17/02/2026
Gosh, mid Feb already... where does the time go! Waiting in a Qantas lounge, with none of the usual life distractions is a great time to reflect on things to be grateful for. 🥰
2026 kicked off with some of my wonderful students kicking some awesome long-term goals with their horses - so rewarding. 😍
And just for fun last month, on impulse entered two of our Mini All-Stars 🦄🦄 in a liberty competition, thanks to encouragement of a friend & fellow competitor!
With just 6 days notice to prepare 2x routines to music & somehow fit in practice time (incl with one mini living elsewhere) during a heatwave week leading up... what could possibly go wrong! 😂
Suffice it to say we didn't win, thou I was sooo proud of both minis, given they had no free-range access to the arena, unlike other competitors camped there for weekend liberty clinic the day prior.
There were also plenty of learnings! Mainly beware of assumptions such as:
Dont assume organisers know about minis despite forwarnings, or that the arena will be suitably enclosed or sufficiently lit - critical if your Appaloosa has the genetic CSNB (low light blindness) ... OR that your minis will be welcome by other competitiors! 🤦♀️
Nevertheless I'm grateful to the organisers, soo glad we went & learnt so much! Ultimately I'm still immensely proud of all my Mini All-Stars team. 🤩 🫶
