“The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on; it is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible the change is for the better.”

So what did Santa bring you for Christmas? A new halter, riding gloves or a new horse? I always say I’m happiest shopping in a tack store. Mr. Claus must have the same inclination as our house seemed to be inundated with “horsey” presents (again) this year! Everything from a show bridle, to beautifully framed sepia-toned artwork depicting cowboys and horses to new Carhartt overalls for doing chores. Right up my alley! I’d hire him as a personal shopper any day.

Our congratulations and best wishes go out to past member Nicole Patry as she and her fiance, Chad, were married in early January surrounded by sun, sea and sand. We look forward to seeing pictures as I’m sure Nicole made a beautiful bride. Proud parents Judy and Denis took the opportunity to take a holiday after the wedding, enjoying a cruise. Judy will have especially enjoyed the warm sun as she has endured some bitterly cold weather this winter while working up in northern Alberta.

I saw some photos of the Sorensen’s new baby, Bryce. He’s adorable! Aarin has posted some awesome pictures on her Facebook page. I especially love the ones where Bryce is curled up on a saddle. Couldn’t be cuter — or more fitting.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season over for another year it is time to look ahead to the spring riding season. Just think, our first parade is only three and a half months away!

I do hope to set some practice times at Spruce Meadows later this spring, but if you have the chance to get your horses out and moving before that time they, as well as you, will appreciate it. As athletes, horses, just like people, need to be in shape to be top in their game. Even if all you do is parades and events remember that walking and standing around on pavement is hard on them — but can be made easier for them if they are in prime condition. I know there is a ton of snow out there, which makes it hard to navigate ditches and fields, but if you have the chance to get out and go for a ride on a pleasant day or get into an arena for a light workout on a regular basis it will make you both feel better.

There are also several winter equine activities to take part in through local associations. Many arenas close to you hold penning or sorting series — and most are welcoming to rookies. I know several of you have been taking some lessons — keep it up! Carlynn and I hope to be back barrel racing by the end of this month. Any of these activities are not only beneficial in a fitness-related way — for both you and your horse — but also help to define and improve the communication and bonding skills you need to build with your equine partner.

Here are some words of wisdom from the 2010 Horse Savvy Day Planner: “The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on; it is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible the change is for the better.”

We have been busy working with Grant’s new horse, Shiraz. A big girl, at four years of age she stands 16.2 hh, but I think she will be perfect for parades and guard duties as she absolutely loves people and just doesn’t spook at anything. Of Holsteiner and Percheron parentage, she has the look of the warmblood but the laid-back temperment of the draft. She does, however, need some work, both on the ground and under saddle. On the ground she has not yet made the connection between her space and human space — and she has big feet! Although her training was put back somewhat because of “the summer of the broken arm,” we are back on track now and plan to have her ready to go for the 2010 season. I am pleased for Grant — he has worked way too hard over these last few years with Nicki.

As I said, she is a big girl — with a big head. We had to have a western bridle custom made. There is a lot of English tack made for warmbloods, but not much out there in the western lines. At time of writing I haven’t picked it up yet, so am looking forward to dressing her up.

Speaking of tack, now is a good time to check over your gear and have any replacements or repairs attended to. Remember the old saying, “Don’t wait for spring — do it now!” When summer comes and your saddle needs to go in for repairs but you keep holding off because you need it for the next parade that repair could become worse and then become a safety issue.

Keep in mind we’ll likely be holding a club meeting sometime in February to finalize our 2010 schedule of events. Hope you will all try to attend. Because membership renewal went fairly smoothly this year — thank you all — your Horses All subscription has been renewed for 2010 so you will continue to receive another great year of local and pertinent equine information. Enjoy.

See you in the saddle!