We finally got to the end of 2019. It’s been an exciting year.. but also a very trying one.

From a judging perspective, I did a lot of judging this year. In addition, there was the fantastic judges seminar in Hartpury and the visit to Carl Hester’s yard to meet Carl, Charlotte and the amazing Valegro. I judged in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and New Zealand, clocking up 46 flights this year. My FEI 2* qualification has given me so much opportunities and I am so grateful. We also ran the first FEI Solidarity Retraining of Racehorses programme in Malaysia, which is such a great initiative to give ex racehorses a second career.

Competition and riding wise, Cavi and I did relatively well and there has been improvement from both of us but his hooves have been our Achilles heel this year. The hoof growth is dismal to say the least and we have struggled to keep him comfortably shod to enable him to work consistently. I made the decision in October to give him a 3 month spell in hopes that his hooves will benefit from a low protein diet, with lots of grass turnout and rehab. His brain could also do with a break as this would be his first long holiday in 3 years since he got here.

Photo by Mohd Rozaimi

2019 has been a year plagued by injury. Years of riding, falling off, wear and tear has taken its toll. I have struggled with pain and soreness all year. There are days when you think this is never ending, that it never gets better.. but it is getting better, just very slowly. I have to thank my chiropractor Dr Hayden especially, for keeping me as comfortable as possible.

At the end of the year, I was looking forward to Christmas in Australia which never eventuated as my ETA application was rejected. Maybe because of a renewed passport but who knows. I have never had a visa issue previously but am still waiting on the reply on my reapplication. It was disappointing to not be able to spend Christmas with friends and family in Australia, but Christmas in KL was pleasant. I also got to spend a bit more time with the 2 monsters, Missy and Cassidy.

It is time again to make new resolutions and to set new goals for the coming year. I make a list every year and try to follow it somewhat.. however looking at my Facebook memories, I think I have been making a resolution about eating less / better / only when hungry etc every year and failing!

I would like to thank my sponsors; Mitavite Asia and Zack’s Tack, my farrier Kamal, my coach Husref, my colleagues, and the people that support me all year at work, in the arena and just in life.. you know who you are! Big hugs to everyone and have a great 2020!