January has passed with very little disruption from the weather which is great so although it has been a bit cold at times I have only lost about one days teaching due to frozen arenas or snow on the ground, long may it continue.

Things have ticked along with the normal stuff, I have been to a couple of Junior and Young Rider squad training days, we are starting with some new riders so will be good to see how they progress.

I had a trip to the chiropractor for final sort out of my back which has been giving me trouble for 3 months now but had definitely turned a corner and I am much more mobile, also had trips to the dentist, why is it when one thing seems to go wrong with your body all sorts of other things seem to follow, so back sorted, new filling put in then to Addenbrooks hospital at the end of the month to have the lump on my arm taken out, I have been showing a lovely neat line of stitches but all healing well.

Social events were a bit scarce this month with just one outing for dinner with friends but have to say as much as I think it is good to get out I never really feel like going out when the weather is cold.

Early in the month I went to Keysoe one cold evening to do a Lecture and Demonstration for BD Eastern region with Inger Bryant, I have so much respect for Inger so it was lovely to see her and listen to her in action. Inger watched and judged the riders through a test and then I worked with them to see if I could make an improvement. The evening seemed to go well due in part to the guinea pig riders all being so different so I could show something different with each one which added to the interest.

Other outings were to the Addington High Profile show, I went to watch the Junior and YR tests to get an idea how everyone was doing this early in the season.

I also had a couple of days at Keysoe for the UKCC level 3 assessments, both days went well but was a bit nerve racking for me as not only did I have trainers I had been helping taking their assessment but I was also being assessed to be an Internal Verifier for the UKCC, I am pleased to say I passed.

While I am typing this snow has been forecast for February so we may not have escaped the winter weather completely but fingers crossed they have it wrong and it does not reach here.

Can I also take this opportunity to ask my riders to make sure you email me all your successes so I can mention you on my diary page.