I don’t remember the last time I wrote a blog so there’s clearly a lot to cover! Writing this on New Year’s Eve it feels appropriate to summarise 2020 as we move on from what is probably the most strangest year any of us will probably ever experience again in our lives.. It’s not been my easiest year personally either, but so many lessons that will set me up for success in 2021. I experienced a relationship and break-up worthy of a blockbuster movie.. I found myself at risk of redundancy.. planned trips of a lifetime were cancelled and my house has been on and off the market, hosting more house viewings than I care to remember! I worked flat out through the initial lockdown - my job involved sourcing and implementing all the Covid measures for a very well known coffee chain, to keep our team members and customers safe. At such a time I was more grateful than ever to have a horse - my only excuse to leave the house daily and keep my mental health stable, despite all the challenges mentioned above that started to unfold. So, what does Calamity then go and do? Parts with the one thing has kept her going.. and sells Russell ???? This was the biggest decision I’ve ever made.. 5 years ago I became a horse owner for the first time - something I never imagined would happen and together we achieved more than anyone could have told us we would. With neither of us having any previous experience, we won a BE90, featured on an ITV show, galloped along the beach, even went hunting! We were placed at the Horse and Hound 3 day event and at the Festival of the Horse Championships also! But, one thing I’ve learnt this year is ‘trust your gut’.. Russell taught me so much, but I had begun to outgrow him - I started to want more and it wasn’t fair to keep pushing him. So, head over heart, he’s gone to the loveliest home I could have hoped for and will provide a lot of enjoyment as a great all rounder who knows his job :) What do you do when your world is feeling upside down and you’ve just parted with what you thought was your horse of a lifetime? Ermmm, take on your first ever 4 year-old, going into winter!! I said on the very day I saw him that he’d make me a better rider and I’d learn a lot, but I didn’t quite expect the adventure I’ve found myself on for the last 6 weeks ???? Willy is the most stunning horse and I feel very privileged to be his owner. As soon as I first rode him I said he was everything I felt I wanted - something that was a bit more energetic and would pull me to a jump - he’s certainly that! The first couple of weeks were quite tough as we both got used to each other but he was true to my word in already making me a better rider and he’s now a lot more patient with me also. Today we jumped 70 cm which looked like the biggest thing on earth but felt like a breeze when we did it - this horse just loves his jumping! He’s such a sweetie on the ground too - I’ve never seen a horse that enjoys cuddles and scratches so much and all that has really helped form a bond for when on board as I can now feel the trust building every day. Lockdown has actually helped by taking the pressure off and we’re now on the other side of the shortest day (whoop!) so hopefully give it a couple of months and we can go places and experience life together away from home :) I’m so grateful to Cavaletti Collection for supporting me throughout - this is a brand that truly listens to their ambassadors and continuously improves their products - I’m super excited for 2021 not only for me and Willy, but also for Cavaletti Collection and being part of this journey I once never even dreamt of ♥️