From the BBC Media City to Arena UK

 I spent an incredible day at the BBC media city with the Women's Sport Trust on Thursday after having the privilege of being accepted onto their Game Changers programme. It feels like such a surreal privilege to be accepted onto the programme (especially as the youngest athlete) along with 40 other outstanding women and athletes. After some development sessions, goal setting for movements we want to change and contribute to, and exclusive workshops with members of the BBC, I already feel like I learnt so much. The room was full to the brim with enthusiasm and I can't wait to see what everyone will achieve over the next few months, I left feeling completely motivated, excited, inspired and a bit tired.. but still not over the 'pinch me' moment that lasted the whole experience. 

It was then straight onto Arena UK for a weekend of competing with Daisy. My confidence in the saddle has shrunk to the size of a Shetland pony recently. 😳 With Daisy being so full of energy at home and me being a quite weak still, we've had a fair few Thelwell moments this month keeping her fit for competing. Apparently whether it's stallions nearby, wind blowing or tractors anything is more interesting to Daisy than the person on her back clinging on and whimpering hysterically. 🙈 We spent last week working on cross poles and flatwork at home to help build some confidence, and after establishing some brakes and rhythm with mums help, everything felt much more in place. Although since spending some time in hospital we've gone a few steps back, I'm so pleased with this step forwards.❤️

Fast forward to this weekend and we had a breakthrough! Daisy jumped double clear for 2nd in our first class of over 60 people, and then dropped two poles in our second class as we had a bit too much rhythm coming towards home and not enough help from me...but I'm hardly the Incredible Hulk at the moment so was still very pleased with our round. Today we managed to go one further and further finish on a WIN!🎉 It's been cold, I've been tied to doing treatment every night, with plenty of accidents in the day and tube malfunctions, so to come home with some lovely rounds and a few rosettes makes it even better. And yes, it turns out dinosaurs are much easier to control when they're put to a job and start jumping.😅

Feeling over the moon with the past few days, definitely worth the stress, numb toes and nerves for the amount of fun I've had. Next up is a week full of hospital appointments on every single day, at least I'm consistent 🙈😁