It's been at the back of my mind for a while now that we really ought to try riding with an Air Jacket, slowly but surely it seems that more and more riders are choosing to wear one…the more I see them the more inclined I am to try one, although I must admit its taken a while to tempt me. If we're talking from a fashion/style perspective, then its ...

There's no doubt that new colours and patterns that launch each season will always be fun and exciting, I love a bright colour as much as the next rider. But apart fro colours, bright pinks and deep blues, it's rare that we see anything actually new come into the equestrian space for clothing, which is odd compared to the gym wear and other sportsw...

We all know it…  Sore muscles can be a common issue for many of us in sport, most athletes regularly attend a physio to maintain themselves, but it seems the equestrian industry is a different breed when it comes to this.  Instead we continue, with aches and pains, especially of the ignoring or brushing it off because there's so many more...

 The story of our life at the moment, especially with the wobbly health and weather both tied into each other. After all, it is January though, so we won't be dwelling on that for very long. So far this month, there's been a few times where we've changed plans, had to reschedule riding, get our hopes up and set our sights on a new goal. We're ...

 A fun beginning to our show here at ARENA UK SHOW Centre - I started my TPN tube feeds at lunchtime (which is a rarity to do it so early!) so they would finish at 6am, ready to compete first thing in the morning. - I'm only a morning person if we have the whole day before to plan and prepare my medical regime! Daisy had a silly stop in our cl...

A very very wet start with torrential rain for our last day here at ARENA UK SHOW Centre- we managed some tight turns, took a stride out down the distance (accidentally!) and kept the pace up…to be honest I think Daisy was in her element!Swipe to see some of the chaos behind everything, including the last one where Daisy took the wheel and I had to...

Yellow Ribbons in a horses tail = British Showjumping Para Rider Both Daisy and Jack have a yellow ribbon in their tail when we're out competing, but it's regularly asked why. A yellow ribbon means: the horse is being ridden by a para rider (a rider with a disability) this can range from limb weakness, to visual or hearing impairments for the rider...

Is it worth it?- a question I ask myself on the regular (usually muttering under my breath when things get stressful.) Battling any of life's obstacle can be tricky balance for us to figure out and commit to doing. But I grew up believing that people who did choose to keep going  must just be 100% at peace with that way of life, and that ...

I've been there. I know what it's like to feel like you're backed into a corner, to feel like giving up, that you can't keep going anymore. (This goes for physical health, mental health, every aspect of life…mine has largely overlapped between the variety at times) Nothing is easy, each one of us will face our own unique set of challenges. You can'...

Daisy you little star! We were 100th to go in today's GP class, and posted a clear to finish in 3rd place!!!   There's been something so special about having Daisy through thick and (quite literally) thin …all the way to making a comeback and being able to still do what we love at big shows like this. We had such a fun today, and week here at ...

We've walked the course for tomorrow's GP class, the horses are fed and sorted…and I'm connected to a bag of IV fluids (basic water) and TPN (nutrition) Our lorry/mobile medical unit makes it possible for us to manage my health away from home, it's difficult to do at the best of times (let alone when things go pear shaped) - but so far we've been a...

It's a been a fun few days…with the addition of some medical dramas! Daisy jumped a super clear on Tuesday to finish 5th in a huge class that went on for 4 hours! She'll now be resting for the middle of the week and enjoying plenty of walks and some grass.  Jack Sparrow has come for a play both yesterday and today with help from Keeley Du...

It might not be for everyone, but those of us who are familiar with horses recognise and understand how horses can influence people in incredibly powerful ways. To brighten our day, give us some freedom, get us out in the fresh air and away from the hustle and bustle that everyday life, stress (and for me, ongoing healthcare) can bring. I...

It's been a hectic few weeks for us, and with everything over the past year causing a lot of change and lack of stability health wise, it now feels surreal but perhaps even more exciting to welcome 'Jack Sparrow' to the Toombes family. We've been training for the past few weeks with Keeley Durham Equestrian and each time the fun and progress just g...

21st May, 2020- a year ago, was the day I got my second chance and we started TPN in hospital for good. I was unsure of whether to share pictures or not, as usually I stay clear from having to look at ones that bring back the stress and worry- but it seems apt as a way to celebrate how far we've come. You've all been here with me through it all, an...

I didn't want to say anything through fear of jinxing myself,however after speaking to the doctors this morning during ward round it seems the plans are moving forwards… we are making plans for my surgery to happen this Tuesday coming!! In March my stoma surgery was postponed, since then we've had a desperate few months going through the motions of...

A few Monday morning smiles because my potassium is finally within a normal and SAFE range!  220mmol of IV potassium infusions later and we can finally stop worrying and now monitor my bloods closely for any further drops.For anyone who's followed me for a while, you'll know I used to need infusion every week before starting TPN.  Two yea...

I've been like a flat battery the past few days so haven't been online much.  We're now on route to hospital as the potassium levels in my bloody were dangerously low, and magnesium levels high. I'll be admitted at QMC to have this addressed and hopefully treated, but it doesn't explain why I felt so awful! It's always upsetting to be rushed i...

I've grown up having people tell me I'm lazy, being told I need to get off my butt and crack on. But over the past few years, I really have learnt that rest isn't a luxury, we all need it. At one point, the idea of doing everything at 60mph and running on three hours of sleep was glamourised and made to look like the only way you can succeed. It mi...

We just needed to have some fun!  A very wet but wonderful evening competing in the fancy dress pairs at Weston Lawns Equitation yesterday! It was just what me and Daisy needed, after not getting to go forward enough and needing fo really get her travelling, the pairs class was the perfect opportunity to get competitive, kick on and race again...