tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20948257199960049402024-03-14T08:34:56.103+01:00Nomadic MumblingsAC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-35544745193558670492012-02-14T11:36:00.000+01:002012-02-14T11:36:23.659+01:00Feel the love!Romance? Alive 'n' kickin'! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cfXwIBM3Jc/Tzo4FQFuwxI/AAAAAAAAAck/rKsQpxlBlvs/s1600/P1030247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cfXwIBM3Jc/Tzo4FQFuwxI/AAAAAAAAAck/rKsQpxlBlvs/s320/P1030247.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hubby is away working but has managed to bring a tear to my eye when the doorbell rang and I received a bunch of my favourite flowers - red roses! How lucky am I?!?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's day!</span></div><br />
<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-35316080640740331212012-02-13T21:03:00.001+01:002012-02-13T21:11:24.802+01:00Keeping busyI managed to escape the worst of the bad weather that swept across Europe last week. How did I manage it? I did as the birds do and flew south! Just as the worst hit Madrid I left to go to Murcia - a region in the southeast of Spain. I have to say that Madrid was a chilly 2ºC when I left and in Murcia it was 15ºC!! <br />
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Ok, so it wasn't all sunbathing and swimming, actually, there was none! Murcia wasn't totally free from that scandalous Siberian front - we had howling winds for about 6 days. It's a long time since I've been woken in the night by the sound of the wind and thought that I was about to be blown away - oh no, we're not in Kansas now Toto!!<br />
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And it wasn't all sitting with my feet up waiting for the worst of the bad weather to pass. I did manage to keep myself busy...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6pCbKp0gIE/TzloycoCDjI/AAAAAAAAAcc/TbPe0gc9DZY/s1600/P1030177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6pCbKp0gIE/TzloycoCDjI/AAAAAAAAAcc/TbPe0gc9DZY/s320/P1030177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not exactly the Cistine Chapel!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yep, I've been painting. My parents wanted to redecorate the house they have in Murcia and I offered to help. It was nice to be able to lend a hand and it meant that the job got done a lot quicker. It was hard going as there was quite a lot to do, but I can't complain - I was well fed and the cups of tea were constant!!<br />
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I've also come back with ideas for future posts and I've been sorting out some photos to accompany them so hopefully, fingers crossed, my poor ol' blog will start looking like it used to.<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-48293644722141954632012-02-01T12:35:00.000+01:002012-02-01T12:35:51.700+01:00So where is it??We've been warned. Today the temperatures are going to plummet, winter is finally going to arrive and we should be expecting Arctic freezing and Siberian winds.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1MTdk3e5j8/TykhS4CaUII/AAAAAAAAAcM/6sZO_gJPQn4/s1600/P1030105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1MTdk3e5j8/TykhS4CaUII/AAAAAAAAAcM/6sZO_gJPQn4/s320/P1030105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the current view from my bedroom window across the rooftops of the town where I live. Hmmmmm. I'm not saying that it won't come eventually, but perhaps not today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK97lmd3lv8/TykhnCYt0HI/AAAAAAAAAcU/moOvVPjrYLU/s1600/P1030106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK97lmd3lv8/TykhnCYt0HI/AAAAAAAAAcU/moOvVPjrYLU/s320/P1030106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To be honest, it would probably do the city some good to have a bit of winter wind and some rain. This photo is taken in the direction of Madrid, the capital. Can you see a hazy, murky, brown looking cloud hanging on the horizon? That's pollution. It hasn't rained here since the the beginning of the year and that was only a light drizzle. It really does make you wonder what we are breathing in!<br />
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So, I say 'bring on the big freeze' (and a little bit of rain, not too much now, to wash all the gunk away!).<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-25182936724993615632012-01-12T21:10:00.000+01:002012-01-12T21:10:29.945+01:00A night fit for KingsThe tradition in Spain is that children only receive their presents on the 6th January, which is the Epiphany on the Christian calendar, after the arrival of the Kings on the night of the 5th. Father Christmas or Santa Claus is slowly becoming more popular but it is seen as a marketing gimmick and linked to the culture of North America. So the kids have to wait and wait and wait until the 6th January before they get their goodies!<br />
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If you think about it though, although it's a tradition that has been around forever and is still upheld, it's not really that fair on the children; two days after getting their presents and it's time to go back to school! But to make up for the long wait the arrival of the Kings is widely rejoiced and celebrated. Practically every town has it's own procession. The theme is changed every year and the floats and costumes all represent the same theme.<br />
