Laura Crompton Hiya Nicola! Not sure if you're still abroad, or where exactly you are, but I thought I'd post this message now that I've had time to catch up on all your blogs. It looks like you've had a fantastic time on all of your travels, and I hope if you're still out there that everything is going well for you. You're not missing much back here, lots of grey drizzly weather and a few student demonstrations, nothing exciting! Just thought I'd give you an update about what's been happening at Earnsdale Farm whilst you've been away. Not sure if you were around for it, but Murphy, Rachel's horse, had to be put down late last year. It was such a shame, he was a great horse, but also quite old and his health had been going downhill a bit. Rachel has just got a new horse, she arrived earlier this week - her name is Miss Marple and she's a solid cob, though she got injured on the way over so she's out of work for a couple of weeks. Leslie has ended up buying Seth (I think she's crazy) but he's been out of work following injury too so we haven't seen too much of her. We've just started doing jumping again, Tracy is doing great, Dale absolutely loves it. Red is being his usual grumpy self, kicking out at everything, but is enjoying the jumping too. We've been joined by a new lady called Heather who has had her own horse just for hacking out but wants to get back into some more serious riding, she is doing quite well, and also Lynette who owns Sam has joined our lesson, which is great because for a lot of the time it's been just me and Tracy on Tuesdays. We haven't seen Hazel in ages, think she's abandoned us! Diana is well and we often think about you, and how much fun you must be having. We didn't do Christmas games this year because the weather was so bad with the snow that most people weren't able to make it riding for a week or two. I must admit, the first thing I thought when I saw your pictures of riding in the Grand Canyon, was "Oh my god, she isn't wearing a helmet!" but I guess if you fell down there you'd need a bit more than a helmet to keep you safe! We hope that once you get back to the UK you come and join us again. Apollo misses you! Hope to see you soon. Laura

Janet Allison Hi Nicola, At last I have found the time to look you up and see what amazing times you've had. I have looked at most of your photos they are beautiful what memories you are going to take through life you lucky lady. Rob and I were in Singapore just a week before you got there it rained a lot when we were in Sentosa but we couldn't belive the change in 8 years which was when we were there last OMG that ship in the sky sticks out like a sore thumb but WOW!! I hope Marie has arrived safely and is enjoying her well earned break with you girls together again hey!! Have you had plenty af massages there? they are so cheap in Thailand and good too. Ayway I'll love ya and leave ya for now enjoy yourselves Janet xx

Mum The Whitsundays are awesome. Want to go! That horse is the double of Bamboo. Maybe a bit bigger! Suppose not many of Brisbane due to the weather! Take care in Singapore and Thailand.

jo hi sis good to hear what you have been up to. we missed you over xmas but it was great to speak to you on xmas day. omg how long is your hair now! glad you met lots of friends mary been plodding along with the wedding plans. cant believe how much to do.hen night all sorted now. got mini bus for 21 pound return. glad you got to singapore safely hopefully weather better there. take care miss you loads and we cant wait to see you in march. xxx

Mum OMG just read your book!! It was so good reading about your adventures and about your Christmas and New Year with our friends. Looking forward to pics next. Like the new ones on your blog and facebook page. Take Care. xx

jo hi nicola photos are great sis.hope the rain has now stopped. its cold here.kids love slipping and sliding everywhere and chucking snowballs at me. kayleigh excited for xmas.she will love her surprises.i am taking her ice skating next week with her friend and she is sleeping over in the front room.should be fun but not much sleep. still need to sort out hen night but at least bridesmaid dresses sorted now. dad done fab job on our kitchen.we love it. have fun take care love you

Mum Where did all the people go on the beaches?? When we went to Manly it was packed! Enjoy your trip touring Australia!

Mum I can see why you loved Queenstown it looks beautiful You will have to take us and show us!! Hope u ok in Sydney. x

MUM Amazing pictures Nicola. Dad said we could hire a mobile home and tour New Zealand. Dave & Pauline want to go too. You could start a travel agency!

MUM Hope that wasn't you on one of those gliders!! Did you remeber what to do when you wa canoeing? It was a long time ago when you did it at school! Weather looks good. Not long before Australia now! Take Care xx

nicola ryder sorry the rafting photos are upside down I will try and move them around when I can. Enjoy!!

kayleigh Hi antie Nicola sorry i have not sent u a email for a long time i really miss u have a fab hol i hope u have a nice time in New zealend. miss u so much from kayleigh xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

MUM Hi Nicola Sent you an email. How did the Sunday dinner go? Did you make the gravy?? Will do my best to get you Take That tickets or I know you will never forgive me!!

Rachel Hi Nic, Your photos are great especially the riding at gran canyon! I cant wait to see the Fiji ones. Everyone at the farm says Hi, sue broke her collar bone the poor thing, skye barged her over! Pep doing great, i even managed a ride in the sunshine, not quite the gran canyon though!! Hope you are having a great time in NZ, and getting your horsey fix! Lots of love Rach xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

jo hi sis sounds like your having great time. mum nearly finished her xmas shopping better get mine started. dawn keeps checking up on if you have put weight on for your bridesmaid dress lol.going wedding fayre on sunday so will get some more ideas. miss you looking forward to seeing you next year take care sis love you xxx