Club helper

Bert did his bit for Carleton Riding Club today. He helped us sort out the jumps we have stored at a local venue. We marked them too so it’s clear which ones are ours.

He was very helpful and definitely didn’t get himself wrapped round them. Or round a table. Or chair. He started ‘free range’ but a pony came into the arena, so he went back on the long line. Then became a bit of a trip hazard…

We’re all volunteers on the club Committee. We give our time willingly to support the club we love. It supports many people to do the things they love as well. All we ask is that our members do a little bit of volunteering too. Think Bert is setting a very good example already.

I’m looking forward to our next clinic where Buddy will be the one jumping them.

Runneth over

Well my cup runneth over this weekend. My Riding Club family have given me such a boost. So did Buddy.

It’s been a fab weekend. I’m still beaming from yesterday’s clinic. Being able to get back out jumping definitely filled me with joy.

Last night, I had a lovely dinner with Nicola Wilson, Simon Grieve and most of the Carleton Committee. It was great to catch up with them. So many laughs over great food. Very much needed.

Today, I was driver and support crew, heading to Wakefield Stud for Nicola’s second clinic of the weekend.

There are times when organising clinics like this seem a very daunting and thankless task. Seeing the smiling faces over this weekend, makes it worth it. Very proud to have played a tiny part in it all.

I know that this week is going to be tough as I head back down South for my Mum’s funeral. This weekend brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and more memories for the archives.

Human beings

Today was one of those days where I felt torn between doing and being. So I did a mix of both.

I sat on the patio in the glorious sunshine. Having breakfast, journaling and topping up my Vitamin D. It felt so good to just be. To fill my lungs with air and empty my head onto the pages. I even practiced observing my garden, without making a mental note of the things that need to be done. That is very hard for me.

As I was on a writing roll, I drafted the latest newsletter for Carleton Riding Club. An easy bit of doing.

Even easier was taking Buddy out for another long hack. We did the same ride as yesterday – but in reverse. Well you’d think Buddy had never been out before! He was very confused by it all.

As I rode along, I remembered this saying. We are human beings not human doings.

I’ve got a busy period coming up, with lots of doing. So glad I took the change to focus on being. For a change.

Nature’s power

Another long day at the Showground. Another BRC Qualifier being run by Carleton Riding Club. This time Combined Training. Another day of stewarding – not only the dressage, but the showjumping too!

Thankfully the weather was kinder than yesterday. Good job too as my boots were still wet this morning. That wasn’t particularly pleasant. A bit like putting on a wet swimming costume. Only a few showers to contend with today.

We cracked through the dressage and even faster through the showjumping. Finishing early!!

This made me giggle when I’d finished. We talk about nature’s power, well this looked like the electric was coming from the tree. Got to witness nature’s true power when I got home as there was an almighty thunderstorm! So grateful that didn’t hit while I was standing in a big field!!

I ache from standing for two days, my face aches from smiling at everyone, but I’ve had a fantastic weekend. Volunteering, supporting and being part of equestrian events really does make me feel good about myself. I love helping. I love riding more, so fingers crossed we’ll be back to that too. And I’m sure my boots will dry out at some stage…

Aesthetic

An early start for me as I needed to be at Easton College for 7am this morning. It was Carleton Riding Club’s show. After a morning on the laptop scoring dressage tests, it was time to set the course for the afternoon jumping. Much more fun than wrestling an excel spreadsheet.

The practise jumps has mismatched poles. This bothered me as it’s not a great aesthetic. Grateful that my friends know me and understand my desire for co-ordination. The poles were soon matched up, making me smile.

It’s a good job I’m not a demanding diva or anything…. I think they still love me after making them change them.

It was another great show. I love being part of such a supportive, friendly club.

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…

Beachy

Carleton RC are holding a beach camp up at Wells this weekend. As I was in Dereham having my hair cut, I thought I’d pop up and say hi. Well I was kinda halfway there.

It was lovely to catch up with people. I got fed (which is always a bonus). Then helped set a course of jumps for them.

It’s a beautiful setting for a camp. North Norfolk really is stunning. Not the best photo as you can’t actually see the beach. But it is there. They’ve been heading out for beach rides. Sounds like they’ve been having lots of fun!

It’s rather different to the camps I usually go to. Maybe next year I’ll take Buddy for a splashing time.

Shelter

Head over to Easton College for Carleton’s May Show. I was there to steward the show jumping. Wasn’t expecting to herd everyone into the arena to shelter from a thunderstorm. The rain was biblical at times and the thunder echoed round the arena.

Thankfully it passed quickly and we could get back on with the jumping. It was lovely seeing everyone in action. Of course, I did wish I was jumping. We’ll be back to it when Buddy is all better again.

At least I get to spend time watching the action, supporting others and catching up with my horsey family.

Ground support

Popped over to Blackwater today to be ground crew for the Carleton RC clinic being held there. It’s been a while since I’ve been over there. In fact, this could be the first time I’ve been back there this year. It hasn’t been a conscious thing. Just for one reason and another I haven’t got there.

It was lovely to be back there. Walked the 80cm course. Interesting to see the changes there. Lovely catching up with people and watching them ride. As soon as we can, I’m going to take Buddy back out XC. It’s time to get back to running and jumping. I miss eventing…

Panda Power

Back home after a fab horsey adventure. Emma and I talked non-stop. I’m so glad I decided to be spontaneous and go with her to the Champs this weekend.

We thought we were lucky when we arrived yesterday to be parked right next to the stables. Not so lucky when we had a horse calling and crashing during the night. Neither of us got the best night. At one point, I was debating getting up to check it wasn’t cast or collicking.

Bit of an early start to do the Arena Walk. As Emma and Panda were the first in their class, there wasn’t much point going back to the lorry.

It was so windy today. But really warm. It would have been a glorious day if the wind had dropped.

Everyone had the same issue though. And everyone did really well in rather challenging circumstances.

It was lovely watching people. One of my observations was how diverse the horses and riders were. From leggy warmbloods to hench highlands, and everything in between. The riders were all shapes, sizes and ages too.

Wonderful to see people enjoying being away with their horses. I enjoyed it too. I was very well fed and watered. Came home feeling inspired to get Buddy to another Championships.