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.
The chiropractor’s receptionist is on holiday, so super sub has been called into action. 8 extra days of peopling this month! Today was the first day and it was so great to catch up with lots of the patients I haven’t seen for a while. My face is aching from smiling all day.
I’ve been working there for a few years now. So I’ve met an awful lot of people there now. Being with people really boosts me. The joys of being an extrovert I guess. I also find it really interesting the conversations I end up having. Here’s to two more days this week.
Well that’s a wrap! 3 long days of commentating at the Petplan Area Festival at Forest Edge. Not a clue how many combinations I introduced over the 3 days. There were some very challenging names to get my tongue around. Only had to apologise a few times for the appalling pronunciation. If you ever have to write a bio for a show and you have a complex name (or your horse does), do a girl a favour and give some notes. It really helps!
There were some beautifully, heartfelt bios to read out too. It was so clear the amount of love and joy these horses bring.
Once more I was amazed at the feats these creatures can perform. The trust they have in their riders. And it was wonderful to see so many riders and horses smiling over the days. It was clear that so many of the partnerships on display loved dancing together.
Dressage training has been very much under the spotlight recently. And there are some abhorrent practises out there. Over the past 3 days, I’ve seen the result that effective, sympathetic and consistent training can deliver. Without fail, every rider patted their horse at the end of the test. Regardless of how the test had gone.
I came away feeling very enlightened. I now understand so much more behind the judge’s comments on my dressage sheets. I also came away rather inspired. So I’ve set myself a goal. To do a Novice dressage test in 2024. I might come last, but for me it’s definitely about the journey, pushing my comfort zone and making memories with Buddy Boy.
Well if he’s still speaking to me after not seeing him for a whole week!! Might need to wait a little bit before I tell him we’re in dressage training. He probably thinks he’s retired…
This is a sight that always makes me smile. The first signs of Mother Nature waking up. Snowdrops are such cheery little flowers. They almost look like they’re smiling too.
I’ve noticed that I have little signs that get me through Winter. This is definitely one of them. Winter is a time to rest, restore and rejuvenate. So that we can Spring into action. Not sure I’ve done that much resting so far. I’ve done a lot of driving. I know that.
Still the nights are drawing out. We’ve made it through the 600 days of January. But I’m not counting any chickens just yet.
Spring is my favourite season by far. It’s a season of new beginnings. I find it a very hopeful time.
Yesterday I drove back down to my parents for my 4th visit in 2 months. In my haste to leave, I managed to forget my handbag. Doh! Money is OK as I can used my phone. My reading glasses. Well that’s a different story. My Dad had some I could use last night, but they were too strong so I couldn’t use them for long.
This morning I headed out to get some new readers. Poundland came up trumps! I’d love to say that the glasses were the only thing I bought. But we all know that’s just not possible.
On our way back from seeing Mum in Crowborough, I introduced Dad to the joys of Home Bargains. I saw this bag and it made me laugh. It’s so true! And yes, we came out with a bag full.
I saw this painting at the hospital today. It was called love enduring. It made me smile. But then horses have been making me smile for most of my life.
It was much needed. Mum has really gone downhill since I last saw her. All prayers and healing vibes gratefully received right now.
I love this poem. I heard it a little while ago and it struck such a chord with me. We’re often so caught up in our own stuff to see the impact we’re having on others.
When we take a moment to truly look around, it’s really quite amazing. Something as simple as chatting to a stranger. Smiling at someone. Checking in on someone. Taking time for a chat. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. In fact, it’s often the little things that have a big impact on someone.
And I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have some wonderful people give their time to me in return. What a thing indeed.
Another fab day at camp. This morning it was a play on the XC field. Many moons ago, Buddy and I had an issue with tyre jumps. So I’ve done the classic ‘let’s not do them’.
Today I faced that particular demon and not only that, we jumped the big tyres for good measure. Buddy was loving it! And I had the biggest smile.
Oh and the best bit?! I’ve got another cracking photo for the collection. I can feel a camp montage coming on.
I’ve felt very unsettled today. And quite emotional. I know what’s going on so that’s good. I’m working through some deep rooted stuff. Always exhausting. So I did what I always do when I don’t know what to do. I went to see Buddy and took him out for a hack.
That was after I put the magazine I’ve been working on to bed. A phrase I love on many levels. I think it’s so cute that it goes to bed. Not a clue where it comes from. Probably something to do with the old printing presses having beds where the typeset sat. Anyway it always makes me smile. As does finishing the magazine.
Buddy may have bitten off more than he could chew on our hack today. Even when I’m feeling low and emotional, he lifts my mood and makes me laugh. Although he did look like a redneck with cleaver hanging from his mouth.
The Buddymobile needed to go into the garage today. As the garage is about a 40 mins drive away, I needed a lift back. So Colette followed me in The Comedy Car.
Let’s face it neither of my vehicles are designed for speed. But it did make me laugh seeing The Comedy Car in my wing mirror.
It reminded me whacky races as we drove along. I do love both of them though. You can’t help smile in both.
Tales, Tails and Talus 