Appropriate clothing

My choice of t-shirt was absolutely on point today! Love it when that happens. I had a very lovely day planned. I was going to meet a friend for a lovely relaxed hack round Blickling…

First I overslept, then the weather forecast looks a bit suspect and it being school holidays all put pay to that. So we went for a very lovely lunch lunch instead. Just as enjoyable. We managed to sit out for some of it, but after being buffeted a little bit too much by the wind, we headed indoors.

Good job too as the heavens opened! That was a rather regular occurrence for the rest of the day. One minute sunshine, the next minute rain. I had to laugh as I ended up being stuck in a stable mid-muck out. Reminded me of the quote ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’. My t-shirt was may have been apt, but didn’t really help to keep me dry. Maybe not that appropriate after all…

Power walk

There was definitely something in the air today. Some very odd energy. Not sure if it was the cold wind with the hot sun, but there was definitely something going on.

Both the Baby Sprocker and the Oversized Labrador were on missions! The power walk was on full display for them both.

Took Bert out for a long walk this morning and Buddy out for an even longer walk this afternoon. All in all I covered over 10 miles. No wonder we’re all tired tonight.

Tousled

I hadn’t realised quite how windy it was today until Buddy and I got out on the tracks. It took my breath away!

Buddy was rocking the tousled look. It was really mild too.

But of a head wind as we went up the gallop strip. Not enough to slow Buddy down. Though it did make seeing where we were going a bit of a challenge. Thankfully it’s a straight run. The perfect way to end the week…

Frostbite

My goodness the wind has some bite to it today. I couldn’t feel my face by the time we’d finished our walk. Bert was on top form! He was having a blast chasing the leaves as they swirled about.

He really does make me laugh. He been in full Spaniel-mode the past few days on our walks. It’s wonderful to see his exuberance.

He got a few more admirers today. We had two trips to the same venue. First for breakfast, then back again later for coffee. He was introduced to sausages. Let’s just say he’s a big fan! Well there has to be perks to going out. Thankfully, Spaniel-mode is switched off when we’re out. Well for the most part…

Wonderment

Well it’s the first day of 2025 and to be honest it’s been a pretty nothing day. I really wasn’t feeling the whole NYE thang, so I was in bed by 10:30pm.

Of course, I was woken up by the fireworks at midnight. That and the howling winds. Why would people want to let off fireworks when it’s so stormy?! Seems a bit of a waste but there you go.

The storm continued today. With the added bonus of hail as I was mucking out. Bert was doing his best Dumbo impression with his ears flapping in the wind. Not sure he was that enamoured with walking in the driving rain.

He did throughly enjoy his hot shower when he got home. As did I. Not together, I’d like to point out.

We had a pretty chilled one. Rounded off with the Christmas tradition that is World’s Strongest Man. Well I didn’t attempt the annual ‘Christmas tree’ carry, so might as well watch the professionals. It’s the little things…

Trio

Headed over to Mousehold Farm for an arena hire today. Met up with these lovely ladies (and their ponies) for a pony play date.

The wind had some bite to it! I was a tad chilly when we’d finished. Clearly not working hard enough.

It was lovely to pop Buddy over some jumps too. I feel like he’s had to take a bit of a backseat in the past few months. So it felt good to be doing something fun together.

Amaze

Blimey it’s been a bit rough here with the winds and rain. Buddy and I went out for a bit of a wind-assisted ride. The maize has been battered. It usually stands so tall and proud. So it was very weird seeing great swathes of it crushed. It was like a giant toddler had tried to make crop circles. Very odd indeed.

Clearly didn’t affect the taste as Buddy grabbed a few snacks on the way round. Eery but lovely way to end the day.

Insta v reality

Buddy and I definitely had an Insta v Reality moment on our ride today. The wind picked up just as I was trying to take a photo of him, so his mane was a tad wild. By the time we headed back, his mane was lying perfectly.

Which do you prefer?! Wild or tamed?

When we got back, I gave him a hose off and tidied his mane and tail. Tomorrow he might look like Last of the Mohicans. Who knows?!

Grey hairs

Buddy needs to start using Grecian 2000! I spotted two grey hairs in his mane today. Or is this payback from the grey hairs he’s given me over the years?

It was a bit of a hairy one today as the wind was whipping around today. So we did a spot of indoor hacking instead.

I was feeling a little bit unsettled this morning. It wasn’t just the rain and the wind. While I was getting things ready for camp, it struck me that the last time I was away at a training camp was when I found out that Martine and my friend’s Dad had died. No wonder I was feeling a bit unsettled?! Big reframe needed there. Martine loved her camps too. So I’m going to ‘be more Martine’ next week.

Honestly the brain is a funny old thing. The weird and wonderful connections it makes. Good job I have the tools to handle it. Well most of the time.

Barefoot

What a lovely day at Burnham Market Horse Trails. Caught up with so many people and watched some incredible combinations. Came away feeling very inspired, if a little wind burnt!

Burnham is one of my favourite events. Sadly we’ve lost so many events from the region. Thankfully this one is still in the eventing calendar. Long may that continue…