New learning

I’m rather excited about this. It’s the workbook for the latest training course that I’ve signed up for. Tonight was the kick-off session. It was really interesting listening to the other people who are in my cohort. They’re all Equestrian Coaches. Unlike me, I’m a BHS 0. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learnt a lot of the years.

I’ve always been very resistant to making horses my living. Horses are my passion and my hobby (more lifestyle than hobby). But I’ve always wanted to learn more and more. To improve myself to be the best rider for my horses.

Now I feel I want to give back to something that has given me so much. You see I’ve been the person standing on the mounting block terrified to get on their horse. It wasn’t until I had that experience that I really understood how crippling and debilitating fear could be. It broke my heart that something that brought me so much joy, was the source of so much pain and frustration. Slowly I rebuilt my confidence one ride at a time.

So I’m coming at this from a different angle. I think it’ll really help me to move my coaching business more towards working with riders.

Let’s get my little brain cells working…

Tour

Supersub was called into action today. This time for a tour of Norwich City’s Training Centre. We arrived in good time. Only to be informed that there were players and coaching staff there so we couldn’t do the whole tour. Then the heavens opened and we had to wait it out. Finally the tour was underway. And everyone has left, so we got to see everything. Well the bits we were allowed to see. Lots of bits off limits for various reason.

Still it was a fun outing. And not something anyone can do apparently. Sadly Aviva Lemur wasn’t on the Legends wall. There were lots I’ve met though.

They have a wall with every player who’s ever played for the club. Even if it was a 5 mins appearance. It was quite the list. Interesting to see who next to be added…

More ears

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…

Dancing shoes

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…

Heatwave

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. 🤞🏻

Camp veterans

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.

Blackwater

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.

Camp countdown

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…… 😂

Burnham Market

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. 👏🏻

Numbers game

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.