog’, is heading back to the shadows once more. I’m processing more layers of my onion. Things I thought I’d resolved, clearly need more investigation. It’s exhausting so I’ve been really kind to myself today.
Thought I’d take Buddy out for a hack to clear my head. The weather had other ideas as we got trapped in his stable due to a hailstorm. So we headed to the indoor school instead.
Thank you so much for the messages, comments and love you’ve sent me. It helps more than you know to know I’m loved and supported.
Tales, Tails and Talus 