"Well, I have had the most superb two weeks. I was preparing to go on holiday, which was a little stressful and then went to St Lucia for a week. I still had that horrible cold before I left and I'm now sure I should have had some antibiotics as it returned as soon as I flew, however all gone now. I can honestly say I've never sat on such a poorly plane, with everyone coughing and spluttering for nine hours. It sounded much better on the way home - amazing what some sunshine does for you.

Before I left we had an incredibly busy week. We clipped, pulled manes and tails in any spare time we had as there was definitely no time once I was away. I also took Tweedy, Bertie, Harry and Imp cross country schooling; nearby to me is a very good sandy course which is always good whatever the weather. Harry was very excited but well behaved, as was Imp and Tweedy who I found quite strong at times - this is a good thing now as it shows he's becoming much more confident. For Bertie, it was his first real cross country session and, despite being quite baffled by the first log, was incredibly brave. He jumped everything - water, ditches, drops, etc. He shall be ready to start at the end of March, I think. It was quite amusing though as I nearly jumped straight into the water, but luckily decided to play safe and trot in the first time as the water was still frozen, fairly well solid too! It took me longer to get out than in.

I also had a visit from the BBC too. They were preparing a piece in preparation for 2012 with a preview of possible candidates in this area. There are five people chosen from different disciplines, with mine being eventing. I had the good fortune of Martin Brundle interviewing me as they used a parallel of horse power which was rather clever I thought! I really enjoy these days and have had plenty of camera experience now, so am quite happy 99 per cent of the time thankfully. We discussed the horses I thought were possible contenders and then rode Harry and demonstrated his skills. You never know how the horses will behave when they're being filmed and which part they will use, but thankfully he was an angel and I hear the interview looked good, so I'm very pleased.

I was more than pleased to sit down on the plane headed to the Caribbean. I love planes, the fact that you really can not do anything for nine hours is great. The temperature was phenominal when we disembarked - over 30 degrees. I spent the week at a hotel I've visited a few times before, Le Sport. It's called the 'body holiday' as is activities/ fitness holiday although you can do as much or as little as you like. I still wasn't well but after a few days felt so much better again and apart from eating far too much, I played tennis, went water skiing, tubing (I now realise it is called this due to clearing your sinuses when coming out at high speed!), went to the gym and had some amazing massages. So I have returned much healthier and with a good tan. A week sadly is not enough but was very much needed and hopefully I will get away again in the summer this year.

Well, back to England and feezing temperatures again. Hopefully, it will warm up soon, the nights have already started to draw out since I've been away so perhaps Spring really is only around the corner.

I'm doing a demo on 22 February at Hadlow College - do come along if you can! You can get your tickets by calling 0500 551434."