40 winks

Someone is very tired after another full on day at camp. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that both of my kids are very tired. I am too. The sudden heat is rather sapping. Still we’ve all had another good day.

In our flat work lesson this morning, I felt so much straighter in my body after yesterday’s treatment and taping. It’s really puts you in the right position that’s for sure. I noticed a change in Buddy too. He had to work differently to adjust for my new posture. I could really feel the difference. He was much straighter too.

The battery seemed to drain though and he felt like he was getting a little stiff. After last year and his injury, I was a bit concerned. He worked really hard yesterday and I foolishly forgot to give him his electrolytes. That wouldn’t help.

I walked him off in the forest and he felt good. So he got a lunch with lots of electrolytes in it to see if that would help.

He popped on the weight bridge after our lesson. I had 630kg in my head. He was 631kg! And a perfect body score. The nutritionist said he had really good muscle tone too. We got a rosette for being perfect! What a lovely touch.

After taking Bert in the forest for a run. And some lunch for me. It was time for our second lesson – jumping related distances. We built on the quality of canter lesson we had yesterday. I’d mentally prepared myself to stop if Buddy wasn’t feeling it. Well he was well up for it! My new position massively helped as did my softer hands (another learning from yesterday). So happy with him!

I know Buddy is a seasoned pro at camps. Bert has taken to it like a duck to water.

Last day tomorrow. Always bittersweet.

Make your own

Another successful stint of commentating today. This time back at the Area 14 & 8 RC ODE at Poplar Park. The weather was perfect as was the going. The same can’t be said for my pronunciation of all of the horse and riders. I did my best as always.

Helen and I have a fab partnership now. Even thought we only do this together once a year, it’s like no time has passed. She even created her own version of the horse tracker to make sure things ran as smoothly as possible. It worked. Not a clue how many combinations we got round today. I know for sure that there were no fallers on XC today.

It was as inspiring as ever seeing so many happy faces come through the finish line – horses and riders. Till next year…

Perfect blooms

This sight always makes me smile. It signals that Spring is in the air. The blooms are so perfect and vibrant. They almost look painted.

This year they seem to have more white in them than in previous years. Didn’t know that could happen. Not complaining as they look stunning.