Home from Italy, and after a few days of nose to the grind stone, Jenny and I were off again to Ontario Canada for a visit with my family and 3 days of clinics.

Though it was short, it was nice to get to visit my mom and dad at the beginning of this venture. My sister in law Christine was also able to stop in for the day while we went to see my grandmother, open early Christmas gifts, and enjoy each others company.

From there we were off to Orangeville and Jodi Mattlete’s training facility for 2 days of clinics. Yes it was rather cold on us southerners; however they did take great care of us in the warmth department with an endless supply of feet and hand warmers. Rather than the traditional clinic format Jodi and co-organizer Judi Woodley had it set up in a more individual lesson format. For me, I worked 8 one hour slots with no more than 2 riders at a time. Jenny had 10 forty minute slots with one on one lessons each time. It really worked out wonderfully, and I will definitely be using that kind of format in the future. I hope not to forget anyone; however we would like to thank all the participants in Orangeville, and look forward to seeing you again next year. Shelly Scriver, Susan Campbell, Mackenzie Harvey, Carly Epp, Diane Collins, Hannah Buijs, Leslie Riley, Chris Kloepfer, Lynn Riley, Tricia Nicol, Allyson Nicol, Sherry Newbigging, Cheri Woodrow (thank you for the socks!!), and of course the Woodley family, Blair, Judi, Jenna, and the #1 son Justin!! Thank you again Jodi for making this all possible.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s lesson we were on the road again, headed north to Orillia and the wonderful cuisine of Bob Willsey. That night we were wined and dined by the Willsey family, and had a great meal with customers and friends Bob, Maryanne, and Stefanie Willsey, Rob, Deb, Jasmyn, and Sharese Rivait, and Rory and Rob Taylor. If you have never had the opportunity to eat at the Willsey home, let me tell you it is an amazing experience. Especially when they have the bakery make Raspberry Rhubarb Crumble especially for you. Thank you as always for your hospitality.

Sunday morning it was back to reality and the white winter day of Canada. Kelly Simpson was our host, marking our third trip to her facility. Though a bit chilly, we had our usual great time with Kelly and her crew of top notch students. Like the last clinic, Kelly had our lessons set up individual which made teaching so much more productive. Thank you to Kelly and Josh for having us. Also thank you to the following participants for making our trip so enjoyable. Kathryn Stanton, Sarah Donaldson, Corey Taylor and the wonder horse Bart, Rebekah Clark, Mac Clark, Dee Floyd, and Julia Charpontier.

Highway bound for the last time, Jenny and I headed back south to Toronto for a wonderful dinner with Liz Willsey. (She needed a well deserved break from study madness at the University of Toronto)

Thank you again to all of you for our great trip home to Canada. We look forward to seeing you again next year.