2009 started off with volunteer Nicky trying her hand at Trailing on Christmas Eve and Boxing day on the Space Man with Tess on Sky. Christmas Eve was a learning curve for Nicky, getting to grips with the technique on how to control the bounce that Spacey can give if held too tightly. Fueled with a few Small! yet powerful shots of port, it was not long before all fears were way forgotten. Boxing day, although bitterly cold but dry was a great day for both horses and riders.

The arrival of Deep River Bay (Burger) 5y years old, proved exciting, having suffered a tendon injury early on in 2008 it was apparent that he had not had the luxury of full turn out for a year. So for quite a few days he was restricted to the school where we hoped he would be less likely to injure himself. He spent most 4 days leaping about bucking but luckily did no damage to himself. Finally turning him out into the paddock next door to two quieter inmates proved successful and he was turned away for 10 weeks.

Within Days of Burger's arrival, another less exuberant lad who we call Dave arrived. Dave came via a request from field officer Jeff Herrington of World Horse Welfare. Dave was a little under the weather and was suffering from malnutrition and a few other problems.

He immediately struck us as a very kind and gentle boy and so was paired with Corrib Eclipse (Jeffery) and Carrick Troop. Time went very quickly and before we knew it he was picking up nicely, after 10 weeks of repair he started work and proved to be a very sweet ride if a little strong and was soon rehomed.