Dirty

I think I might need to wash the Comedy Car. It’s a tad dirty after being at Hickstead. I thought I was being really clever parking on the grass near the exit. What I didn’t consider was the fact that the lorries would be going out that way too! It was very dusty. As you can see from the state of my car.

Now back home after a brilliant few days away. I am shattered but it’s a very good tired. Over the course of the weekend, I walked a far few miles. Friday my step count was 27.5k, Saturday it was over 38k and Sunday a mere 15k. According to my phone, that’s nearly 40 miles!!

It’s hard to explain the vast nature of the Showground. It’s huge! It definitely is one of those see it to believe it. A bit like the Derby Bank! Or the size of the jumps!!

It’s been an epic time. Watching Team GB lift the Nations Cup, seeing an incredible King George V cup and watching friends in action. Many of them tick things off their horsey bucket list, achieving dreams and making core memories. It was inspiring in so many ways. I’m so proud of you all!

It made me even more determined to get Buddy back to full strength so we can be there together next year. It’s got to be less stressful than being the team manager…

Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

Heals your soul

I saw this quote yesterday when I got back from camp. It totally resonated. My horsey family includes so many people that I don’t see regularly. But when I do it’s wonderful.

Got to catch up with a few more today. In between loads of washing. Camp not Buddy does mean I have less washing to do. Still seems like a lot though.

Totally worth it for the lessons learnt, laughs had and memories made.

Cheese plant

I bought a plant today! And it’s made me so happy already. It’s one of my more random purchases, so bear with…

This morning I met up for coffee with a lady I connected with in 2020. We were part of an online networking group. Today was the first time we met in person! Boy was it worth the wait. We talked for 3.5 hours about life, covid, business and so much more. It was just wonderful.

We met at a cafe / plant shop. A rather glorious mix. As we chatted, I spotted this cheese plant. It took me back to my childhood. We had a monster of one in our hallway for many years. It then outgrew our house and was gifted to the office I worked in. It eventually ended up with one of the employees. I guess it was adopted by her.

I had to buy it. It’s a homage to my 70s childhood and my parents. It made me laugh all the way home as I drove along with it sitting proudly on my passenger seat. I’ve named him ‘Wallace’. He’s settling in well.

Font

I’m well versed with many fonts (verdana is my favourite). I’ve even been called a font of all knowledge in my time. But this is the first time I’ve ever come across a font in a hospital!

Apparently it was moved to the hospital when the local church was undergoing renovations. It’s stayed ever since. Apparently nearly 5,000 people were baptised in it.

I’m back home after another trip down South. Honestly it’s exhausting. Not just the long drive, the joys of the M25 or sitting in a hospital ward. The emotions that go along with it all. Going back to my childhood home is a sensory overload. So many memories – good and bad.

I’m going to be honest, I’m struggling with it all. It’s really tough. Tomorrow is another day.

Wings

8 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. I gave him his wings so he could soar to thank him for the times he helped me fly.

Today when I walked into Buddy’s stable I found this white feather. Not a clue where it could have come from. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest (and easiest) decision I’ve made.

I thank him every day for the lessons he taught me and for the bruises along the way. My life was richer for him, he saved me from myself and he will always be etched in my heart.

He paved the way for Buddy. I’m sure he’s watching over us. And hope he’s proud of the partnership we’ve created.

Buddy was put through his paces today by the lovely Natalie. She rode him beautifully and was SO complimentary about him. I tend to be very critical of my riding and the lack of progression. Then I have moments like today when someone gets on him and raves about him. Reminds me of how far we’ve come.

So tonight I raised a glass to all of my horses. They all hold a special place in my heart. And helped shape the equestrian I am.

Mac

As we drove over to the hospital today, I spotted one of my own hacking spots – Chailey Common. It brought back many happy memories of my first horse, Grandby Macawber. He was my 15’2 X-Cob, who had the body of a cob and the brain of a TB! He had a few issues – rearing, spinning, mouth like granite, legs like treetrunks, no brakes, steering was a bit suspect too, but I loved him. He taught me a lot, mostly how to sit a rear, brace a spin and bounce! He also gave me the XC bug as he was brave as a lion!

We used to gallop round the common. Huge smile on my face. Sometimes scattering a walker or two (see previous comments about brakes and steering).

Nostalgia

It’s been a while since I walked down this particular road. I used to do it twice a day for many year when I worked here.

Today I passing through on my way to various appointments. Some things looked the same. Some very different.

Funny how a street or a building can bring so many memories flooding back. I met some wonderful people in my time working for Aviva. Many I’m still in touch with. And made some fab memories.

Memories

This photo came up on my memories today. It’s one of my favourite pictures of us. We were having a play at Blackwater two years ago. I love the way it captures the determination from both of us.

Spookily I was back there today. But without Buddy. I headed back to the PC Champs to pick up my bag. It was Eventing today. Yesterday was Dressage and Show Jumping.

I stopped to watch some of the XC. It was lovely seeing so many smiling faces coming through the finish line.

Bye bye Burghley

That’s Burghley done for another year. Another fantastic experience and more memories made. Lovely company. Lovely weather. And lots of lovely horses. What more could you want.

My legs are aching and my feet are very sore. I think I’ve probably done a full week’s worth of steps this weekend and some.

Given the number of people who attend each year, I’m always amazed at how many people I bump into. So lovely to see so many familiar faces.

The only blip on a wonderful weekend, was losing my notch bracelet. Still no sign of it, but hopefully it’ll turn up.

I’ve come home inspired. Bye bye Burghley. Till next year…

True value

Good news for a Friday. The Buddymobile passed its MOT. The bad news is that it cost a pretty penny to get through. It’s only money, right?!

Seems it conked out on Wednesday cause there was a blockage in the diesel filter. Whatever that is?! But whatever it is, I have a shiny, new one.

They fixed all the little niggles too so let’s keep everything crossed this is the last big bill I get.

As I was driving back, I was thinking about the true value of things. My little lorry may sometimes cost me, but the value I get from it outweighs it. We’ve had so many adventures in it. Made so many memories. And had a lot of fun.

I walked back from the yard after dropping the lorry back. I stopped to pick blackberries and admire the view. What value can you put on that?!