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This year, in the town where I live, the theme was the Jungle Book.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMCkJBamJMw/Tw81dBbTnCI/AAAAAAAAAbs/sRM3AXur25w/s1600/P1030064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMCkJBamJMw/Tw81dBbTnCI/AAAAAAAAAbs/sRM3AXur25w/s320/P1030064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jungle Book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Different associations, youth groups, dance schools and even the local OAP centre made their own floats and costumes to participate in the parade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlyxXGetxqo/Tw818xYpjwI/AAAAAAAAAb0/x_irKq3o0PU/s1600/P1030075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlyxXGetxqo/Tw818xYpjwI/AAAAAAAAAb0/x_irKq3o0PU/s320/P1030075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monkeys</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_uG8gyqVfKc/Tw82MrVlW7I/AAAAAAAAAb8/L0mRj5KTACk/s1600/P1030077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_uG8gyqVfKc/Tw82MrVlW7I/AAAAAAAAAb8/L0mRj5KTACk/s320/P1030077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tigers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Apart from the monkeys and tigers there were elephants, birds and a giant snake. Between the floats there were dancers in costume and marching bands. The music was playing, the lights were flashing and the children loved it! Each float was loaded high with sweets which were thrown out to the hundreds of people lining the streets along the route. They made there way through the centre of town to the Town Hall building in the central square.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RyJf0TI1Q0/Tw83FvQsp-I/AAAAAAAAAcE/NGRAx9rTW4A/s1600/P1030083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RyJf0TI1Q0/Tw83FvQsp-I/AAAAAAAAAcE/NGRAx9rTW4A/s320/P1030083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And bringing up the rear of the parade were the stars of the show, the ones that all the children had been desperately waiting for to arrive - the Kings! It's definitely a time for children to enjoy but it's not surprising to see all the 'accompanying' parents, grandparents and other adults having a great time too.<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-10092742238408397412011-12-22T19:07:00.000+01:002011-12-22T19:07:18.573+01:00Seasons greetingsI've been lax, I've sidetracked my blog and tried not to feel bad about it. But I've always believed that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing well. And I've always tried to keep my blog on a level that has been interesting, at least to me. This month has been a complicated one and unfortunately my mood and the weather have seldom coincided. I didn't feel that doing half-hearted posts was worthy of my blog or of any of the potential nomads out there that drop by and so I decided to have a break, get the enthusiasm back, wait for the spark to ignite once more. I'm getting there!<br />
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But the time is upon us once again to celebrate, to wish good cheer and goodwill to one and all. To raise a glass and toast the good things in life, to let peace reign for one short moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpDqMx3WI0/TvNxBOoYD8I/AAAAAAAAAbk/n1FAE_wlBXE/s1600/P1020927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpDqMx3WI0/TvNxBOoYD8I/AAAAAAAAAbk/n1FAE_wlBXE/s320/P1020927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And so I wish you all the very best for Christmas, for the festive season, and hope that all your dreams come true in 2012 (I didn't win the lottery this year so there's always hope for next year!!).<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-62084101000768000472011-12-02T19:13:00.000+01:002011-12-02T19:13:14.512+01:00Something to think about....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DNTNRHvNaE/TtkR6uOksCI/AAAAAAAAAbY/nIQ9FElYjO0/s1600/PB300027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DNTNRHvNaE/TtkR6uOksCI/AAAAAAAAAbY/nIQ9FElYjO0/s320/PB300027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">-'The road leading to a goal does not</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> separate you from the destination; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">it is essentially a part of it.'-</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Charles de Lint </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this weekend, have a great time and enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>Hasta pronto!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-32700611205226145452011-12-01T21:09:00.000+01:002011-12-01T21:09:21.069+01:00Breaking Dawn: Part IYesterday I went to see the latest film in the Twilight Saga, 'Breaking Dawn: Part I'.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperhd.info/2011/06/2011-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part1-3376/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="284" src="http://wallpaperhd.info/imgfondos/thumb180/180-180-2011-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part1-3376.jpg" title="2011-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part1-3376" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wallpaperhd.info/tag/2011-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part1-3376/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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I have to say that I'm a complete sucker for this franchise! I've read the books and enjoyed them, it's not Shakespeare but then I knew that before I read them. I found them entertaining and sometimes that's all I'm looking for.<br />
