Very best of wishes for a wonderful and successful Melbourne Cup day tomorrow ... let's keep our fingers crossed for some fine weather. I hope you've all got your outfits ready and the champagne corks will be popping wherever you are.

Have you decided who you will have a flutter on yet? I LOVE Americain (what a hottie) but I'm going to stay loyal to Bart and put a dollar on one of his horses. I'm not sure which one yet, but I'll be cheering them both home.

Don't forget about the range of racing DVD's I have in stock too. Unfortunately, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to get some of them as the distributor has decided to discontinue them. I've begged, I've pleaded, I've even had a little tear in my eye, but all to no avail. Unless I can work out a really good deal to take 1,000's I think many of the Aussie racing DVD's may be soon gone.

I've pasted the titles in future doubt here. I'll try and find some more titles next year, but they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

The Complete History of the Melbourne Cup
The Slipper - Dynasty of Stars
The Dominators - Bart Cummings, Colin Hayes and T J Smith
Pharlap - The Peoples Champion
Octagonal - The Big O
Makybe Diva
The King and the Man - Kingston Town and Manikato
Turf Heroes - Bonecrusher, Vo Rogue, Saintly, Octagonal, Mahogany, Schillaci, Let's Elope, Veandercross.
The Star Kingdom Dynasty

Finally, the new DVD catalogue is ready for you to look at and start enjoying. There are tons of great things in it and I'm sure you are going to enjoy reading through it.

It is available on the website as a FLIPBOOK if you want to read it online or print a copy out. Don't forget to forward the link to your to your family and friends, so they don't miss out on seeing it as well.

I will also have printed copies available in the next couple of weeks, so if you would like a copy mailed to you or your friends, make sure I have your up-to-date contact details.

All the training DVDs are available, but I haven't quite finished loading them all onto the website yet. If you want to order one but can't find it on the website, just email me or make a note in the special instructions when you reach the checkout and I'll manually add it on.

I have also included some quick-link QR codes on the front page so you can go straight to the places you are looking for. If you haven't started using these yet they are a brilliant idea and one you will quickly get addicted to. Just download a free QR reader APP to your smartphone or mobile device, scan the code and the page will automatically appear.

I have some absolutely stunning coffee tables books that have just arrived and all would make for very special Christmas gifts. So far DRESSAGE DREAMS and REINING DREAMS are available now, with JUMPING DREAMS to follow in the next few months.

These are part of a high quality series of books designed to be both entertaining and informative. Each book features world renown experts in their chosen fields and discusses what it is, that gives them the competitive edge.

REINING DREAMS is compiled by international reining superstar Francesca Sternberg and includes input by;
Rudi Kronsteiner - Smart Spook
Rieky Young - Burnt Starlight
Shawn Flarida - Wimpys Little Chic
Duane Latimer - Hang Ten Surprise
Craig Schmersal - Boom Shernic
Tom McCutcheon - Gunners Special Nite
Mandy McCutcheon - I Spin For Chics
Andrea Fappani - Big Chex To Cash
Tim McQuay - Hollywood Dun It
Cody Sapergia - Star Spangled Whiz
Jordan Larson - Lena Gallo
Randy Paul - Taris Designer Genes
Martin Larcombe - Red Chic Peppy
Dell Hendricks - Starlights Wrangler
Matt Mills - Easy Otie Whiz
Bernard Fonck - Sail On Top Whizard

DRESSAGE DREAMS 10 is compiled by international dressage judge Stephen Clarke and includes input by the world's best known superstars.

A third book JUMPING DREAMS is also in the pipeline, however publication has been delayed. Apparently there have been some printing issues which may not be resolved until after Christmas. I'm really disappointed as I can't wait to see this one, but if it's as good as the first two books, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

Finally...a fun and informative DVD made especially for young horse lovers, their parents AND their ponies. This double disc training DVD is packed full of terrific tips on staying safe, understanding horse behaviour and having fun with your pony! PLEASE ... CAN I HAVE A PONY? is the perfect present for YOUR young horse lover or anyone considering horse ownership for the first time.

Presented by HorseWyse columnist Michelle Neill of Cherry Tree Equine, PLEASE ... CAN I HAVE A PONY? includes concepts such as horse purchasing, basic horsemanship and safety skills, caring for your horse and a practical guide to gear and equipment. Packed full of fluffy ponies and common sense young rider information, this DVD is sure to become a firm family favourite in your horsey household.

PLEASE ... CAN I HAVE A PONY?

Here are two books that just arrived, suitable for teens (and mum's). I've read the first book and thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to get stuck into book two.

CROWN PRINCE and CROWN PRINCE CHALLENGED by Linda Snow McLoon are part of a new series called Brookmeade Young Riders. I find it's always very obvious when the author really is an experienced horse owner and competitor themselves. They always seem to evoke that extra little something that brings the subject matter to life. This series really does deliver on that part.

Set in the world of eventing, the story is great, very realistic and exciting, but for readers who aren't so experienced, there are also some terrific horsemanship tips and competition explanations woven into the story.

This is a series that will be hard-to-find in your local bookshop, but well worth adding to your library. I'm sure you will treasure it for many years to come.

Book 1 - Crown Prince
Book 2 - Crown Prince Challenged

I was also so taken by the quality of the artwork on the cover of The Brookemeade Young Riders books, I just had to investigate the artist. I discovered it is an American artist called Jennifer Brandon, whose artwork just blew me away.

After looking at her website www.jachestudio.com I contacted her about her amazing paintings, and found her to be the most generous and passionate of people.

If you have a moment, do take the time to visit her website and have a look around. Apart from her horse portraits (I just adore this one of the child and pony), there are also some amazing dogs (many made me quite teary) and some gorgeous human portraits as well.

I'm currently saving my pennies for a portrait of my much-loved Chief, who so many of you got to know through Equitainment. If it's only half as good as some of these, I'll be blown away. Stay posted and I'll let you know how the portrait is progressing.