Gallops still frozen and even colder than before so we ended up having rather a sociable day instead. Bill Adams, a local farmer popped around for coffee on his way round to check his cattle and then Emma who also trains a couple of pointers popped in. We were all a bit depressed with the weather so discussed our woes and then decided to go to the local pub for lunch. Sitting by the open fire with a glass of wine seemed very much the better option. Eventually we had to prise ourselves away and got back to do some office work. At about 3.30 pm it looked as though it had thawed out enough to try the gallops so we took Dove and Dream. I was a bit apprehensive as this was the first time Dove had been on the gallops since the 'Roy treatment'. I was delighted - she was completely happy in her work - no hesitation at all and although extremely strong it was keenness rather than 'running scared' as she was before with her head in the air. Dream also worked well in her normal 'Dreamy' way. We went three times around the circular gallop and once up the uphill gallop. They had been harrowed and were in good order. We used heart monitors on them and Dream's Maximum was 170 bpm, Average 105 bpm, Recovery 94 bpm - max speed 28.5 mph, Dove's - max - 150, Av - 105, recovery 87, max speed 35 mph. The average was a bit high because we didn't put the monitors on until the bottom of the gallops - normally we turn them on the way to the gallops when they are relaxed. We don't usually pay much attention to the maximum speed because getting a horse fit isn't about going flat out but sometimes it is interesting to see what sort of pace you are doing and then work that back to a race where you can find out what the average speed of that particular race was and see if your horse is any where near good enough.

More snow this afternoon but now beginning to thaw. Just heard that my terrier, Jack, is the proud father of seven pups! I am very tempted to have one.....