For all the Australian's wondering if it is really necessary to move EVERYTHING south for the winter. This is the side mirror of my truck. Yes, ice! This happened on one of the drives down..

After a great holiday in Australia (some spent on the beach working on my non existent tan!), it was back to MD on Christmas day and straight to work. The week between Christmas and New Year is always hectic and this one was no different. Teaching, riding, packing plus teaching, riding and packing! The first load of horses went on January the first to Aiken. Followed by the second load on the third and the last load a week later. That's 66 hours on the road for me just to get them team relocated to avoid the winter cold! The 'South of the Border' signs, once a source of entertainment and joy, get a little less amusing each time I drive past them.........

Whilst the eventing doesn't start until next weekend I thought I'd blow out the jumping cobwebs and by competing in the Aiken showjumping winter classic. Very successful show with Checkout the Charmer winning (owner Beth Sokohl on enforced break), Titanium (Amy Taggart) winning a couple of thirds and Mario (Sunset Hills) jumping a super double clear in the 1.30m and having a rail in the Mini Prix.

The schooling and training is going very well with all the horses appreciating the sun and sand. Cole is going well and really getting way better on the flat. And Lola is loving her jumping!