End of a busy year

I'd like to blame the fact that I haven't updated my blog since last January (!) on the fact that I haven't had a computer capable of making easy work of my website but the truth is that this is the busiest I've been since before I had Claire 4 years ago. So very happy to be busy with training and teaching but then to add in the pressures of trying to be a good mom.....let's just say I sleep quite well at night! As always, I'm incredibly grateful to the two best babysitters in the world for supporting me and taking care of the kids on a daily basis. Many of you know how important my parents are around here - I definitely couldn't do it without them! I feel so fortunate to not only have a job that I love but also to be able to be home and be such a big part of the kids' lives.
As I said, it's been a full year of training and teaching. I've had no less than 10 horses here all year and typically riding 4 a day. I've been riding some really nice quality horses which makes my job all that much more enjoyable! I have enjoyed seeing so many of my regular students meet and exceed their goals this year.
Podge started off the year in Aiken to be sold but, unfortunately, there was a change of plans when, two weeks before an event, he suddenly started to show signs of EPM. The only fortunate side of it was that he was in regular work and it was caught quickly. He was immediately treated but we're still not sure of how severe the nerve damage is. We've had a year of ups and downs trying different treatments and feel, at this time, that only time and work will tell. I'd like him to be comfortable - bonus if he can event even at the lower levels again. 
With Podge on the back burner, I've been able to focus on Piccolo who has really come into her own. She's been on the market half-heartedly all year after not being able to sell Podge but has steadily showed more and more talent and focus in her work. After being told by two respected trainers that she can essentially do anything we set out to do, I've decided to hold onto her and see if I can focus on being competitive again. We only got two events in this year but, after 3 years out of competition (with one or both of us pregnant!) she has stepped up. She finished the year moving up to Training and the goal for 2014 is to be going prelim and hopefully a long-format event as well.

Tess, who is now a year and a half, is a big girl for her age and enjoys spending her days hanging out in the field with Podge. She continues to show her mom's sweet nature and gets more beautiful by the day.
I'm ending the season feeling excited about what 2014 will bring. I feel more driven than I have in several years. I have plans for some grooming and riding clinics here in the spring. I encourage anyone to follow Fairwind Stables on facebook if you're not already. It's updated far more than my blog! ;)