We have been having the most bizarre weather here. One day we are wearing winter jackets and bundling up the horses, then a few days later it feels like we’re in the tropic,s with 25+. But we have had the most incredible heat lightning storms from it. The entire sky would just light up – there where over 500 flashes in less than 10 minutes.

On another note, Vitall has been going really well. I’m really pleased with our progress. Test riding is now our favourite thing. We both feel much more comfortable and have a real rhythm going. Our next show is in two weeks. I’m really looking forward to it.

This past weekend, Anky and Sjef had a BBQ for clients and friends. It was fully catered in their front yard. The food was amazing. I had two pieces of grilled salmon with fresh salad it was very yummy or as they say in Dutch it was ‘Heel Lekker!’

At the BBQ, it was fun to be able to share stories with Anky in a casual setting – man does she have some funny ones. I think some of us were almost falling off our chairs. We were talking about silly things we did as kids/teenagers. Anky’s kids were all dressed up for the event. Her little boy Yannick Jansen was wearing a custom made white suit he had from a wedding the previous weekend and since then he hasn’t wanted to take it off, and little Ava Eden was dressed as a princess in this huge ball gown type dress.

After the BBQ, the rest of us went out in Eindhoven as a going away party for the Ukrainian girl who trains at Anky’s. She is going home for a few months. It was also the send-off party for the South African girl who was working for the summer. We all had a great time. It’s a nice feeling when you can train with so many girls and still go out with them and have a fun time. It really is a nice environment.

I’m counting down the days ‘til Friday – SAMPLE SALE!!! As I said before, the new Anky winter collection is amazing, with great colours – purple, greens, deep blue and black! I will be sure to post pictures of my purchases!