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.

Stay warm

Second time this week I’ve ended up in the local camping shop on a mercy mission. Today it was to buy a heater for the Buddymobile. I’m on driver / groom duties this weekend. We’re sleeping in the lorry and there’s no heating in the living. It’s a tad fresh out there so hoping it warms up a bit tomorrow. Otherwise it’s going to be a cold night even with the billion or so layers I’m taking.

The weather has been random to say the least. Bright sunshine one minute, high winds the next, then snow storms. Interesting riding with snow blowing in the arena. I think I was more weirded out by it than Buddy was.

Still on days like this, I’m grateful for the indoor school. And tomorrow it’ll be about making memories. Let’s hope the little heater does the job in the little lorry.

caterwaul

I saw this and it made me smile. Buddy and I did that this morning on yet another wind-assisted hack. It’s a good job he’s not that bothered by the wind. Of course a piece of flapping plastic on the ground – terrifying!!

I was feeling slightly jaded after a weird night. Woken up by cat wails in the early hours. Jumped out of bed to find the big ginger cat in my conservatory fighting with a tabby. Assumed it was Dodo and tried to break it up. They both ran out the cat flap and carried on fighting on the lawn. 😱

Dodo is so small next to the ginger Tom, I honestly thought it would kill him. So rushed out there calling and calling as they both ran off.

Came back in the house to get treats to find Dodo sat on my office chair!

I know I was very bleary eyed but I’m still not sure who was fighting in my conservatory!! All I know is my heart rate went up and there was enough cat fur to fill a cushion!!

Why don’t people neuter their pets?! It’s usually caused by intact males. And yes, I’m going to get a trap set to catch the ginger one. Hopefully he’ll be microchipped.

Hidden beauty

I’ve been asked to cover the next few Monday’s at the Chiro’s. It was a rather busy day with lots of changes to deal with. But got to have lots of good chats.

The main topic of conversation was the weather. Well we are British. It was a very lazy wind today. With some bite to it. So different from the mild days we’ve been having.

The other topic of conversation was at what point do you stop asking people about their Christmas. And saying Happy New Year! The jury is very much out on those. Lots of views given.

Spotted this little flower when I was opening up this morning. No idea what it is. But it was a very pretty way to start the day.

Restore

It may have only been a week since I rode last, but it’s felt like longer. This was the perfect tonic to my ‘jet-lagged’ state this morning. Even though I haven’t left the time zone, it’s the only way I can describe how I felt when I woke up this morning.

After a morning of catching up on life, Buddy and I went out for a long stroll. It’s a weird time of the year. I can’t tell what time it is. Or to be honest, what day! This photo was taken at 1:30pm, but felt like 3pm. Weird.

What was also weird was the temperature! It was so mild today. Buddy was dripping when we got back and he’s been clipped. I overlayered too. So we were both hot messes.

Mother Nature is as confused as we are in this weird world. Still, it means I haven’t had to break out the big rugs or thick coats yet.

Friday feeling

Well this is a view I haven’t had for a while. I’ve been so busy recently that it feels like ages since we went out for a hack round Strumpshaw. It was much needed indeed.

We even had a cheeky canter as the ground is perfect at the moment. That’s something we haven’t been able to do for ages either as the ground has been too hard. If the rain continues, it’ll be too slippery.

Honestly, people wonder why us Brits are obsessed with the weather. It’s cause its so changeable. At this time of year, it feels like four seasons in one day. It’s definitely four outfits too as I feel like I’m layering on and off.

Riverside

I met up with some of my former work colleagues for dinner tonight. We sat outside as it’s August. I was cold! I had to break out a gillet from the car. Ridiculous after the souring temperatures we’ve been experiencing.

It was rather pleasant though to feel cold. And yes, I’m British. I talk about the weather a lot! Dinner was lovely too. And so was the company.

Scorchio

Without stating the bleeding obvious, it’s been REALLY hot today. I’ve been melting over my laptop. I could feel the heat pouring in from the conservatory. Which was where the kittens slept today. Nutters!

Curtains closed, fan on and lots of fluids. It definitely helped. Finished the day sat in the shade listening to an interview with one of the founders of Brewdog. Really interesting guy.

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Wall to wall blue skies today in Costa Del Brundall.

Bad clothing

After the heat of yesterday, today was much cooler. About half the temperature it was yesterday. Welcome to the British Summer!

Yesterday I was too hot to achieve much. Today I felt decidedly unsettled. Bit like the weather I guess. I’m missing riding. I know it’s not even been a week, but riding is my happy place. I miss going for a plod and shooting the breeeze with Buddy.

Decided to go for a walk instead. Guess who forgot to check the weather forecast before they left? Yup this muppet. So I got soaked through. My trainer aren’t waterproof so squelched my way back home.

Walked passed the yard to check on the Boy Wonder. Threw him completely by calling to him from the footpath that runs near his field. Well I guess he’s not used to me being there so will cut him some slack…

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.