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The films have followed the same line. They are fairly true to the books and the characters are easily likeable. Ok, and the male roles (and the ladies for that matter) are very easy on the eye!<br />
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This film was a good adaptation of the book and totally different in feel and atmosphere from the previous ones. The material is more serious and I think that it was well interpreted.<br />
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What can I say? I enjoyed the film! If you're a fan of the Twilight series then I'm sure that you'll enjoy it too. I also think that where it ended was just right, the first part of the story was dealt with and completed but there's still a lot to come and where it left off leaves the story at the right point. <br />
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Now all we have to do is wait a YEAR for the next, and final, part. Looking forward to it already!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em><br />
AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-16420440025094324552011-11-30T22:15:00.000+01:002011-11-30T22:15:48.804+01:00Hurrah!I had good news yesterday!<br />
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I received the official communication that I had passed the second part of my course to become a dressage judge!! So the theory is all done now and I can concentrate on the hard part - the practical tests and actually doing some judging. Agh!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="highslide" getparams="null" href="http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/alicepic/disney-movie/cheshire-cat-4.jpg" id="thumb8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="textTop" alt="Cheshire Cat" height="160" src="http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/alicepic/disney-movie/thumbnails/cheshire-cat-4.jpg" title="Cheshire Cat" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/pictures/cheshire-cat-pictures.html" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> So I'm now officially a 'Judge in training'!! (Yep, that's me, grinnin' like a Cheshire cat!!)<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-84480074825969177542011-11-28T16:17:00.000+01:002011-11-28T16:17:27.605+01:00A walk in the parkI live in a small town just to the south of Madrid. Like every other city that sits on the outskirts if a city, over the past few years the population has grown. But the good part is that it still has a small town feel to it.<br />
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On the far side of town is one of my favourite places to take a stroll - the park. It's one of those places that can be good to clear your head and blow the cobwebs away and it doesn't matter what frame of mind you're in. It always seems to make me feel better. There's nothing extraordinary about this park but there are plenty of footpaths to wander along<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPYidAY2viU/TtOhVqLwNNI/AAAAAAAAAaY/dwUfDo66Kp4/s1600/P1020854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPYidAY2viU/TtOhVqLwNNI/AAAAAAAAAaY/dwUfDo66Kp4/s320/P1020854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldPemFliZVk/TtOhla0WqmI/AAAAAAAAAag/j-tnLRwT60Y/s1600/P1020859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldPemFliZVk/TtOhla0WqmI/AAAAAAAAAag/j-tnLRwT60Y/s320/P1020859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and there is a boating lake to sit and contemplate as the sunlight ripples across the surface.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZWQDOTdl94/TtOiAwKr-iI/AAAAAAAAAao/ItdZzjD7ifE/s1600/P1020861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZWQDOTdl94/TtOiAwKr-iI/AAAAAAAAAao/ItdZzjD7ifE/s320/P1020861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3y6vI-0A-g/TtOiO7tnCpI/AAAAAAAAAaw/u7D_rfIBeHE/s1600/P1020867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3y6vI-0A-g/TtOiO7tnCpI/AAAAAAAAAaw/u7D_rfIBeHE/s320/P1020867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are also water features<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBMVpzc24HE/TtOi77SrYJI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8e59SrJ0_jg/s1600/P1020873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBMVpzc24HE/TtOi77SrYJI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8e59SrJ0_jg/s320/P1020873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
