More ears

Today has been a lovely horsey day. Made even more lovely by the fact the sun shone!

I started the day judging the show jumping for John Lake Riding Club. It was lovely to see so many competitors having fun in the sun. They start at x-poles. So lots of classes to judge.

We know I love the commentary bit, but I’ve found I love the judging bit too. So I’ve applied to do the BS Judge Training. As much as I love jumping. And can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. There will come a day when I can’t or don’t want to. So paying it forward if that makes sense. Horses are my thing. I want to still be involved if I can.

Once back home, I was lucky to ride two horses. Took Buddy out for his 15 mins of walk. Then took Ernie out for a longer ride. At this point, I could make a joke about the fastest milkman. But I really would be showing my age…

Blue

I headed over to catch up with Natalie this afternoon. She’d kindly offered me the chance to ride one of her horses. I met Blue. He’s 17HH so bigger than Buddy. Just as cheeky though. He definitely made me smile.

I’m grateful that people have offered me their horses to ride while Buddy is off games. It’s very flattering that they consider me good enough.

But riding other horses reminds me that I am a good rider. Sure I’m no professional. I class myself as an enthusiastic amateur (with the emphasis on enthusiastic).

The same could be said of Blue as he jogged along. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride! I definitely wasn’t blue by the end. Though my foot might be after he stood on it. Guess you can’t win them all.

Best present

Well I’ve made it to the ripe old age of 54! Happy birthday me! And I got an extra special present today. I got back on Budy for the first time in a month. Oh I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed these ears. He’s still got a long way to go with his rehab. But the first constitutional under saddle is a milestone.

My birthday is usually a big deal in my world. This year it kinda snuck up on me. I hadn’t planned anything. And this morning when I woke up, I really wasn’t feeling it. After all, it’s only another trip round the sun. Things with Buddy, my parents and life in general has all overshadowed it this year.

Thankfully people in my life decided that it should be marked. I’m overwhelmed with the number of messages I’ve had.

I’ve had some incredibly wonderful and thoughtful presents too. Tonight I was taken out for dinner. And have had cake. Lots of cake.

Next year will be a big one for me. I didn’t get to celebrate my 50th the way I’d planned because of Covid. So I’ve decided to celebrate my 55th in style!

Wind beneath my wings

Blimey it was a tad windy today. I didn’t realise just how windy it was till we got off the yard. The good news is that Buddy isn’t bothered by the wind. Neither am I. I know some riders and horses are. Very grateful for that.

Not sure Buddy was grateful for my singing as I sang ‘wind beneath my wings’ to him. Honestly everyone’s a critic. Good job he can’t see the reel I made from our hack.

Seat bones

Today has been a really good day. I rode my horse for the first time in what feels like forever. My saddle feels amazing! Perfectly balanced and makes me realise how unbalanced it had gotten.

Boy did it feel good to be back in the saddle, out and about. And after his initial shock at seeing the saddle, so did Buddy.

The only downside is that I have been reacquainted with my seat bones again. I was already feeling the gardening yesterday. Tomorrow I may be feeling it too.

Fumes

OK so I may have overdone it this weekend. Today I felt grotty again. So tried to have a gentle day. Managed a short ride on Buddy. Typically I picked it when it was raining. Thank goodness for my Equidry. It’s really been a great purchase.

I even wore it to the football tonight. I was slightly worried that I might be a tad pungent, but all good. And I stayed dry and warm.

A rather odd match, but a win is a win. Even odder getting home. First the bridge was closed, so I had to walk round the houses to the next bridge. Then yomped back up the hill. I knew I needed petrol, but wasn’t expecting to have to go to 4 petrol stations before I could get some. Kinda assumed that petrol stations in the city centre would be open. But the first 3 shut at 10pm.

The petrol light was on by the time I arrived at the 4th petrol station. You can imagine my relief. Little bit of a metaphor for my life right now. I do feel a little like I’m running on fumes.

Right now, I’d happily take a week in the Caribbean… A girl can dream huh?!

Fuzzy

I woke up feeling fuzzy still so decided to switch my day around and ride this morning instead. See if I could shift the fuzzy feeling.

That and the builders next door were ripping the roof off. It was a tad loud and hard to concentrate.

This really is the best therapy. Just me, my little boy and miles of beautiful countryside.

It filled my soul for sure. And emptied my sinuses for a bit…

Steam power

I’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts recently. The comedown from camp and the Champs I guess. It’s been a busy few weeks for me. And Buddy. So a lovely hack round Brampton was just what I needed.

Katie and I chatted the whole way round.

Got back to the yard and got to watch a number of stream engines from the annual rally down the road go past. They’re really rather cool. One even tooted for me. It’s a lovely sight each year.

Coffee chums

Took Buddy over to Brampton for a hack with Katie and Archie. I’ve taken Buddy over many times before, but not for just a hack. It was fun to ride out somewhere new. Buddy was a little confused as we rode past the arena. And then past the arena at Oxnead. Another place he’s been before for lessons.

We chatted the whole way round. And then had a lovely coffee afterwards. We’re both rather partial to a coffee. In fact it was part of the invite. I’m a cheap date it seems.

Little and large

Buddy and I headed down to meet up with a friend and her new pony Mick. He’s super cute! But tiny compared to Buddy.

They were both hoof-perfect. And firm friends by the end of the hack. We didn’t stop talking the whole way round either.

Given I felt quite down when I woke up this morning. This was the perfect tonic.