Co-pilot

We’re at Hickstead! A few firsts for me. First time driving a lorry on the M25. First time driving a lorry over the Dartford Bridge. First time driving Buddy to Hickstead. Longest journey in the new Buddymobile. Toby did good!

Now it’s a journey I have done hundreds of times before. I could find my way here blindfolded. I didn’t of course.

My co-pilot slept most of the way. As soon as we arrived, he jumped into the drivers seat. He’s been for a walk round the Showground.

Buddy, on the other hand, was a little full of himself. I thought he’d be tired after the journey. He clearly thought we’d been going so long he’d arrived at the Spanish Riding School! Still, he popped a few jumps and is now tucked up in bed ready for tomorrow.

I’m loving my new lorry. I’m getting used to the size of it. Working out how things work. I’m tucked up in the Luton. It’s so comfortable. Hoping we all get a good night before tomorrow’s competition

Overcooked

Well Bert was a very tired puppy today. I think he overcooked it yesterday round the XC course. Last night he was asleep by the time I got into my bed. And slept through. Today he was less enthusiastic about things.

He got lots of spaniel love today. So many people wanted cuddles, which he was very happy to provide. He had many spaniel fans cooing at how well behaved he is.

Considering he’s only 7 months, it’s a lot for him to deal with. The shops were much busier today. I made sure he had time out so he didn’t get completely overwhelmed. He got lots of treats from a number of stands. That helped too.

He’s clearly a fan of Henry James as he decided to fall sleep on their stand. The lady there said I could have one of everything in exchange for him!

I also managed to completely embarrass myself in Stubben. When asked if I needed any help, I replied ‘I love your bits’. To a rather attractive chap. Thankfully he saw the funny side of it, as did his colleagues. Apparently I made his day. While I was wishing the floor would open… Trust me to take something innocent and make it sound smutty. It’s a talent.

40 winks

Someone is very tired after another full on day at camp. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that both of my kids are very tired. I am too. The sudden heat is rather sapping. Still we’ve all had another good day.

In our flat work lesson this morning, I felt so much straighter in my body after yesterday’s treatment and taping. It’s really puts you in the right position that’s for sure. I noticed a change in Buddy too. He had to work differently to adjust for my new posture. I could really feel the difference. He was much straighter too.

The battery seemed to drain though and he felt like he was getting a little stiff. After last year and his injury, I was a bit concerned. He worked really hard yesterday and I foolishly forgot to give him his electrolytes. That wouldn’t help.

I walked him off in the forest and he felt good. So he got a lunch with lots of electrolytes in it to see if that would help.

He popped on the weight bridge after our lesson. I had 630kg in my head. He was 631kg! And a perfect body score. The nutritionist said he had really good muscle tone too. We got a rosette for being perfect! What a lovely touch.

After taking Bert in the forest for a run. And some lunch for me. It was time for our second lesson – jumping related distances. We built on the quality of canter lesson we had yesterday. I’d mentally prepared myself to stop if Buddy wasn’t feeling it. Well he was well up for it! My new position massively helped as did my softer hands (another learning from yesterday). So happy with him!

I know Buddy is a seasoned pro at camps. Bert has taken to it like a duck to water.

Last day tomorrow. Always bittersweet.

Sloppy

I think I might have put too much water in Buddy’s breakfast. It was a bit sloppy. Needless to say I declined post-breakfast kisses.

We all had a very good night. And a very good day today. Apart from a few whimpers when he first went in his crate, Bert slept through. Buddy had a good sleep too judging from the amount of shavings in his tail.

Today we had two lessons – flat & jumping. I’d bought a ‘Soft Tissue Release and Trigger Point Work, with optional kinesiology taping’ session. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was great. She assessed my position in the saddle. Took lots of videos. Spoke to the instructor. Then released my tight areas. I’ve got tape on my shoulders to help put me in a better position. Be interesting to see how it all affects my riding tomorrow.

Given that this time last year, Buddy was clearly not right and off games, there are so many positives to take from today. And there’s still two more days!

Barrier

Bert can choose to sleep anywhere in my office, conservatory or living room. Including the sofa, chair or his bed. But no, he decided to sleep right behind my office chair. Creating a barrier so I can’t move without fear of running him over!

He has done this now on multiple occasions. Guess I should be flattered that he wants to be so close to me.

The snoring can be a little distracting though…

Educational

Today has been a very educational one for Buddy, Bert and me. We headed over to Forest Edge for a BHS Clinic being run there. I haven’t been there for a while, it felt so good to be back. It was Bert’s first trip. He loved having zoomies in the forest.

Buddy thankfully didn’t have any zoomies in the arena. Lots of lightbulb moments in our two lessons. Bert slept in the Buddymobile while I was riding. He’s really getting the hang of it all. Good job too as it’s 6 weeks till camp.

Buddy was on top form too. He’s come back from his injury so much softer. It was lovely to catch up with everyone. It’s such a happy place for me.

Dog-tired

Oh dear, I think we broke Bert. Puppy College was very tiring. It was his first session and Bert loved it though. When we got home, he crashed on the sofa.

He did rally enough to come and help me clear up the aftermath of the new fences. But soon crashed again during the rugby. And is snoring now. He’s clearly dog-tired.

Breakthrough

This is the face of a little puppy who’s had two breakthroughs today. Firstly, he took himself off to his crate several times while I was on video calls. He curled up on his bed and slept.

He did it for the first time yesterday. But I didn’t want to count any chickens. Before, I’d had to put him in there. So the fact he’s now choosing it is huge.

Secondly, he’s worked out how to use the cat flap. Admittedly, he kinda fell through it the first time. But after that, he had a lot of fun going in and out. Out was much easier for him than coming back in. Much more of a scramble. He was most pleased with himself.

Unfortunately this has meant that he’s been in and out like a yo-yo. Most times bringing me a piece of old fence.

Speaking of fences, I took some flowers round to my neighbour to thank her for replacing my fence. She said it was a very last minute decision. But is really pleased that I’m pleased.

Keep learning

Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.

His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.

Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.

Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.

It was a very educational day all round…

Siblings

Bert met up with his two sisters today. He was meant to meet up with some of his brothers too, but sadly that didn’t happen. To be honest, three Sprockers was enough!

He met his match in Olive. It was so funny watching them roughhouse and tear round the dog field. Tilly was a bit more reserved to start off with. But soon came out of her shell and joined in the fun.

They were having a lot of fun going through the tunnels they have there. That’s where Olive met her match as she wasn’t a fan. Bert and Tilly were loving it!

Bert slept the whole way back. And again after his much needed shower. He was rather muddy! In fact, he’s spent most of evening asleep too! He was one tired puppy…