sculptures<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odPoMJ0kElc/TtOjL9ga_lI/AAAAAAAAAbA/e5676O4qeew/s1600/P1020891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odPoMJ0kElc/TtOjL9ga_lI/AAAAAAAAAbA/e5676O4qeew/s320/P1020891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and resident birds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lCnzaxPJ8/TtOk318ppBI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/V-DR4BoB7_g/s1600/P1020888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lCnzaxPJ8/TtOk318ppBI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/V-DR4BoB7_g/s320/P1020888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And if all of this is not enough, there is a sports pavilion, all-weather football pitch, tennis courts, rock climbing, a bicycle circuit, childrens' play area and a horse-riding club!<br />
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Even if the outdoor life is not for you, it makes a nice route to the shopping centre which is 2 minutes away!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-5454472241738592362011-11-23T17:05:00.000+01:002011-11-23T17:05:36.444+01:00How to beat the bluesStep 1: Make two of the most chocolatey sponge cakes you've ever made.<br />
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Step 2: Sandwich them together and smother the outside with chocolate butter icing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM_wufGNmTY/Ts0Y-5n2x5I/AAAAAAAAAaI/DpnU_ssHFqY/s1600/P1020843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM_wufGNmTY/Ts0Y-5n2x5I/AAAAAAAAAaI/DpnU_ssHFqY/s320/P1020843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best ever chocolate cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step 3: Grab a fork, cut a chunk of cake, sit back, eat and enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV25OMrLmFk/Ts0ZYYZ4XaI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/IpFsTW0bF6c/s1600/P1020848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV25OMrLmFk/Ts0ZYYZ4XaI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/IpFsTW0bF6c/s320/P1020848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
According to the recipe it's supposed to serve 10 - or one with a broken heart. You choose!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-15653223067089089982011-11-22T13:57:00.000+01:002011-11-22T13:57:57.113+01:00Autumn in the cityIt's been cold, grey and miserable for I don't know how many days now. Something that we not very accustomed to around these parts. So I thought that today I would visually cheer myself up with some lively autumn colours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_1uZVBMkPY/TsuXQq4w_BI/AAAAAAAAAZY/vt6Ku-gjxEY/s1600/P1020633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_1uZVBMkPY/TsuXQq4w_BI/AAAAAAAAAZY/vt6Ku-gjxEY/s320/P1020633.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue sky on an autumn morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These pictures were took recently at the <a href="http://www.clubvillademadrid.com/web/historia.asp" target="_blank">Club de Campo Villa de Madrid</a> (City of Madrid Country Club). I was hoping to avoid the horsey theme but it was while I was at a dressage show - so unavoidable I fear!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K2G9CIKjXc/TsuX3m9mHFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/vd7Dzc-jFqY/s1600/P1020622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K2G9CIKjXc/TsuX3m9mHFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/vd7Dzc-jFqY/s320/P1020622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City buildings in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Country Club is not only for equestrian activities, there are also facilities for tennis, swimming, golf and even chess and bridge! The most curious thing about the place though is that it is only about 2 minutes away from the centre of Madrid. Who would have thought that 250 hectares of open-air sporting facilities could be found practically at the heart of a city?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BF7_f8NwKgM/TsuaGkDiguI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ELEC8aCYN8U/s1600/P1020781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BF7_f8NwKgM/TsuaGkDiguI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ELEC8aCYN8U/s320/P1020781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressage</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZC9xOfDTOY/TsuaXlAplhI/AAAAAAAAAZw/9VYA_6rVD-A/s1600/P1020786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZC9xOfDTOY/TsuaXlAplhI/AAAAAAAAAZw/9VYA_6rVD-A/s320/P1020786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Entry to the Country Club is by membership but when events are being held it is open to the public in general. The facilities can also be used on other occasions with a day-pass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbaHYFrskAo/Tsua9nMU3vI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/IpnW1EnwOGk/s1600/P1020818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbaHYFrskAo/Tsua9nMU3vI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/IpnW1EnwOGk/s320/P1020818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The atmosphere is quiet and serene and is a perfect setting to experience the autumn colours of the leaves on the endless rows of trees around the complex.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuKIEiUxyIE/TsucHIaR8SI/AAAAAAAAAaA/kWl8w93ATIU/s1600/P1020828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuKIEiUxyIE/TsucHIaR8SI/AAAAAAAAAaA/kWl8w93ATIU/s320/P1020828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-52415427125409757932011-11-21T14:13:00.000+01:002011-11-21T14:13:36.973+01:00Dressage judges course - Part II(*dusting away cobwebs*)<br />
