Watch out Zara Phillips...

Finally at our first competition!

I’ve finally done it! The moment I have been working towards for five years was finally made a reality on Wednesday 5^th September when I took Toffee to his first show!

I’m not going to sugar-coat how well we did, because we didn’t. I fell off twice and, technically, we didn’t complete the course (after two goes)! After a week of intensive training, sometimes schooling twice a day, Toffee had almost become a normal horse to jump and after one of my friends saw him by the end of the week, she couldn't believe he was going so well. However, apparently all that went out of the window once we were at the show and it did get all a bit exciting for Toffee who proceeded to run around the course like a headless chicken.

If you’re not into horses, this probably seems a little ridiculous. However, he was a nervous pony already, due to a difficult and abusive past before we bought him, and Toffee found the new jumps, new environment and new horses a bit too much to cope with. It was frustrating for me because every other person (even the little children) seemed to be casually popping each jump and getting clear rounds!

But as my mum and friends continue to remind me, this was a huge step for us. One of mum’s more experienced friends who had been training us reassured me the other day: Toffee is an extremely difficult pony. Therefore, I have to realise that the very fact I was even riding him at a show and getting back on him after falling off (twice!) was a phenomenal achievement considering I wouldn’t even ride him this time last year.

So many people have said to me that I need a new horse, that Toffee isn’t the right horse for what I want to do and that I can’t handle him. Yet, whilst I’m not the greatest rider in the world, in fact I’m nowhere near, I do understand my little pony with all his quirks and anxiety issues and I would never give up on him.

Even if I would like to compete a bit more, to ride a horse that wouldn't run off every time we see a jump, I’ll sacrifice that for this pony. Despite his problems when I’m riding him, on the ground he is the most genuine horse I have ever known. He is such a friendly, clever boy that I could never sell him for fear that he would end up in the wrong hands again.

I’m still going to compete with the university this year and of course, I’ll still be having riding lessons whilst I’m in Guildford. You never know, this time next year, I might be taking Toffee back again. You better watch out Zara Phillips!

But for now, I’m just happy that I finally achieved what I set out to do, something which wouldn’t have been possible without the University of Surrey and the Equestrian Club. And thanks to them, Toffee and I are enjoying riding again, something I never thought would happen.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

I haven't made a point of looking at when I posted last but I know it was a long time ago. Too long. But I've missed blogging. I've missed my little space of the internet where I can offload my problems.

Unfortunately though, until I can think of something decent to write about, this is just going to be a quick update of a few things from the last couple of weeks... Or... Months?!

1. We've moved into our new home! It's lovely, if a bit of a far walk from university, and us girls have settled in nicely. 

2. I've started second year with a very stressful life (which is only going to get worse) and this is where I'm going to have a little rant... Disclaimer: I am not looking for sympathy, I fully accept this life has been brought upon myself and that I can escape whenever I want... But I'm going to moan anyway. This year, as well as a more intensive course with deadlines coming up and three books to read each week, I am News Editor of The Stag (our university newspaper), soon-to-be President of the Equestrian Club (currently Treasurer) and I have just stupidly said yes to being on the Equestrian Teams again this year. Nice one. Queue extremely busy and stressful life.

3. I'm back to jumping 3 foot with Toffee! I can't remember if I posted about my competition? I could probably just look but that seems like a lot of effort right now. If I didn't a post will be coming shortly. I went home last weekend because I was in serious need of a break and had such a lovely weekend! Being away from home has made me appreciate it so much more.

Going home was worth it just to be warm for a night

4. I met Lawson the other day! Being an aspiring journalist definitely pays off when you get to go to Q&A session with four very talented (and also extremely hot) young men.

5. Why am I so untidy? I used to think it was a sign of how disorganised I am but I have since realised I must be pretty organised to manage this life I have at the moment. So I've come to the conclusion that I really am just messy, something my mum has been telling me for years. Once again, mum, you're always right.

6. Never let me see another bramble again. Over summer I worked as a gardener and genuinely cannot see what the attraction is. It is the most unsatisfying job I have ever done.

7. I did work experience at my local newspaper over summer which was eye-opening. Fun, with lovely people, but I'm starting to question whether I could do journalism as a job for more than a few weeks.

8. I have decided that in my GAP year (which I am most definitely having once I finish uni) I want to go and work on an American (or Australian, I'm easy) ranch. Or I might even do it for a summer. Anyone with any info, send it my way please!

9. I'm over my constant worrying about eating. I like eating and if I want a Mars Caramel bar (which for the record are one of the best things to bless the shops recently), I'm sure as hell going to have one. And you can judge all you like skinny people. As my friend Dani would say, you go girl! (Maybe you should considering copyrighting this phrase Dani?)

10. VAMPIRE DIARIES IS BACK! BEST PROGRAMME EVER. And the only thing to keep me sane now that I hardly have any time to myself.

Stay happy and bubbly everyone! xoxo