Happy holidays and Happy New Year! I spent this holiday season with family in Connecticut, which was great because it meant I was closer to the stables where I ride and got in a few lessons. It didn’t really feel like Christmas this year, because it was so warm. The New England horses must be confused with the weather switching from winter to spring-like temperatures so often this winter. I know that I am!

Besides having a good time riding, I also received a few thoughtful gifts that I will share with you. After admiring an equine print by Diana Madaras on my recent riding vacation in Tucson, I was surprised to find the colorful horse print under the tree. Very cool! Madaras’ art is different because she combines her passion for animals and art AND uses her art to support a non-profit called “Art for Animals” that helps animals who are homeless, ill or abused.

My uncle used the holidays as a chance to remind me to wear a helmet when riding through a framed cartoon that will be hanging on my office wall. I brought myself a book called “Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior” which a few friends have recommended. The book is written by Temple Grandin, an animal behavior expert and associate professor from Colorado State University who is also autistic, and Catherine Johnson, a science writer. The book is supposed to give greater insight into how animals think. I’ll let you know how it is.

Hope that you all have a Happy New Year!

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