Arianna made the trip up to Santa Inez to stay with an amazing trainer called Angi Murray whilst I returned to Europe. She's an incredibly talented trainer who has huge experience with wild and rescue horses and is totally tuned in to the need of each individual horse. Plus, she has so many different things to expose horses to including a wobbly bridge, giant hanging tarp and a huge fluffy monkey to name but a few! She's been working with Arianna on the ground to build her confidence as I've since learned she actually pretends to be ok with things when actually she is not.... so it's been back a few steps to teach her to actually look and process thing rather than pretend they aren't there. Just goes to show how different each horses needs are and that they never stop teaching us new things!
I returned to England and had a one night stop off before going on to France. I managed to find time to see Kevin at Highclere farm and go for a hack on the lovely William (who I used to ride twice a week before moving to LA) and have a catch up with my good friend Christine who rode Harley out with me. It's amazing how quickly it feels just like normal, riding through Hodgemoor in the autumn and splashing through all the puddles!
I got stay with bestie Bex overnight and it was perfect to just chill and catch up and then we spend the morning at her yard, which is where I used to keep Guinness. So many happy memories in this place and although in part it makes me sad because I miss him, it still reminds me of all the fun we had there together. Good timing meant I also ran into my friends and previous clients Louise and Martina Gardner, and Sophie and Sarah Lacey. Although we all keep in touch on facebook, it's lovely just to be face to face and hug the friends you've missed.
Joshua and I flew on to Toulouse where Dad and Chloe were waiting to pick us up.
France feels like my second home now, and everything is so familiar and so beautiful. It's lovely to have time to spend with Joshua just doing normal things like going to the supermarket, cooking together, walking the dogs and watching movies. Joshua is so grown up now and he will be a teenager next year, but I love the fact he's still happy to just hang out and spend Mum time with me, telling me about friends and girls and skateboarding and all things young boys think about.
My 2 year old gelding, Peroni is looking great and everyday we did a little groundwork and he just picks it straight back up again even though he hasn't practised it for ages. We went on some nice walks together and as usual, he was a superstar! Pedro, his little field buddy is so attached to him and they really are best friends so althoug I miss him loads, I know he's very happy where he is.
Taffy my 32 year old welsh pony is still going strong and is fit, happy and healthy, proving this by pulling Chloe's arms out her sockets when we went cantering around the french countryside together! Hero got his winter clip and Beanie is also well and enjoying life in France.
My cats are also in seventh heaven, enjoying the mild french autumn and catching lots of french field mice! I'm so glad I moved them to France and didn't bring them with us, as they would not have suited a life living in an apartment here. My only worry now being that I don't think my family are going to ever want to give them back!
We spent time with my Auntie and Uncle and my Nanny and had a lovely lunch in nearby Saint Guardens. The food and wine was amazing it's so special to have these times with family when you get the chance. It was all over too soon, and before I knew it was time to come home again.
Now back in LA, I've started a new job, teaching riding again! The barn is called Sagebrook Farms at the paddock riding club in Burbank and although I've only done a few days there so far, I'm starting to feel very much at home. The other instructors and all the clients are lovely, and the horses are very well cared for and happy in their work which is so important to me. I'm feeling a little rusty and I'm not used to having to share an arena with other people also having lessons, but I'm starting to get the hang of it!