That's much better - I couldn't see the screen for dust! I could easily be accused of abandoning my poor blog, but this is not the case. As you can see, it's whirring back into action. The reason for my absence? Well, would you believe me if I told you that it's taken me practically all week to get over the course that I went off to do the previous weekend? I don't remember having been so physically and mentally drained for, well, I can't remember the last time!<br />
<br />
It was gruelling! We spent four days solid covering theory:<br />
- The Training Scale: the basis for any judge, practically everything has something to do with the Training Scale!<br />
- Gaits: what has to be looked for in each gait and how it refers to the Training Scale<br />
- Movements: lateral movements, circles, etc and how they should be executed.<br />
- Scoring: and how to do it, again based on the Training Scale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENXxqpmhp-E/TspJNAn_TiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/tSR0Xv32b4A/s1600/PB190063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENXxqpmhp-E/TspJNAn_TiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/tSR0Xv32b4A/s320/PB190063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
- Equestrian Morpho-biomechanics: yep, morphology comes into it too! It doesn't really influence the judging part but it was interesting to find out how a horse is literally put together and how changes in the skeleton can affect a horses ability to be able to do certain dressage moves. This is especially true in high level dressage where a horse is expected to do a number of complicated moves with a high degree of collection. Some horses are just not built to do it!<br />
- Dressage tests: for young horses, low level tests (initiation and promotion), high level tests, and freestyle tests. We looked at the levels of difficulty for each group and what was expected of horses and riders. And we also looked at how to score each test. Can you believe that I found it more difficult to score one of the lowest level tests than a Prix St Georges test? Sounds ridiculous but it's a lot more straight forward!<br />
- Vocabulary: oh yes, there is a certain vocab that is used when scoring a dressage test - it's supposed to make it easier to make comments!<br />
<br />
Each day was spent going through the theory and then, in the evening, we headed back to the hotel to study, usually until about 2am. I was up again at around 7.30am to continue studying on the way back to the course to be ready for the exam. We had written exams every day. We also had a practical exam on morphology and, of course, 2 practical exams where we actually had to judge some dressage tests. It's amazing how I managed to survive on very little sleep and not eating very well! I suppose that determination had a lot to do with it and I was determined to do the best I could on the course.<br />
<br />
And, if that wasn't enough, the flight I had to get home on the Sunday evening was delayed 2 hours - so I didn't get home until 3am!! A real test of stamina! It was fortunate that I had Hubby waiting for me at the airport to whisk me off home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcYU7CKT5q0/TspMw6KpPaI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/d60iODAuQVo/s1600/PB190082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcYU7CKT5q0/TspMw6KpPaI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/d60iODAuQVo/s320/PB190082.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So now all I have to do is wait to see if I passed all the exams. But it's not over even then, oh no! I still have another 9 practical tests to do as a 'judge in training'. I think that I did OK in most of them, but you never can tell! Fingers crossed!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-48859966556122494072011-11-07T20:48:00.000+01:002011-11-07T20:48:51.788+01:00Monday. Humph! It's Monday. There is really nothing more to say - it's been cold, miserable, raining and grey aaaalll day. It's one of those days that you'd rather just stay snuggled up on the sofa wrapped in a blanket BUT you can't! There's too much to do and no way of getting out of it. <br />
<br />
It's been a day of total non-inspiration. I'm not sure if it's because my head's full of dressage rules and I'm getting tense about the forthcoming exams this week or if it's just the weather turning my mood as grey as the clouds.<br />
<br />
The weekend was spent studying! Oh joy! It's very diificult to get back into a studying frame of mind when it's been a while (quite a while actually) since the last time I had to study. But slowly, slowly. And that's about it, not very exciting at all really.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2WWp8Rgen4/Trg1qgyR5lI/AAAAAAAAAWI/0XB7GdyrBhw/s1600/P1020056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2WWp8Rgen4/Trg1qgyR5lI/AAAAAAAAAWI/0XB7GdyrBhw/s320/P1020056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Go on, smile!'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I hope that the weekend was enjoyable for everyone else and Monday hasn't been too difficult!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-79119618455753753352011-11-03T19:23:00.000+01:002011-11-03T19:23:57.586+01:00Another competition closer to being a dressage judge!If you read the 'mystery' guest post earlier in the week then you would know that at the weekend I was at yet another dressage competition. If it seems like I spend practically all my weekends at competitions, it's probably because I do! I'm trying to get in as much practice as possible so that I won't have any difficulties when it comes to passing my course to be a dressage judge.<br />
