Tempestuous

So it seems that in order to get the best from Buddy, I have to ride in howling winds.

We had an early lesson with Simon Grieve this morning. When I left the yard, it wasn’t too bad but by the time I arrived at the venue, it was howling. Nearly got taken out opening the gate. Parked up the lorry and it was rocking. Then got blown off the mounting block. I know there’s not much of me, but seriously?!

Still I’d made it there so we gave it a go. Started with poles and worked on adjusting the canter. Simon put out two poles and gave me the number of strides to get between then. It’s hard for Buddy as he can get a bit strung out, so a great exercise for us. One I need to repeat at home.

A few of the jumps had blown over, so Simon secured one with some sandbags. Pretty sure that’s a first for me. But it worked. And we got to have a play over the jump.

Buddy was awesome! He was so chilled considering it was really strong gusts! He was focused. The drive back wasn’t too bad either. So seems it was definitely worse at the coast.

Cloud busting

Buddy and I got trapped today. I was planning on taking him out for a hack. But as I was tacking up, the heavens opened and it threw it down!!

And not just rain, hail stones, thunder and lightening. A proper Summer storm. It was so heavy, I didn’t want to leave his stable. In fact I could barely see the other side of the stable yard. Eventually it eased enough for us to make a break to the indoor arena.

As you can tell Buddy was thrilled by it all.

Storm damage

What on earth has been up with the weather today?! Four seasons again. One minute to was sunny, the next chucking it down. Driving was fun as there was horizontal rain and gusts.

This made me laugh when I got home. Storm damage Chez Langley.

Blue skies

What a difference a week makes (and a few good nights sleep). Last week we were confined to barracks due to the storms. Today it was beautiful sunshine.

Think Buddy was as happy as I was to be back out hacking. It’s amazing how the weather can affect your mood. And a lack of good quality sleep. Self-care comes in many guises. This is definitely part of mine.

Storm off

Right, this is getting ridiculous. How many frigging storms does one week needs?! Four is a bit much in anyone’s book (and apparently it’s now in the history books too).

It’s at time like this, I’m very grateful that we have an indoor school at the yard. But if I’m honest, I’m fed up with getting soaked, nearly blown off and frozen through.

And apparently we have more storms to come. 🤦🏻‍♀️

At least I can guarantee that Buddy will make me smile.

Storm Eunice

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent most of the day watching the weather change. It’s been howling most of it. In between sunshine, rain, hail and black skies.

My little house has been creaking. The conservatory sounded like it was going to take off at one point. Thankfully it’s all still standing so far.

After Storm Dudley yesterday, Storm Eunice was much fiercer. They sound like an old couple who’ve had a tiff! Dudley gave his best, but my god Eunice has had the last word!

Hope you’re all safe.

Paw Patrol

You’ve heard of Paw Patrol, well Hugo was on Storm Patrol. He was so funny sitting in the wind, then tearing around the garden chasing the leaves. He didn’t want to come back in.

Dodo on the other hand refused to leave the conservatory.

Stay safe everyone. Looks like we’re in for some really stormy weather.

Calm after the storm

It’s been a very windy, wet and sunny day here today. The kind of day that makes you want to go back into hibernation. My conservatory is the perfect place to watch the trees sway, the clouds blow by and the kittens tear around the garden.

Had a couple of podcasts to listen to so seemed like a good place to do that this afternoon. I’ve had a really productive week so far, so good to take a bit of time away from the laptop.