Nature’s power

Another long day at the Showground. Another BRC Qualifier being run by Carleton Riding Club. This time Combined Training. Another day of stewarding – not only the dressage, but the showjumping too!

Thankfully the weather was kinder than yesterday. Good job too as my boots were still wet this morning. That wasn’t particularly pleasant. A bit like putting on a wet swimming costume. Only a few showers to contend with today.

We cracked through the dressage and even faster through the showjumping. Finishing early!!

This made me giggle when I’d finished. We talk about nature’s power, well this looked like the electric was coming from the tree. Got to witness nature’s true power when I got home as there was an almighty thunderstorm! So grateful that didn’t hit while I was standing in a big field!!

I ache from standing for two days, my face aches from smiling at everyone, but I’ve had a fantastic weekend. Volunteering, supporting and being part of equestrian events really does make me feel good about myself. I love helping. I love riding more, so fingers crossed we’ll be back to that too. And I’m sure my boots will dry out at some stage…

Paper thin

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well this one doesn’t tell half the story. It looks lovely, right?! Nice fluffy clouds. Bit of sunshine. Perfect for a spot of dressage. This was after the BRC Dressage Qualifier had finished…

What the day had ACTUALLY been like was torrential downpours. It could have been renamed to ‘dancing seahorses’.

I was there to steward as Carleton RC were hosting. We all know how much I love a clipboard and some hi-viz, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn’t check the weather and didn’t get my layering right. Very grateful for the full length rain coat I was lent to keep me dry at least.

And can’t be said for my running orders that were so wet, they all stuck together. That made it rather challenging to work out who was meant to be where.

Four arenas is a lot to steward so I felt a bit chaotic at times. Luckily there was a dry running order to hand. With the use of a clear plastic lid and a bit of creativity, we got through everyone with military precision.

I left the Showground looking forward to a hot shower and a relaxing evening. Oh wait, I watched the England match. Great result, but my god, we like to do it the hard way…

Thunderclouds

I wasn’t expecting two thunderstorms today. None of my four weather apps mentioned that! As a good equestrian, I have multiple to try and stand a fighting chance. They usually all say something different. But they failed to mention thunder, lightening and hail.

Thankfully I dodged the first one. I watched it roll over from the safety of the conservatory. But the second one hit while I was mucking out. The hail caused a few issues. Several wide eyed horses and rather disorientated swallow fledgling. Poor thing got stuck in the worst of it, clinging to a door hinge. I kept a good eye on it and as soon as I could I rush to its aid. Wafting a poop skip to encourage it to fly off. As you do!

It soon found a parent and flew off. I felt like I did a good deed.

Close up

Thought I’d take a nice picture of Buddy in his smart rain coat. He had other ideas and thought he’d get up close and personal.

I was reminded of the saying ‘no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing’ today. Went out to poo pick having taken my coat off cause I was getting too hot. As I reached the furthest point from the yard, the heavens opened.

Let’s just say I was very soggy by the time I’d finished. I can’t help but laugh when the rain is running down my nose and back.

At least one of us was dry.

Swallows

“One swallow does not a summer make…..” Well these two must be wondering what the hell they’ve arrived back to!!

You can just imagine the arguments: “I told you we should have stayed another week…”

It’s always a wonderful sight when the swallows return. Let’s hope warmer weather makes a return too.

Spring forward

I’m 53 years old. You’d have thought by now that I would have mastered the whole clock change thing. In my defence, the clocks in my house aren’t helping matters.

Last Sunday, my alarm clock sprang forward unexpectedly. That resulted in me getting up an hour early – without realising it.

I manually adjusted it so it was correct.

Today, said alarm clock decided for some unfathomable reason to fall back an hour. So I lost two hours!

Yes it should automatically update like my phone does. Not a clue what’s going on there!

Seems the weather is a tad confused too. After a beautiful Spring Day yesterday, we’re back to Winter vibes. Yesterday I was full of the joys. Today I wanted to hibernate. My planned garden day turned into a house day. And yes, there was a lot of clock changing going on…

Complaint

Pretty stunning huh?! A beautiful calm sunny day you say? Not for my jumping lesson. I had high winds, rain and hail.

You know the type of weather where you have to laugh as you’re question your life choices. Where you’re coming into a jump eyes closed in the rain praying one of you can see it.

Thankfully Buddy was on great form. He locked onto every jump. Lewis brought a couple of his jumps over for us to have a play with. Buddy ate them up.

He had us working on straightness and curving lines. It wasn’t long ago that Buddy would have had a meltdown at such technical tracks. Now he’s taking me into the jumps. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Typically the wind dropped and the sun came out after we finished. I did put in a complaint that I got the more challenging weather. I guess it was typical eventing weather. Time to break out the body protector and get back to it.

Super pleased with my little boy today.

Upgrades

This is the latest upgrade for the Buddymobile. It can run hot and with the hot weather, I wanted to make sure Buddy is as comfortable as possible.

He’s already like an oversized Labrador with his head out the window as I keep the living one open. I can see him sticking his head towards it was we drive along.

This is the next logical step. And works a treat. Took Buddy over to a friend’s this morning, so while we went for a hack, her partner fitted the fan.

It’s been so hot today, Buddy definitely approved. It also helped to keep me cool while I was cleaning the lorry after getting back.

So vane

Spotted this weather vane on my way to collect The Comedy Car. It’s so cool. I’ve always wanted a weather vane, but not had a house that would suit one. It took a while to get the photo as the wind was whipping it about. Got there in the end. It was rather windy.

The Comedy Car has a new shiny tyre. And I took advantage of having The Buddymobile at home to give the living and the cab a good clean out. It’s amazing how dusty and dirty it gets.

Guess I’ll have to clean the inside of The Comedy Car. And the outside of The Buddymobile. Then both my vehicles will be shiny. And yes, those jobs are on the list…

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.