Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
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.
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…
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.
Honestly, I literally got up to get a drink and Hugo stole my seat. Little monkey! Not sure if he was actually asleep. Or was just pretending. He looked so cute and comfortable.
I felt like joining him. We got back late from London last night. Well technically this morning. I was feeling a tad sleepy myself.
For once, I had the forethought to plan a quiet day. So I got to watch the coverage from yesterday afternoon’s World Cup jumping. Blimey that was a jump-off and a half.
Now I’m very used to spooks with Buddy, but today was a different type of spooky. I was judging a Halloween show jumping show. It was great to see so many people making the effort to dress up. And the horses weren’t left out either! Lots of fun had by all.
This made me giggle as I left the venue. Clearly this rider wasn’t ready for trouble.
Today Buddy and I did our first competitive 90cm show jumping class. It wasn’t pretty, but we did it. I’ve been wanting to step him up a level for a while. Our last few 80cm rounds haven’t been clear, so wasn’t sure if I should.
I was obviously having a good day when I put the entries in. And feeling brave (or stupid). The last time I competed at 90cm was with Murphy. That was at least 8 years ago.
This morning I wasn’t feeling like leaving the house (not even my house), let alone pushing our comfort zone! Still as I headed to the yard, I made a deal with myself. Go and do 80cm class and see how I felt.
Buddy was rather pleased to be out jumping and warmed up like a dream. Optimism was high! That quickly dipped when he entered the ring and spooked at the timing equipment. Cause he’s never seen that before!!
Still we jumped round in a lovely rhythm. Even jumped our first competitive triple too. The 2 we had down were my fault as I pushed him out of his rhythm. It was a technical course, so I was really pleased with him.
The last time we jumped in competition was at Hickstead. So not like we’ve been out much.
Then it was onto the 90cm. It was definitely a case of ‘we came, we jumped’. We left most of them up. Still had 5 poles though. Haven’t had a cricket score for a while.
So imagine my surprise when I was told we came 3rd! Apparently, we weren’t the only cricket score.
I couldn’t have been happier with Buddy. He tried for me and I know we’ll be getting clear rounds soon. We’ll both sleep well tonight.
Headed over to Mousehold Farm for a jumping clinic this evening.
We haven’t been out jumping since Hickstead, so we were a little ring rusty. Buddy was full of it too. Still we jumped everything. And once I realised that I was getting ahead of the movement and changed my position, we left them all up. Funny how your horse can jump better when you stay out of his way.
For an English Rose who wilts in the heat, I was questioning if jumping tonight was a good idea. But it was cooler than I thought it would be. We were still a tad warm afterwards. There was lots to like and another new venue for us.
Another fab horsey day out for me. Stewarding the SJ at Blackwater Farm’s ODE. It was a glorious day. Unfortunately my suncream application skills are far inferior to my ability to get every rider through the SJ phase. Let’s just say Aloe Vera is my friend right now.
A lovely Brucey Bonus today was meeting this incredible human being. Many of you might follow her. She’s the person behind Muddy Mayhem. And part of my favourite podcast Buck Off Banter.
She’d dusted off her eventing boots after a hiatus and smashed it out of the park! Got me thinking that maybe it’s time to dust off mine. I do miss it. So time to refresh my goals and kick on. Better warn Buddy he needs to crack out his brave pants!
Might need to wait till I stop glowing though. Not sure I could any kind of boots on right now. The backs of my legs are on fire! Bit like Karla.
I was invited to judge and commentate at the first John Lake Riding Club show tonight. I had a co-commentator for a bit when this sweet little pup joined in.
It was a lovely, low key show. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to boost their confidence. It was great watching everyone in action.
Buddy and I will be joining the action no doubt.
I had lots of complements on my commentators voice. Seems I really do have a voice for radio….
Tales, Tails and Talus 