<br />
So at the weekend I made the most of the 2 day competition to do another practical test, this time as Competition Steward. I find it interesting to know what is going on around me when usually it's difficult to even be able to look any further than the edge of the arena. To be honest I didn't find the role of Steward as interesting as that of the judge but it was good as experience.<br />
<br />
The Stewards' job is to make sure that the competition runs like clockwork, that every rider knows when they have to be in the arena and who they go in after. It's also the Steward's job to make sure that none of the horses are abused or mistreated in any way either in the warm-up area or in any other area of the competition zone, boxes, trailers, vans, etc. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7caTMTJqTv8/TrLYsOPHPGI/AAAAAAAAAVo/TyI3xxW_BLM/s1600/P1020803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7caTMTJqTv8/TrLYsOPHPGI/AAAAAAAAAVo/TyI3xxW_BLM/s320/P1020803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the flanks for any sign of injury</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Abusing or mistreating a horse at any time is reason for elimination and the Steward is well within their rights to report anything to the President of the ground jury and Delegate for action to be taken against the offending person. The horses have also to be checked by the Steward on leaving the arena to make sure that the equipment abides by the regulations and that there is no sign of injury to the horse.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yebzUIlZ84/TrLZ95QXtXI/AAAAAAAAAVw/gbO_oRoE7TY/s1600/P1020799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yebzUIlZ84/TrLZ95QXtXI/AAAAAAAAAVw/gbO_oRoE7TY/s320/P1020799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lessons from the official Steward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was very fortunate to be able to get to do this practical test at the weekend because Stewards' are normally only present at the National Championships and the highest level dressage competitions which are not held frequently. But at this competition more competitors were expected as it was really four different competitions being held simultaneously, so a Steward was appointed. The official Steward is also a candidate to become an International Steward so I was in very good hands!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-ZRrgtWs2E/TrLbC1jaYiI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kaVALqwSQV0/s1600/P1020805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-ZRrgtWs2E/TrLbC1jaYiI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kaVALqwSQV0/s320/P1020805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the bit on the double bridle - by touch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NB2EBHkQBk/TrLbZYoR9vI/AAAAAAAAAWA/7kVyRF3n6tA/s1600/P1020815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NB2EBHkQBk/TrLbZYoR9vI/AAAAAAAAAWA/7kVyRF3n6tA/s320/P1020815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've more than completed the preliminary practical tests now and I've been studying the regulations again and the Training Scale - next week we have the second part of the theory course and I'd really like to pass!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-18596651120253353332011-11-01T11:53:00.000+01:002011-11-01T11:53:41.069+01:00Riding Heroes! - *Guest post*<em>It is with pleasure that I introduce you to today's guest post, I hope that you enjoy it!</em><br />
<br />
Last weekend we were in an unusual riding competition for 2 different things: The competition took place in an extraordinary place, El Club de Campo, in Madrid (the place needs another post just for itself!) and the 2nd thing is because at the same time that there was a National Dressage competition there was also a Paradressage competition.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCUTS5k6_k/Tq_B1PmtBGI/AAAAAAAAAUg/jjpkB06b0FM/s1600/P1020711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCUTS5k6_k/Tq_B1PmtBGI/AAAAAAAAAUg/jjpkB06b0FM/s320/P1020711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheelchair with bandages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was the first time I had ever seen people with different kind of physical or psychological disabilities on a horse. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQdng7HS_g/Tq_DrMjPpZI/AAAAAAAAAU4/2b1IPoZWygw/s1600/P1020767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQdng7HS_g/Tq_DrMjPpZI/AAAAAAAAAU4/2b1IPoZWygw/s320/P1020767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This type of competition for obvious reasons has different rules that I didn't know and I was talking with the judges to go deeper into this "world".