January 1, 2007 continued

I am so proud of all the horses this year, and feel very blessed by their consistency and health. Leyland fulfilled all the promise he has shown this season by winning the 2** at Galway. He exceeded my expectations in his maturity and professionalism he showed during the weekend; and the Nicholson's and I are really looking forward to his future. It was a big feather in his cap to be included in the USET winter training list. I always look forward to Mark Phillip's help, especially with the younger horses.

Coal Creek ("Devon") also went flawlessly in the 1* and finished on his dressage score to be 2nd in a very large class. Devon, as we call him, has really settled and started to show some real class for the future. It's a testament to the girls at home who rode and kept everyone fit while I was away this summer. Katrine and Lauren my two working students did most of the work; however, Lexi and Allyson also added their expertise a few days a week. I think my horses like it when I'm not nagging them every day, or they like the opportunity to play "my Mom would let me do it, snicker, snicker..."

Pogi, Sparky, and Woody have enjoyed their vacations and have now started the long process of getting fit for the new year. Pogi, once again has had the added bonus of using the magnificent facilities at Pegasus TB Training Center. This is THE state of the art training and rehab center for all horses. Tools include an aqua-sizer pool, euro-fiber track, hyperbaric chamber, and the most wonderfully knowledgeable staff that can work their magic on just about any injury, illness or fitness issue that needs to be solved. Pogi got a splint on the outside of his left hind leg, and was able to use the aqua-sizer, and their P-3 machine (don't ask me what that is, but it works!) to keep his fitness program on track, without adding stress to his healing splint (or more stress to me worrying about him, which I am told by my husband helps keep domestic tranquility). Pogi was also able to benefit from swimming at Pegasus Training Center before he left for the World Games. He seems to enjoy the cross training, and I feel so lucky to have so many options available for him. It's fascinating to learn new techniques to employ with the horses.

I had shoulder surgery on the 23rd of November and have made slow and (Greg might say grumpy) steady progress with mobility. I started riding 10 days later on the flat and jumped (thank goodness!) for the first time last week, so things are looking up. I wish everyone a very great New Year, and will keep you posted on the start of the new season.

Kick on,
- Amy