Timing

They say trust the timing of your life. Well I’m having trust issues with mine today.

This morning, I went to sit on the sofa arm. Totally mistimed it and ended up on falling backwards onto the floor. Landed on my hand and jarred myself. Bert was most concerned.

Then we went out for our walk. Mistimed it so ended up getting caught in a shower. Was resigning myself to yet another soaking, when I remembered there is one of those emergency hoods on my coat.

Except it was too big for my head as it’s designed to go over a riding hat. So kept blowing off. Have you ever tried to pick up dog poo while holding a lead, stopping your hood blowing down and trying not to slide over in the mud. Thankfully I ended up laughing at my situation. And didn’t faceplant.

Then I headed to the yard, just as the heaven’s opened again. So got my timing wrong there.

Finally I forgot to put the timer on for my dinner so managed to burnt it.

Let’s hope my timing is better tomorrow…

Stool sample

Nothing says you’re getting older than the array of tests you suddenly become eligible for. The latest one for me – bowel cancer. I’m all clear by the way. I got the results through today.

Must admit, I was slightly unnerved to receive a testing kit through the post. Even more unnerved having to smear my own poo on a stick and return it in the post.

Yes I know I’m used to shovelling poo. But horse poo is a bit different to my own. I had to read the instructions a few times to check I was doing it right. As someone who writes for a living, that was one job I wouldn’t want. Take a moment to feel for the poor copywriter having to sensitively but clearly explain what to do. Basically stick the stick in the shit and stick the shitty stick in the post. Or words to the effect of…

Like a glove

I treated myself to some new yard gloves. Well the ones I have been using have definitely seen better days. In fact, I didn’t realise how bad they were till I put the new ones on. And promptly stuck to the wheelbarrow handle.

Love the motto on the packaging. Not sure how much gloves are going to live, explore and discover?! One things for sure, they will discover a lot of poo!

Frozen nuggets

One of the advantages to a sharp frost is that it makes poo picking so much easier. Love collecting all the frozen nuggets from Buddy’s fields.

They’re lighter as well so the barrow isn’t too heavy. The mud’s frozen, so no getting stuck or sliding about.

The downside – I can’t feel my face, hands or feet. And it takes hours to thaw out. Me, not the poo. As an equestrian in winter, I’ll take any little win I can.

Poo-tastrophe

Well this is the downside to a long day out yesterday. A rather large poo pile for me to clear up today.

Buddy excelled himself by pooing up the wall too! That took some cleaning I can tell you.

My saddle, bridles and saddle pad were still wet from yesterday. So more cleaning to be done there. Again, the horse does all the work? Right?!

Awash

Oh the glamour of poo-picking in the rain. Buddy was really helpful too. He decided to poo in the furthest corner of the field I’d just cleared. I swear he did it deliberately. He waited till I moved to the next field and stared right at me. Funny boy.

You have to laugh at the weather. It was vile this morning. Of course, by the time I got home and showered, the sun had come out. Still we got to have a soggy cuddle.

I’m going to miss his little face. He’ll think he’s retired when I come home. But then he acts like that after a day off.

I won’t miss getting soaked. I’ll be lucky if I actually leave the hotel the next few days. Wish me luck…

Bodily fluids

This was the scene that greeted me when I arrived at the yard. Not sure where Buddy was aiming?!

Took Buddy over to meet Katie and Archie at Blickling. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together. There was a lot to catch up on. It was very busy there today. Guess that’s cause it was such a lovely sunny morning. Still we managed to have a lovely wander about.

One comedic moment when Archie stopped for a pee. My god, it lasted forever! We were both laughing as it didn’t stop! Not to be outdone, Buddy decided to join in too. Cue more giggling from us. They also picked a spot in full view of the walkers. After an age, they both finished.

We were giggling about bodily fluids. And yes, we both needed to go when we got back to the lorries. You’ll be pleased to know, we were much more discrete about our ablutions.

Poonami

This is something equestrians will relate to I’m sure. The danger to poo picking with a very inquisitive horse.

Buddy was either trying to help or he wanted to keep me in his field longer. Maybe it’s pony payback for going away.

It’s a good job I love him and can laugh at his antics. He was not subtle when he knocked it over. He was very pleased with himself.

Poo patrol

First day of camp done. Buddy slept well judging by the amount of shavings he had on him. In time honoured tradition, he came out all guns blazing for our first lesson – poles. Bless him, Buddy much prefers poles when they are jumps. So it was a really good exercise for him as definitely made him focus.

After lunch, we had our second lesson – flat. That was a much more sedate affair where we worked on keeping his shoulders straight and collection in the canter.

We walked the horses up the track to cool them off. Buddy did a poo. Of course, it was as far away as possible from the stable. Muggins here has to walk up the hill with the skip to get it.

Cause I haven’t done enough exercise today! See if you can spot the poo…