Little Lodge

What a fabulous way to spend a Friday afternoon. Wandering through the forest with lovely friends and horses.

It’s been a long time since I came to Little Lodge. Last time was with Murphy so shows how long ago it was. Buddy was very happy to be out and about. Well when we got there. There was a hold up on the A11, so my sat nav rerouted us. Unfortunately it sent me on a magical mystery tour of Thetford Forest. Some very small, windy roads and an equally small bridge to cross. Then I missed the entrance. So after another u-turn, we made it. And to think I thought I would be really early!!

Poor Buddy arrived a bit like a milkshake. And the Buddymobile was very hot and bothered with it all. Thankfully once we got onboard, it was a much calmer affair.

It’s the longest I’ve spent in the saddle for a very long time, so I was feeling it when we got back. Sure Buddy will be feeling it too. At least he gets a day off tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will be walking round Burghley. My legs might be on strike by Sunday.

Puzzle pieces

Buddy had a saddle fitting today. It was really interesting to see the difference in him since he’s been on rehab.

The last time he had his saddle checked was before his injury diagnosis. Then the back of his saddle needed attention. This time, his back has come up more and it was the front that needed adjusting.

Shows that the strengthening work I’ve been doing as part of his rehab is working. And all the treatments he’s been receiving.

Speaking of treatments, he also got a massage today. Again, the differences were marked. His muscles are so much softer and mailable.

I can’t help but wonder if these changes show just how much he was compensating for his injury. And if it was grumbling for a while before it really showed itself. Not beating myself up for that. Hindsight is 20/20
for a reason.

The good news is that he’s making great progesss. And I have more information and puzzle pieces. I know he will come back stronger than ever from this.

Ragwort

Two exciting things happened today. This was one of them. It’s by far the best thing I’ve found for pulling ragwort and weeds. It can be a quite onerous job. But this makes it so much fun! I think I was having too much fun. Buddy was very interested and followed me round the field.

Definitely didn’t fire the ragwort into the barrow like I was loading a shotgun. Almost certainly didn’t do my own sound effects. And my horse most definitely didn’t canter round his field…

Might have got a bit carried away when I got home too. Let’s just say my ‘lawn’ looks more like Swiss cheese after my efforts.

Is it a measure of how dull my life is that this makes me very happy?! Good job I can laugh at myself.

The other exciting thing that happened was that I trotted Buddy under saddle for the first time. Just to see how he felt. He was a bit tense for the first few strides – as was I! We both soon relaxed into it. Now I know he’s feeling more level again, I can slowly increase it. Slow and steady wins the race!

Thwarted

Today was the first ODE at Blackwater. I didn’t enter and I’m OK with that decision. My preparation hasn’t been right and I don’t like winging it when it comes to eventing.

I’ve felt rather thwarted recently. I understand it. The first quarter of 2024 has been challenging. First the back and forward to my parents, then getting floored by the flu, my saddle being reflocked, working long hours and finally the Buddymobile being off the road.

I’m not making excuses, I’m reflecting. Today I noticed I’d picked my BRC Combined Challenge hoodie. Last year I represented my Riding Club on many occasions. And even with similar challenges, we still achieved an awful lot.

So while the first quarter we haven’t done much, there are still three more quarters to go. I’m happy for people who are out there having fun with their horses. It makes me so happy to see people overcoming hurdles and achieving things.

It’s been us so many times. And I will be us again. But for now, I’ll just have to be content to cheer from the sidelines.

The Buddymobile will be fixed- hopefully quickly and cheaply (I’m running out of body parts to sell). Bring on Q2…

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.

Dog walks

Today I got to walk with three dogs. First I headed over to meet Natalie and her two pooches.

We met somewhere I’ve driven past many times, but I had no idea it was called The Mystical Woods. What a wonderful name for a very wonderful place. If a bit soggy. There were some rather large puddles to splash through. And that was just her Labrador.

Then it was home to take my oversized Labrador for a walk. No puddles for him though.

My saddle is ready to collect, so that’s on the list for Monday. Buddy will be thrilled that his semi-retirement is over. I definitely will be happy to get back in the saddle.

Walkies

My saddle has had to go to the workshop to have the flocking sorted. It’s gone soft at the back. Well I have had it 6 years now. No saddle meant no riding. And before you suggest I go bareback, you’ve met Buddy?!

I’ve been offered a saddle to try, but thought I’d take Buddy out for walkies instead. He’s very much like an oversized Labrador.

Funnily, as I was heading out, we bumped into a lady walking her black Lab. She laughed when I said mine was bigger than hers.

Buddy and I covered nearly 2 miles on shanks’ pony. He’s such a dude. He just wandered along with me. We definitely got our steps in.

Constitutional

First hack of 2024 for Buddy and me. And the first time I’ve ridden for over 2 weeks. It felt so good to be back in the saddle. If a little weird to start off with.

We went for a lovely wander round the village with Carla and Missy. Now Missy and Buddy are firm friends. They’re so relaxed in each other’s company. Carla and I chatted the whole way round too.

Got to ride in my new Equidry coat as well. My gosh, it’s so comfy. I was very impressed indeed.

Peachy

So I’ve recently discovered that I am a big fan of flat peaches. Why is this my news? Well I’m not a huge fan of fruit per say. Give me a bowl of salad or a plate of vegetables over fruit any day. So when I find one I like, it’s a good day.

Peaches seemed to feature today as Buddy was complimented on his peachy bottom today at his saddle check. He’s templating more evenly and has come up through his back. Hurrah! He needed to go up a headplate too. He muscling in all the right places.

I’ve been working hard on being more disciplined with both of us. Especially with my position. So really good to hear it’s working.

We played around with the blocks on my saddle too. The aim is to keep my slightly wonky body straight to help Buddy’s slightly wonky body straight too. Definitely felt different. And much better.

Just peachy!

Muppet brain

Well it appears my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders. Today I managed to wipe all my WhatsApp messages. And last night I forgot to put Buddy’s rug on after I lunged him. I’ve never done that before.

All was forgiven when I arrived for our saddle fitting. Liz was very impressed with how Buddy is looking. He’s gone down a dress size as he’s leaned out more. And muscled up in the right places. Always lovely to hear that your horse looks good.

Buddy felt great in the adjusted saddle. And was very happy to have parsnips afterwards.

I’m hoping that my brain returns to full working order soon. Not sure if it’s the menopause, relaxing or something else. Whatever it is, I’d like my brain back please.