Have just finished watching the film Marley & Me. I’m a real cry baby so obviously I spent the last 10 minutes in tears. Yes, I’ve seen it before (and have read the book) but every time an animal dies or suffers on TV I can’t help myself. Tears streaming down my face. Now if you haven’t seen, or read, Marley & Me then I’m really sorry but yes, Marley will die in the end. As in most cases, our dear pets go before we do.

Yesterday’s TV drama was the Grand National. Congrats to Neptune Collonges and team to the win! I had planned to watch the race but then had to go out and missed it. It’s very sad to hear about the horses that was lost during the Aintree week. After the GN the twitter and news storm started about the cruelty of the race. It’s a tricky one, especially if you’re not involved in the sport and don’t know all the inside info. But one thing I believe is that Grand National and jump racing isn’t cruelty to horses. Not any more than eventing, dressage or reining or other disciplines. If there are ways to improve the race tracks etc. so that less accidents happen that’s great since it’s horrible when horses die, but at least they don’t die out of cruelty. There are probably lots of horses out there who, if they could speak, would happily swap their lives to the life of a race horse. Even if it would turn out to be a short one.

Enough of the sad stuff. I’m now gonna make myself a Sunday treat in the form of a toasted crumpet with Nutella. Yes. My guilty pleasure. After crumpet it’s straight off to bed.

Before I finish I have to share this one with you! Today I got a picture of my family’s three year old mare whose just done her 3-year test in Sweden. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for this one. She’s going on holiday now and in January she will be brought back to work and fingers crossed it will be me doing that work. One thing is for sure with animals, no matter how sad some days are there is always a happy and promising day just around the corner. That’s why we love them. They always give us hope. And love. And the will to better ourselves.

/Caroline, Get the Gallop

This Is It, 3 years, being admired by Charlie the Welsh Cob.