Another 365 days have rolled past us and we are on the verge of a new year. For some reason a new year brings forth hope for change and a new beginning. The difference between December 31 and January 1 is really a moot point. Not much changes. Chores still need doing, You trudge off to work and look forward to the weekends.

What counts is attitude. A revised view of the world and a new enthusiasm - to quit smoking, loose weight, ride more, fall off less and untold other self improvements. All of which require the support of friends and family. Attitude is a group response. Thats why there is weight watchers, A.A.  and even riding clubs. Together we achieve what we cannot manage on our own.

So for 2011 concentrate on Attitude. A simple Positive Attitude. No matter the goal, better riding or a better life style it does not matter. What matters is that you share a Positive Attitude with those persons with whom you share your life at home, work and even the barn. Being positive is contageous. Infect someone nearby!

So think positive in 2011. You will master the art of counter canter. You will get over your fear of jumps over 3 foot high. You will do whatever you need to do to be successfull in whatever venture you choose.

So make 2011 the year of the Positive Attitude. and may 2011 bring you much success at home, work and the most important place - the barn!

Well it looks like the big day is here. So from very snow covered western Manitoba to readers all over Canada, North America and the world a great big Merry Christmas. While in many cases the true meaning of Christmas does not hold the same meaning as it did only a few generations ago the spirit of good will remains constant and brings people together.

Each of us has our own miracle (or multiple miracles) out in our own stables. The miracle of our relationship with our horses and the joy they bring us 365 days of the year. Take time to make sure you share something special with your four footed friend during this festive season. May you find all sorts of horse goodies inside brightly wrapped gift boxes.

So from Airdrie, Jane, Lady, Macaroni, Mister, Pampered and Poco plus the 11 barn cats - From my Barn to yours - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

So you are dreaming of a white Christmas! Well be careful because you might just get what you are wishing for! If you really need white for christmas, and the cost of a chalet at Whistler is just out of your reach I have the perfect optional vacation for you. Come and visit beautiful Minnedosa, Manitoba. Home to Just Jake and his ever increasing herd of critters.

Minnedosa is a pretty town nestled in a valley with a beautiful lake, good restaurants and lots of fluffy white snow. Hotel rooms are inexpensive and there is even a free community christmas dinner so that you will not go hungry.You can skidoo for miles on groomed trails, visit Riding Mountain National Park for cross country skiing and if you get lonely for the smell of a horse you can join me for chores. Im just a short 32 kilometres our of town as long as you can find the road in the blowing snow. Make sure you rent a truck or 4WD SUV because the drifts get a might deep this time of year.

Ah yes,the snow you are dreaming of. Today the forecast was for 5 to 10 centimetres of the fluffy stuff. Well don't rely on the weatherman. We got a fresh foot of the solid form of rain in the sheltered spots. Out in the open where the wind blows there are drifts 2 to 3 foot deep covering my driveway. Thank you to the man that designed my 72 inch blower and the warm cab on a 100 HP tractor.

While pretty to look at, snow is truly the proverbial PITA! It makes life miserable, even in the Fraser Valley where winter driving skills are few and far between. Even in Manitoba where we have the warm clothes, 4WD vehicles and big tractors with blowers to clear the way, each additional snowfall somehow diminishes ones poetic desire for a traditional white celebration.

 So yes, Jake is a grinch. It is still 6 days to winter and I have snow measured in feet not inches everywhere. It lost it's charm a few weeks ago. So be careful - I just may find a way to send it your way!

PS: If your wondering about the prairie valley paradise that Jake calls home visit www.discoverminnedosa.com Fed up with life in the fast lane - check out the new residents guide!

I don't know if it has to do with the time of year, or as some say, the time of man but to me is appears that this is the time of year we hear about animal abuse. National news this week focused on the deplorable case of animal abuse that occurred only a few hours away from where I live. A farm near Swan River, Manitoba was raided and investigators found horses with hooves curled uplike Santa's eleves silly shoes and dogs with chains grown into their necks. What makes it worse is that residents suspected the problem existed for years but nothing was done.

I am not going to rant or rave about the type of person that would allow this to happen. These people do not deserve the time it would take to write it all down. I will however rant on for a moment about how it is everyone's responsibility to watch out for and report any suspicious situations or evidence of abuse. The only way we can prevent these horrific events is to be forever vigalent. If you think something is wrong, investigate. If you can't investigate on your own (don't trespass or do something else illegal) then report the matter to your local SPCA, Veterinarian or police department.  The SPCA or police (often together) have the ability to investigate by inspection and either confirm or dismiss your allegations.

Better they act on the side of caution than we allow an animal to suffer. Your identity is protected. The other party may suspect where the complaint came from but unless you make multiple unsubstantiated reports I am certain your indentity is secure.

If something just doesnt look right (no apparent sign of feed, animals in poor condition, an owner who has obviously more animals than they can care for etc) there is a good chance that it may not be right. We all have a responsibility to watch for animal abuse. Keep your eyes wide open - Apparently tis the season!