- Well another year has come and nearly gone – they are going so quick now. I do not know if that is just happening or I am getting older and wanting to put the brakes on a little!
- It has been a really wonderful year for CK, seeing so many of the horses and riders we assist on their “equestrian journey” enjoying their experiences, achieving their goals and savouring their success’s. As trainers there is no better achievement.
- December saw Craig step his young horse Pants up to 1.20s and Young Rider classes and they’ve won and placed at this level. Just a year ago we were teaching Pants to go in a straight line whilst jumping 80cm! Jive has been going well and Craig has enjoyed having a horse to ride in the bigger classes as his wonderful old partner Gadget enjoys an easier competition schedule. (However, last weekend at the Canberra Classic, Gadget was “back” jumping his socks off!) Craig’s riding and training skills, management, manners and personality has resulted in some owners approaching Craig with possibilities of training and competing their horses!! Well done Craig and a great reward for all the hard work.
- Emma has had a wonderful month with her beautiful Chesty, which saw her place in the “big” Betty McVean Grand Prix at Wodonga. A very prestigious class and a clear first round was a truly amazing result. Chesty has been competing in Futurities and Minis Prix and occasional Grands Prix and he is gaining confidence and skills with every start. He was 2nd in the Canberra Cup last weekend, jumping a big track with confidence and rideability. Well done Em.
- Giorgia is back in the saddle following her HSC year (with very good results) and has welcomed her new horse “Beau” to her team. A very sweet horse purchased from the Jasprizza family, who are producing some very nice horses with the experience of a north run to add to their skills. (We all made horses “on the road” and this family are getting it right with a longer show run in Qld every year to get their horses going). Giorgia is now jumping Will and had a very enjoyable weekend at Jump Club on her “turbo model boy” in the smaller classes whilst Shelley and Emma gave him a couple of rounds in the bigger classes. Enjoy!
- Bec and Rhi progressed to 1m classes on their young horses and they are now enjoying a well earned rest. Rhi has had her Dad’s horse Flynn whilst Gabby is spelling and had a great day at Camden Jump Club last weekend. Bec has been stepping Jack up into the D grades and 1.10classes and enjoyed some great rounds at Jump Club Champs and SIEC weekends. These hard working Vet nurses are very dedicated and it is great to be able to witness their progress with these young horses. Go girls!
- Erin has had a very successful time on Sonny and Joe, placing in the majority of starts they contest and this month has been particularly enjoyable as both horses have stepped up into the D grade/1.10 classes and put in some very classy rounds at SIEC. Sonny had a couple of week training with us whilst Erin returned home to the US for thanksgiving with her family. We always ride the horses we help train and having him for a couple of weeks helped me to get to know Sonny better. A great SIEC result.
- Vicki has stepped up to the 1m classes with Ziggy and is being able to get to some shows in between her extremely busy and stressful job as a lawyer. As Ziggy originally came to us as an “unhappy” dressage horse to see if she could jump, it gives us enormous pleasure to see the two of them sailing around these courses and enjoying their showjumping. Ziggy is a real “diva with attitude” but loves to jump and Vick is a true champion in her managing of this little jumping machine. Well done Vicki and this year you will have your super young horse Robbie to add to the team.
- Zara is now competing Pebbles at 90 – 1m classes also in between gaining her Medical degree and whilst still working as a Vet. We all went to a celebration dinner with Zara and her Dad, Lyn Watson, this week and we are all in awe of this achievement. Well done Zara and it has been a pleasure to assist you with Pebbles and be part of your incredible journeys. We wish you well in your new role as a Doctor at Orange Hospital and Pebbles will enjoy her new home at Charles Sturt Uni. (An indoor at Orange in the winter will be much appreciated!!)
- Mel has also been completing her Psychology degree in between still jumping her team, Bear, Jack and Madonna, and jumping some very good rounds on her two more experienced whilst training a young one. Another inspiration, and now with baby number 2 on the way the horses will be having time off. Best wishes to Mel and Mick.
- Frances is now back on two feet following her broken ankle and will be getting Rose and Dave back in to work. These two were progressing so well and we are really looking forward to their return. In the meantime Frances has been busy with her duties as Chief Instructor of the local Pony Club and working towards her NCAS Coach’s accreditation. Once again, thank you for all your IT help, you are a true champion.
- John has had a really busy time with a lovely bunch of horses in training and hopefully some will be home for Christmas!
- Shelley has had a very busy year doing her Master’s degree and enjoying working with super people assisting them with their horses. I have two of the best jobs in the world and work with amazing people in both these environments. A great 2011.
- Sam and Emma passed all their Uni exams, Sam Matthews graduated in Oral Health from CSU, and with Giorgia and Zara being so successful in their exams December has been a celebation month.
- Our beautiful “second daughter” Gemma (Coleman) has announced her engagement to Greg and has just completed the 3rd year of her Vet degree. Talk about inspirations – congratulations beautiful girl and we are so proud of you.
- John and Shelley and all at CK wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and thank you all for your support and inspiration. We are truly blessed.
Dec
23
2011