A big decision...

Heeeey,

So while I was away in Crete Nixon suffered from a bit of lameness which resulted in a precautionary visit from the vets. He had x-rays and tests and it turns out he has sheered heels, side bones and arthiritus.

I always knew there would be a time when he showed signs of age because he was around 13 when I brought him 5 years ago. He also has pigeon toes which up until now hadn't caused him any problems. The worst thing about owning animals is having to make such big decisions for them. There’s no way of really knowing what they think or want, so you just have to weigh up the options and decide.

I had two main options; put him through remedial farriery, injections and continual medicine to allow me to ride or to allow him to retire. I’m both happy and sad to say I chose the latter.

As a nervous old boy I didn’t want to put him through the stress and pain, all for me to have a ride now and again. Instead I’ve decided to allow him to take up retired life of eating, grooming and cuddles.

I think I might start doing some in hand work with him and maybe try teach him a few tricks or something - go all Monty Roberts!

Unfortunately it’s one of those things where not every one will agree with your decision and I did have a few noses turn up at me. However, I'm safe in the knowledge that I know my horse well enough to judge that now is the right time.

Not to worry, he's still a cheeky boy and full of character, so we will still be having lots of fun. 

Gemma xx

You don't find love...it finds you

Heeeeey,

Dreams have always been an important thing to me. Something to have, something to hold on to and something to look forward to. I’ve never thought any dream is too big. They’ve always been somewhat of a comfort to me that there is hope. 

When I started 2014 I wrote down 10 dreams and aspirations to achieve throughout the year. For literally the first year since I can remember, I didn’t set one to find a boyfriend and fall in love. I decided this really isn’t something you can make happen, it’s not something to work towards, so I left that in the hands of fate - and boy did it deliver.

“Don’t give up usually it’s the last key on the ring that opens the door”

I have always been a true believer of fate, I’m happy for fate to put me in the right place at the right time and allow me to learn and enjoy life to it’s full potential. 

When I was packing for Crete all those months ago, I could only joke I was off to find a boyfriend. I really do believe me and Sam were sent to Crete to meet each other. If living on different sides on the country isn’t proof enough, I don’t think our paths could have crossed any other way. It wasn’t smooth running and there were a few people standing in our way. If anything, how far we’ve come is testament to those that said horrible things, accused me of all sorts and said it wouldn’t last. Unfortunately life is full of bitter people and not everyone will be happy for you. 

“The best things in life are worth the wait”

I’ve never met any one who can make me laugh every minute of every day, who can control my princess moments, not only appreciates my craziness but joins in too and is just generally so scarily similar to me. 

Which brings me to now, and my northern gem is trying out southern life. Upon arrival he was greeted with a present of wellies and a farmers weekly magazine! I mean what more could a city boy need jumping feet first into country life. 

He’s met Nixon, and is making progress and even steps foot inside the field now, as well as being very willing to climb the muck heap. 

It’s strange being home with someone who everything is new to. It’s nice to appreciate village life and all the beautiful places that surround me and rediscover it all again for myself. 

So this is it, the start of the rest of our lives and I'm sure we will have a story or two to share along the way.

Gemma xx

Time is now...

Time is a funny thing. I think many people are scared of it in various ways. Scared it will go too quickly, scared it will run out, scared it won't go as quickly as they hope. I'm extremely impatient so much of my life is focused around time. I'm learning to be better, to take things as they come and to enjoy the moment - but what I've learnt most of all, is that it is precious. As my boyfriend likes to remind me 'time is the most precious commodity we have - we can never get it back'. People are worried not to rush, not to be too quick, not to make a mistake, but the trouble is these people think they have time.

For those avid followers of my blog you will know that especially in the last year I've been doing lots of firsts to overcome my anxiety. I've done more than I could ever have imagined I could achieve from last year. I'm thinking of what to do next - ideas welcome!

When was the last time you did something for the first time? 

**

Time is not wasteful

time is unstoppable

time is learning

time is balance

time is getting old

time is healing

time is happiness

time is love

time is being on time

time is the future and how you will spend it

time is not waiting around, waiting for things to happen to you

time is going out and making them happen

time is being selfish

time is being selfless

time is doing everything you've always wanted, before it's too late
time is now.

Gemma xx