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--gvzRqSdxfY/Tq_G30fAiFI/AAAAAAAAAVI/fGH90na5AKk/s1600/P1020732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--gvzRqSdxfY/Tq_G30fAiFI/AAAAAAAAAVI/fGH90na5AKk/s320/P1020732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rider with no movement in his legs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just to let you know some of them, there are different categories depending on the disability of the rider, they can use extra help like 2 whips, special saddles and bridles and even one spur on one leg and none on the other.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46egmmNdOtM/Tq_ClxqLshI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Ls5nqThckyw/s1600/P1020698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46egmmNdOtM/Tq_ClxqLshI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Ls5nqThckyw/s320/P1020698.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are allowed to go in the arena with the instructor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But this is not what impressed me most. It was the fact that these brave people that have a disadvantage still try to fight againts the elements.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwphBWweAI/Tq_M6vQ8teI/AAAAAAAAAVg/Xq0DZ5sMqLQ/s1600/P1020741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwphBWweAI/Tq_M6vQ8teI/AAAAAAAAAVg/Xq0DZ5sMqLQ/s320/P1020741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After watching this, you realize how lucky you are and why we should copy them and why we should smile more often and we should overcome those little daily silly things.<br />
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My dear friends, life is a matter of a few happy seconds, some of them have already passed and a lot of them are about to arrive.<br />
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Smile and enjoy your life because always somebody is looking after you!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0a0Al6eGYQ/Tq_F9z8FI-I/AAAAAAAAAVA/4BRseTx5n5I/s1600/P1020644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0a0Al6eGYQ/Tq_F9z8FI-I/AAAAAAAAAVA/4BRseTx5n5I/s320/P1020644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briefing between horsey and his fellow rider.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks for reading! I hope that I'll be allowed to come back and post again soon.AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-42889689233495228092011-10-28T16:54:00.000+02:002011-10-28T16:54:16.879+02:00I had a lovely day!I have to say that I don't generally complain about another birthday rolling around and me getting a year older. I quite like birthdays'. It's a special day and I suppose that the most important thing is to keep notching up the years!<br />
<br />
Yesterday I had a lovely day. I was treated to breakfast in bed, cards and phone calls and a delicious home-cooked dinner (oh yes, hubby is a whizz in the kitchen!!).<br />
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I also had:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBif85d_PKE/TqrBQ6WScXI/AAAAAAAAAT8/uiPdbcKUrV4/s1600/P1020617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBif85d_PKE/TqrBQ6WScXI/AAAAAAAAAT8/uiPdbcKUrV4/s320/P1020617.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>and<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GTkZvFZKbw/TqrBgq5PGuI/AAAAAAAAAUE/kkK3bXhTrqY/s1600/P1020578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GTkZvFZKbw/TqrBgq5PGuI/AAAAAAAAAUE/kkK3bXhTrqY/s320/P1020578.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday bubbles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>and<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZwISyX68ws/TqrBuZXV4OI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ZRZ53XYMXRg/s1600/P1020573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZwISyX68ws/TqrBuZXV4OI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ZRZ53XYMXRg/s320/P1020573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home-made birthday cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now you can see why I have no reason to complain about birthdays'!<br />
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Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, have a great weekend!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-88249326597074214532011-10-27T14:48:00.000+02:002011-10-27T14:48:04.578+02:00Celebrating today27th October - a great day to celebrate a birthday! So, who's celebrating today?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="cboxElement" href="http://coolinthe80s.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Simon-Le-Bon-86.jpg" jquery16106357748943555082="27" rel="lightbox[533]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Simon Le Bon-86"><img alt="Simon Le Bon-86" class="attachment-medium" height="237" src="http://coolinthe80s.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Simon-Le-Bon-86-300x237.jpg" title="Simon Le Bon-86" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://coolinthe80s.com/heartthrobs/simon-le-bon/attachment/simon-le-bon-86/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Simon Le Bon, the lead singer of my all-time favourite band Duran Duran. Loved them in the 80's and still lovin' them!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:President_Theodore_Roosevelt,_1904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="290" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/President_Theodore_Roosevelt%2C_1904.jpg/220px-President_Theodore_Roosevelt%2C_1904.