Lucky socks

I think I might need to buy myself some new ‘lucky socks’. I bought these when I first started competing Murphy. That was a very long time ago now. Well I bought him in 2010. I wonder how many competitions I have worn them for. I’m not usually a superstitious person, but when it comes to competing, it appears I am. I have to put my right sock on first. Funny huh?!

I bought myself a new competition shirt when I was at Hickstead. Typically I didn’t look at socks.

I can’t even remember why these became my lucky socks. Maybe I just liked them. Whatever they have served me well.

Pensioner

As I crash towards 55, I’m starting to get some interesting post. This arrived today from one of my pension providers.

I’m very grateful that my boss at the time helped me start my pension at the tender age of 21. At the time, I was more interested in next week rather than 40 odd years in the future. It felt like I was saving for a future I couldn’t imagine. Back then, my pension age was 60. Now it’s 67 before I’d get a State Pension (if it’ll even exist by the time I get there…).

Now I’m nearly at the stage where I can access my personal pension, it feels very grown up and rather surreal. Interestingly, it said in this leaflet says that from 2028, people’ll have to wait till their 57 before they can access their pension. I must have missed that change! Not sure why?

I’ve worked very hard in the last 34 years. I’ve put as much money as I can into my pension pot. I know I’m in a very fortunate position. But life is fleeting. So I’m going to enjoy my retirement. Whenever it actually starts….

Dragonfly

This morning when I was having breakfast on the patio, the most wonderful thing happened. A dragonfly landed on my knee. It gave me goosebumps.

I’ve seen lots of dragonflies in my garden, out riding or at the yard, but it’s the first time one has actually landed on me!

It felt like a very special moment. I wondered if there was a spiritual meaning. So I looked it up. There were lots of different meaning. All along similar themes. Essentially it’s very lucky to have one land on you. They signify change. And being connected to nature (that’s probably obvious as I was outside).

I must admit, I really did feel very lucky indeed. I sat frozen, barely breathing for fear of scaring it off. I must have twitched or something as it flew off to one of my roses. But moments later, it flew back and landed on my knee again. Does that make me doubly lucky?!

I find the symbolism of things fascinating. Makes you wonder where they came from. The symbolism with dragonflies seem to come from China and the Far East. But then they have been a round for a very long time…

Lucky girl

Something very wonderful happened today. The wonderful Kim let me compete the equally wonderful Irish at our RC Show today. I took him for a spin round the 70cm, taking 6th place for the fastest 4 faults.

It’s wonderful for many reasons. Firstly, that someone would trust me with their precious horse. Secondly, the fact I’ve only ridden him once before and hasn’t jumped a course with him. Thirdly, it’s my first competition of 2024!

I didn’t ride as well as I know I can. I was too busy having a wonderful time – smiling and chatting away like a lunatic. I know the 4 faults were totally on me. I took an ‘eventing’ line to the last and he took it out.

I’m still beaming!! I’m such a lucky girl. I really am…

Archie

Another day and another set of ears. I am a very lucky girl indeed to get the chance to ride so many different horses.

Each one makes me smile in their own way. They’re all very different. Today I got to jump Archie. He was a total dreamboat.

Reminds me that not only am I good rider. I am a confident rider too. Having only sat on him once very briefly, today I got on and popped him round a few jumps.

Took me a few jumps to work him out. And him me. I haven’t jumped a different horse for a while so I’m rather used to Buddy. Once we worked each other out, it felt so good to be jumping again.

It wasn’t that long ago that my confidence was shattered. It’s been a long road to getting back to me. I’m sure there are many silver linings to Buddy being off games. This is definitely one.

Salvia

I was given this pretty salvia today. I’ve done a little favour for a good friend. This was her way of saying thank you. She also fed me, which is definitely my love language.

We haven’t caught up for a while, not sure either of us was expecting to talk for 4 hours though! The time passed in no time. Love it when that happens. And I’m lucky that it happens a lot.

Unlucky for some

Spotted this hare’s foot hanging from the top of a hedge while out hacking. You can see how high it is so guessing a bird of prey left it there.

Very unlucky for the hare. Got me thinking, why are rabbits and hares feet considered lucky?!

I have a Joules soft toy hare on The Buddymobile keys. For luck wherever we go. Wouldn’t say it’s always worked. I have a rather large bill coming my way from the garage.

But I consider myself very lucky to have my own transport. I love being able to get out and about with Buddy.

Lucky for some

Again, I’m no farrier, but when you walk your horse in from the field and realise something isn’t right. Buddy had moved his shoe over considerable and the clip looked like it had gone into the hoof wall.

By some miracle, it hadn’t and Buddy was sound on it. He was weight-bearing and didn’t seemed bothered at all by it. But it could go some way to explaining Buddy’s overreaction on Thursday. But who knows?!

Very grateful that my farrier was able to come out and sort it out. And that it didn’t do any damage. Looks like horseshoes are lucky on the horse too.

Gratitude

I took some time to reflect today. I consider myself lucky that I can create my own schedule. It’s one of the benefits of being the boss. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of challenges to being the boss too.

I get to do something I love, work with some amazing people and make a difference in people’a lives.

Same goes for my personal life, I’m grateful to have an amazing horse, two loving kittens and fabulous friends. I get to try new things and make memories along the way.

Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the things we don’t have rather than the things we do. So today I celebrate what I have. And I’m working on the things I don’t….

Luck and love

Today has been one of those days where I’ve been reminded of how lucky I am. I have so many people in my life who love me, lookout for me and enjoy spending time with me. This week I will be catching up with lots of them. One at a time of course. Really looking forward to it…