Monthly diary — December

My trip to Africa hung in the balance following the horse-inflicted hole in my foot. But teaching from a golf buggy in Cape Town worked well, before heading to Botswana where I was due to lead a group holidaying with African Horseback Safaris. They were lovely people but sadly I was unable to ride with them. However, spending a week resting, reading three books in the beautiful wilds of the luxury Macatoo Camp was just what my foot needed and now it’s healing beautifully.

Back home, following a friend’s recommendation, Lissa is busy with a new Irish horse – Horseware Destiny, her third brown mare – who is Intermediate level showjumping, with a few comparable outings eventing. Meanwhile, my mission is to help Lissa find a really good set up as she’s becoming more serious. Her current yard is perfect in so many ways but the clay soil is a problem – it’s either a new venue or snorkels and flippers all round.