It's been a strange old year, too many bereavements for a start, very aware we are firmly in the "Snipers Alley" age range now. Mum's death was not unexpected though it came as a shock to some. I know I have had a much easier time of the organising side of bereavement that some good friends but it hasn't been without its niggles. This side of the family confuses me and as time goes on I simply realise that everyone has their own narrative of the story and their own heroes. I've emptied a lot of mum's house and in most families there would have been an opportunity to laugh at things that had been kept and perhaps some spikey edges would have been softened but the reality was, I smiled, then placed them in the black bag on my own.
I'm lucky to still get so many updates on the horses but that's not been without it's trials this year, finding out about the Edge cruelty case, affecting Morello and Hanami, was grim and perhaps the saving grace was that it was already resolved by the time I knew. As yet no update on those horses though. Poor Rufina had a rough time too but has fortunately landed on her feet, absolutely no thanks to her previous two owners. 2023 confirmed for me I will never breed or sell a horse again, although the great homes are vastly in the majority two starved horses is two too many. We were lucky enough to get the opportunity to buy Cactus Jack back and after taking a long time to settle he's starting to do a little work and has had a few pole clinic outings, there is no rush and I have no real ambitions for him, he does have an adoring fan club though! Sadly another Chamfron horse was sold on in sad circumstances, although I had agreed to take him, yet again I will say "have the conversation... but for god's sake, update your will"!
There are many ongoing interesting conversations regarding horse ownership / riding and social license and my opinions on many aspects of the horse industry have changed as the years go on, I'm not just a middle aged pony patter I'm judgy with it!
Chamfron highs this year included a great road trip with Chamfron by Dand, Rebecca and Jessica to the Red Dragon in Wales. Chamfron Milano strutting his stuff at the London International Horse Show and Chamfron Tizona completing the (you are all crazy) Man v Horse again.
Despite (apparently!) making a conscious effort to walk more and blog it for accountability I walked a very similar amount to 2022, which was about two thirds of the milage of 2021. Apparently the enthusiasm for a lockdown walk wanes when you are not in lockdown! We are still working from home though!
If I'm honest 2023 has just been relentlessly "a little bit shit" and I am going in to 2024 hoping for better.
