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!
Well I don’t know about anyone else, but my brain has been utterly fried today! It’s been so hot! 🥵
A friend and I took her dogs for an early walk through the woods. It was lovely and cool in there.
I tried to work but it was so hot I couldn’t concentrate. So I headed to the shade in the garden to listen to some training and a podcast.
In other news, it’s Buddy 4 – Poultice 0. He really doesn’t want it on. I’ll trot him up again on Monday and see how he is. 🤞🏻
Back home after another cracking training camp. After watching some of the Badminton XC yesterday I was inspired and intimidated in equal measure. As we headed out this morning, I’d decided that we’d stick to the 60/70s. Well we hadn’t been XC for 6 months. I wasn’t sure if Buddy would remember the drill.
I needn’t have worried in the slightest. He was clearly up for it! After warming up over a couple of 70s, we spent the rest of the time jumping the 80s and finished with a 90.
Couple of wobbles when I forgot to ride. And a terrifying ‘puddle of doom’ before the ditch. Mr Nappy Pants returned at one point, but I’m so much better at nipping it in the bud. Started with a smile and ended with a bigger one.
This afternoon it was grids. It was really hot and we were both flagging. Still we came, we saw, we jumped everything. And that’s no mean feat.
All in all, I’m so happy with my little boy. And I stayed in the saddle all weekend! No unscheduled dismounts for me. Not always the case. I must work out how many training camps we’ve done now…
Think we’ll definitely sleep well tonight. Buddy gets time in the field tomorrow. I have the lorry and my tack to clean. And a huge pile of laundry. Worth it though.
First day of camp and what a belter. Two brilliant lessons. It feels so good to be back at Blackwater Farm training again with T&N Equestrian.
First lesson this morning was poles. Finally something has clicked in my brain and I actually enjoyed a pole lesson rather than wondering if we’d get through them unscathed. It seems Buddy has had a similar revelation as we positively floated through them.
This afternoon it was course jumping. The hard works of the past few months is paying dividends. Buddy was on top form and flew round the course. Got lots of complements from the other campers. Always lovely.
Even got to watch some of the XC coverage from Badders. Gosh it was a very testing track. Lots of thrills and spills. Fingers crossed we have more thrills tomorrow when we go XC (mere twigs in comparison).
Now tucked up in my lorry. And Buddy is loving the haylage that comes with camp life. Today was a very good day indeed.
Buddy and I are off for our first training camp this weekend. I was originally meant to be at Badminton. But that didn’t happen. So what’s better than watching Eventing? Training for Eventing, of course.
I needed to get some shavings and haylage before we head off on Saturday. It’s amazing how much I can get in The Comedy Car. It may be small, but it really is a Tardis inside. I also treated myself to a shavings fork. I know how to spoil myself!
I was giggling as I drove back. Luckily I have more space in The Buddymobile. We need to take a lot of stuff with us. I say we…… 😂
Headed to Burnham Market Horse Trials today to meet my friends Nigel, Julie and their dog Jeff. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. Forgotten how undulating it is there. Jeff was in training for Badders next year. He aced it! He wasn’t bothered by the horses at all. Clever boy Jeff.
It was great catching up with people too. It was inspiring watching the action. One day Buddy and I will be competing there too. 👏🏻
Day 1 of camp down and lots to report. Two brilliant lessons (poles this morning and course jumping this afternoon). One new saddle pad (it was on sale!!). And zero falls. Now that’s what I call a very good day.
Weather-wise it was a game of two halves. This morning was awful with heavy showers. This afternoon saw glorious sunshine.
Round 2 of Newmarket Salt therapy was good too. Buddy spent more time by the nozzle this time. He seems so chilled out with life today.
Fingers crossed he stays like that tomorrow when we head out to XC.
It was bound to happen. Today I missed my camp buddies, learning stuff and someone else cooking for me.
Luckily I have lots of camp memories coming up on my FB at the moment. This one still makes me smile. It’s from 2 years ago when I jumped this wall.
Sometimes it’s good to remind yourself of your highlights. My camp showreel is pretty good. Maybe I need to do a BHS Camp memory video… 🤔
Well that’s another BHS Camp over. This one was our 4th together and I have to say, our best to date. I couldn’t fault Buddy over the past few days. He was quite the pro!
It feels like a lot of things have clicked this week. Every lesson we learnt something new. Every lesson we improved. Every lesson we rocked it.
We came 4th in the dressage! I have to admit, that really surprised me as I was first to go and thought I wasn’t our best.
On to the jumping and unfortunately had the last down. My fault. I held when I should have pushed. But I did get told I got a 10 for my position and actually sitting on my bum! Something I’ve really been working on.
The biggest shock though was to get a Special Award from the instructors. They all felt our improvement needed to be recognised.
Yes, I cried. It means so much to get that validation. Especially from such incredible instructors.
I’m still on a high! I’m also shattered! We will both sleep well tonight.
For the past 18 weeks, I have been doing an online course. Each Friday I’ve spent 4 hours learning how to create my own online course. Today was the last session.
I’ve met some amazing people on this course. I’ve made friends with people from all over the world. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s made me really look at who I am and what I stand for. It’s been quite the journey.
It’s been an incredible experience. Now it’s my turn to launch my own online course. More on that soon.
Tonight I raise a glass to my fellow course creators. You are all awesome!
I got late birthday present today. It was a bit spooky. I had a voicemail from a friend while I was away at camp. I tried calling her back this morning and with that she walked round the corner. Coffee in one hand and this fab present in the other.
It was great to catch up with her. And I’m looking forward to filling this in. 👏🏻 Love a bit of motivation.
Tales, Tails and Talus 