Today I was meant to be show jumping with the riding club but Storm Ciara meant that it was understandably postponed and I had an unexpected day at home.

I have spent much of the day cosied up indoors – there’s nothing quite like a log fire and a book when the storm is raging.  However, I did manage to venture outside for a hack.

I rode out in the morning when the weather wasn’t too bad.  There was of course constant rain – at times we couldn’t even see to the other side of the valley – and it was blowing a gale but actually it was quite exhilarating.

The ponies didn’t think so.  I thought they would be completely wound up but in fact they were pretty sluggish today and moped along with their heads lowered.  Not that I could really blame them – I’m sure they would have much preferred to be tucked up in the stables!