"Well, the weather is getting a bit better although the cold has come now and it's looking a bit more like Christmas. We have our tree, although none of us has had time to put decorations on it so it looks rather bare; hopefully I will tomorrow. We also try and put lights on at the yard every year, which looks good. It will have to be next weekend now. The year just goes so fast, I need eight days in the week, not seven!

The horses have been great this week, although a little fresh. I very nearly was bucked off on Tuesday, hanging around Charlie's neck and lost a stirrup. Very amusing. Some of the other horses have also been slightly crazy but now the fields have dried out slightly they've gone back in the field the odd day which is definitely helping.

I had more lessons with Anna (Ross Davies), Harry was incredibly pleased to be back out again - very enthusiastic for flatwork! Kenny has really turned the corner now, much more relaxed and really 'swings' along, which is a big change from being quite tense and strong. Imp was also very good, lots of work on transitions and keeping his outline out and soft. He too is more relaxed and less stressed. I'm making good progress with all. Winter's training is paying off so far.

I went to Wix for some unaffiliated dressage with Harry who performed two very nice tests, no less than 72 per cent. Amber was excellent too, it does her so much good going and just doing two tests quietly then going home. Kenny performed superbly, two tests 75 per cent and 77 per cent! All three didn't get below 72 per cent, not bad!

I also went to Forest Edge on Friday with Kenny, Amber, Imp, Harry and Tweedy. I haven't been back there for about four years when it was very scruffy and had a horrible dusty surface and a postage stamp for a collecting ring! It has changed so much: lovely surface, good warm up and better sized arena. It's quite spooky too, which I like for the horses as it is good for variety and their education. Tweedy jumped really well and just had an unlucky fence down in the Discovery jump off. Harry was excellent, double clear Discovery and first fence (annoyingly) in the Newcomers. Imp however jumped fantastically for second in the Discovery and sixth in the Newcomers. Amber and Kenny were brilliant in the Foxhunter - just two time faults and one respectively. My changes with Amber are not established yet and lose so much time. However the time was very tight and I am there for schooling so I often rather trot and change than risk her being disunited. Kenny was a bit keen so I'm working on his rhythm!

I have also been swimming some evenings and am definitely getting fitter. I'll start in the gym again soon, but I'm not sure will be before Christmas though now.

Lots planned for next week, oh and I'm looking for a groom/rider if anyone is looking please? I'm short staffed and need someone experienced ideally. Lots of horses in, so lots of riding!"