Winter 1

Aiken training is well underway with all the horses getting off to a great start. They have all had a good gallop on the sand, which is way better than the mud in Md. Boyd jumped Cole, Liberty, Bucky and Charmer on Saturday with all of them going well. Due to Liberty's rather expressive nature, and habit of triallling his own made up movements (most of them involving rapid changes of direction) in the warm up, Boyd will ride him at Pine Top 1. My jaw is feeling fantastic but I'm trying to be intelligent about how much pressure I put on it. I will ride Cole and Charmer. Rhiannon has the honour of riding Beth's Bucky. Everything going well I'll be back in full swing for Pine Top 2. 

Bucky enjoying the sun and sand. 

The down time, while unplanned, has been very productive. One area of my performance which I have been wanting to address for some time now is my physical strength. Being a smaller person and having sustained a few decent injuries, I'm finding there are areas of my body that let me down here and there. I've now been able to get into the gym and target those weaknesses which feels pretty good. As long as I'm conscious of keeping my head pretty still, none of the exercises impact my jaw. I'm now on the home straight with the wires being removed on the 11th of February. The screws come out a few weeks later, but they can stay for a while as long as I can eat and talk again! I've already planned my first meal. It'll be fish and potatoes! I'm dying for a steak but I'm picking my battles, I have a feeling that my mind with be willing but my mouth won't be.....! 

One of the sales horses 'Bella' schooling with Rhiannon. 

Don't forget to 'like' my Facebook fan page for daily updates. Until next time, stay warm or cool, depending on which country you're in! 

Kate.