I have just got back from Devon on an emotional but lovely visit to see my best friend, Jaine, who has Motor Neurone disease. We have known each other for over forty years and she was diagnosed six years ago and given three years to live. She has defied the doctors but can no longer move or speak. The NHS have been amazing and her house is completely kitted out for her, with mechanised chairs, winches and screens where she can use her eye movements to communicate. Despite all this she is incredibly cheerful and we hooted with laughter at some of our memories of when we were crazy teenagers. Her husband Rob cares for her 24/7 and he is an absolute superstar. They are both totally inspirational and their experience puts everything else into perspective. I admire them both enormously.
We have entered three horses for this Sunday at Garthorpe.  We Never Give Up (Jess) is going again as it was found that she had bruised heels last time so had an excuse for her bad run at Horseheath and Budge is going with our new novice rider, Paige, just to give her a spin. I put him up for sale and have had about twenty interested people to have him as a happy hacker/hunter but will give him one more run (I've said that before!) before he goes to a new home. I hate saying goodbye to any of my horses - I would make a rubbish horse dealer!  Top Garry is entered in the restricted. The 3 mile trip will suit him better than the 2.5 miles he ran last time at Chaddesley Corbett on quick ground, and hopefully there will be more of a cut in the ground.  The four that ran last weekend have come out of their race incredibly well and will be ready to run again in the next couple of weeks.

Sarah giving Ted Thistle polos. He loves them!