When I started writing this, I opened with “Happy New Year from all at Park House Farm; we would like to wish you all the best for 2024!”… However, it’s already the end of January and I’m told that’s a bit weird.
I’ve been reflecting back on 2023, a year that saw a big personal change for me and James as we welcomed Baby Hunt in May. This meant that for the first half of the year I barely rode! The plan was to ride for as long as possible but my body (and lovely protective family) said “maybe not” quite early on, so I mainly kept my feet on the ground and stuck to doing the yard and teaching.
I couldn’t have got through last winter without the wonderful Amy and Isobel, who both took on more work than usual as I tried to slow down…I promise I did try, although maybe I wasn’t as successful as I could have been! They covered more stables and helped me bring some ‘characters’ in from the field so I didn’t have to waddle!
Like most horsey people, I was back on the yard two weeks post c-section and back on board after four weeks, albeit on light duties with the help of James and just walking on horseback.
Gorgeous George had joined us in March 2022 and went home towards the end of the year once I decided not to ride. He made his return in July 2023 and we had lots of fun on and off the farm for six weeks until he was sold.
August saw the arrival of Honey, a two year old Cob x Trotter who came to be sold for a friend…Five months later and she’s still here, with her hooves firmly under the table! The plan with Honey is yet to be decided but I have a soft spot for her so watch this space…
Sadly, in December we lost Tamara. After 17 years with us, she let us know she was ready. When I went to try her as a six year old, my mum knew straight away I’d pick her over the placid geldings we viewed at the same time! In 2014, Gemma joined us to part loan Tamara and we both have fond memories of our time with her.
Losing Tamara means I’m horseless for the first time in over 20 years! I’m enjoying my time with the liveries and lucky to get my daily horse fix doing a job I love.
A new year brings new plans, but more of that to come… For now I’m grateful for 2023, excited for longer days and better weather, and looking forward to the rest of 2024!
Sadie in the Saddle 