Christmas Greestings from the Past

Merry Christmas

Sister's

Lets ride! Christmas on Maui and we are all together! The youngest says, "But I don't have breeches." We have a ton and half chaps too. "Why do I have to go first. You ride first, that way I know the horse is safe." Come on Diane, even Charlie rides Kalae. She is a schoolmaster! Trust us she is safe. "I don't know about that"....... Come on, get on! "I cant ride long, I'll be so sore my Christmas vacation will be miserable". 15 minutes later as she and Kalae lap the arena at a trot. "This is fun, I'm an expert again, maybe I will canter tomorrow"

Afternoon ride

Kalae 12 yo 15.3h bay mare, my first Hannoverian foal. Partner extrodinare, trys her heart out.

Freederic the Great 9 yo, 17h Hanoverian gelding. Grey who is the sweatest big guy around!!

Hard at work with a ocean view!

Yes, another day of work in paradise. Medic 3 Kihei is literally across the road from the beach. Great sunset views. I cant imagine working on the mainland in the cold and snow. Lucky to live Hawaii.

STORMY,STORMY NIGHTS

As is major RAIN - buckets, kittens and Holy Cows.

Oahu got the most

14 inches in 12 hours in Wahiawa

Stef was flooded in Waialua, she was jet skiing in her front yard.

Her boat washed off its trailer and she anchored it in her yard.

Carole reports the dry gulch in Kapolei was roaring with water

I no longer have a grey horse - he's brown now, so is the ocean!

The arena footing is perfect!!!

Winter at Kalae Farm Hannoverians

So sorry, I couldn't restrain myself. I am so spoiled to have been born in Paradise. Now it will probably rain for 40 days and nights! I invite all my mainland friends to come visit and get warm. It actually was 61 degrees at 5 am this morning but that was warm compared to the mainland. It quickly warmed up to the high 70's today although it was a little overcast. The ocean was totally flat and the wind calm.

National Dressage Convention Denver Colorado

I

could never figure out why our United States Dressage Federation (USDF) had the big National Convention in Winter. Really... Denver in December! Now I know why. Because you cant ride, so you might as well sneak away from the frozen water buckets and treat yourself to a week of celebrating the horse, learning, shopping for horse related items and meeting old and new friends from around the country.

It was really a Christmas feeling. Snow on the ground, small tiny snow flakes drifting lightly down. Being bundled up in down. Hot chocolate, Christmas music and festively decorated hotels. Trees on main street wrapped in lights and the convention arena with dazzling gold streamers.

It was interesting learning how the Federation executive board and the delegates interacted. Not easy to balance the budget. Performance standards were discussed with GMO members having their input. Instructor and judge forums. Educational sessions regarding exercise and rider fitness/suppleness. Rider psychology. How the saddle fit is critical for the horse. The highlight was Kyra Kyrklund. 5 time Olympic competitor 10 time Finnish Dressage Champion. Kyra lectured on Friday evening and taught Saturday and Sunday. She was fabulous. Every rider and horse improved.

BURRRH!! Colorado in December

This is 17 degrees, then 10 degrees, a small snow fall! Frozen water buckets.

I love Maui, I love Maui!!! To all the people in the world who live in the snow - your very tough frozen cookies. A little antifreeze in your blood..ahh... that's why whisky was invented. And to all those riders who rider their horses in the winter - that's total dedication. I salute you from my sunny patio in the middle of the Pacific in my aloha shirt and shorts this winter.