To celebrate my birthday this year I thought it would be lovely to spend extra time with Riley and Blackjack. Since we live an hour away from them, we decided to book a cottage for a couple of days.
I couldn’t resist
The day before my birthday, we packed our bags and set off—stopping first at the yard. After a ride on Riley, we made the short five-minute drive to Storehouse Cottage in Glanwydden. I always find it exciting to stay somewhere new, and as soon as we arrived, I couldn’t resist exploring every room. This particular cottage was delightfully chocolate-box —cosy, welcoming, and full of character.
The following morning began slowly, with copious amounts of coffee and a leisurely pace. Eventually, we made our way to the yard for lessons with Laura. After bringing Riley and Blackjack in from the field, we tacked up Riley for our session, practicing the prelim test in preparation for our upcoming competition. Afterwards, Laura suggested we hack around the fields—a first for us, and unbeknownst to her, a wonderful birthday treat that made the morning feel extra special.
That familiar surge of elation
Then it was Blackjack’s turn. Knowing Laura would ask me to canter, I felt my usual wave of apprehension. But as always, once I’d done it, I was hit with that familiar surge of elation—the feeling I always get when I push myself past fear and just do it.
After turning both ponies back out into the field, we returned to the cottage to change, fully intending to head into Conwy. But the charm of the pretty garden proved irresistible, and instead, we spent a blissful couple of hours sipping tea and tackling a crossword in the sunshine. Eventually, we wandered just a few steps across the lane to the Queen’s Head for a leisurely late lunch.
image courtesy of Sophie Grace Photography
Earlier in the day, Laura had mentioned she was taking two of the horses to the beach for a photo shoot with Sophie of ‘Sophie Grace Photography’ —and invited us to come along. Did someone say horses? Of course, we couldn’t resist. So around quarter to four, we made the short fifteen-minute journey and met them there. The weather was perfect, and it was pure joy to watch the horses—along with Laura and Beth, the riders—enjoying every moment. There was something magical about being there. Riding on the beach has long been a dream of mine… so watch this space!
All in all, it had been the most glorious day. We headed happily back to the cottage with the comforting thought that we’d get to do it all again tomorrow, minus the beach.
A little moment that always means the world
After another wonderfully slow morning spent in the garden drinking coffee and chatting about the previous day’s exploits, we made our way back to the yard to bring the ponies in. My heart swelled with joy when Riley whinnied at the sight of me—a little moment that always means the world. Once Riley was tacked up, we set off for a hack, tackling the challenge of the Welsh hills together. When we returned, Laura asked if I’d like a lesson on Blackjack. Without hesitation, I heard myself say “yes”—even though, deep down, part of me wanted to say no.
However, as I tacked up, I began to question that “yes”—Blackjack was feeling particularly cheeky, and it didn’t do much for my confidence going into the lesson. Once I was on board, I told Laura that I only wanted to walk and trot; I didn’t feel brave enough to canter given Blackjack’s current mood.
Laura had me working through lots of exercises she said would help keep Blackjack’s mind busy, but I had a sneaky suspicion they were also designed to keep my mind from spiralling into nerves. And to be fair, it worked. While I never felt truly relaxed, I did begin to feel more settled So when Laura gently asked if I wanted to try a canter, I wavered… then, with a little encouraging push from Laura, I decided to do it.
We’d had the most perfect few days, and being surrounded by horses and ponies, especially my own beloved Blackjack and Rile, truly filled my cup.