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th United States President, was born on this day in 1858.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sylvia_plath.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A black-and-white photo of a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length hair. She is seated facing the camera, wearing a sweater, with bookshelves behind her." height="283" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e4/Sylvia_plath.jpg/240px-Sylvia_plath.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Plath">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sylvia Plath, the American poet, novelist and short story writer, born in 1932.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbcprograms.com/catalog/fawltytowers/images/0101fawl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.bbcprograms.com/catalog/fawltytowers/thumbs/t0101fawl.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbcprograms.com/catalog/fawltytowers/fawlphot.htm">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>John Cleese, the British actor, born in 1939.<br />
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Oh, and me!!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-3516938619870389452011-10-26T13:59:00.000+02:002011-10-26T13:59:28.634+02:00Kitesurfing on the Mar MenorAs I said in my last post, the Mar Menor is a lake of salt water in the region of Murcia. It is no deeper than 7m at its deepest part and has a surface area of 135km<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2. </span><span style="font-size: small;">There are no real tides and there aren't really any big waves even when the wind is strong. It's also possible to walk a fair distance into the water without it getting any deeper than waist height (depending on how tall you are!). So, the Mar Menor is pretty good for kitesurfing and great if you are learning. The only major problem is that the wind is not a constant factor like it was in Tenerife and trips have to be planned according to the weather forecast!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vYF9rHKW5o/Tqfpm4AvQsI/AAAAAAAAATc/fR80fU7SgEo/s1600/P1010764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vYF9rHKW5o/Tqfpm4AvQsI/AAAAAAAAATc/fR80fU7SgEo/s320/P1010764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But when the wind gets up it's good fun. The water isn't choppy and even if you lose your balance, and you're not more than 1000m from the shore, it's still possible to put your feet down and stand up. Now if you're a beginner like me this makes a lot of difference.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFGP3b62MOo/TqfqgEmB0GI/AAAAAAAAATk/LCBt5-ljjo0/s1600/P1010795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFGP3b62MOo/TqfqgEmB0GI/AAAAAAAAATk/LCBt5-ljjo0/s320/P1010795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun on the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TO7_7BD-v0c/TqfqnDXO_JI/AAAAAAAAATs/2YCDwuB5_uo/s1600/P1010796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TO7_7BD-v0c/TqfqnDXO_JI/AAAAAAAAATs/2YCDwuB5_uo/s320/P1010796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The only limits are on how far away from the shore you feel comfortable going!<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdUahxeIv1Y/Tqf13PNyZbI/AAAAAAAAAT0/8ZYPloJr-JI/s1600/P1010820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdUahxeIv1Y/Tqf13PNyZbI/AAAAAAAAAT0/8ZYPloJr-JI/s320/P1010820.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of room for everyone</td></tr>
</tbody></table><em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-33067171281345165662011-10-24T17:15:00.000+02:002011-10-24T17:15:51.919+02:00The Mar Menor and La MangaOver the weekend I was away again visiting my parents. Their place is in the region of Murcia which is in the south-east corner of Spain. It's not a very large region but it is popular for holidays and there are a lot of foreign residents that spend most of the year there. This is probably because of its climate - it's hot in summer and cooler in winter but it never gets as cold as the centre of the country or the north. The beaches are directly on the Mediterranean so the water temperature is also quite mild and can even feel warm in summer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEnY0jlCmx4/TqV-FbAhHzI/AAAAAAAAAS8/LXXE5qKPzC4/s1600/P1010751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEnY0jlCmx4/TqV-FbAhHzI/AAAAAAAAAS8/LXXE5qKPzC4/s320/P1010751.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mar Menor, Los Narejos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the main attractions in this area is the Mar Menor (Small Sea) which is not really a sea as such but a large lake which is bordered by the mainland on one side and La Manga on the other. There are channels where the water mixes with the Mediterranean Sea. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqKVWcragBI/TqV_T0LFafI/AAAAAAAAATE/0UhQx30nsoM/s1600/P1010753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqKVWcragBI/TqV_T0LFafI/AAAAAAAAATE/0UhQx30nsoM/s320/P1010753.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mar Menor</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hw8pnVVGN3g/TqV_c1hR2_I/AAAAAAAAATM/KOiDpv6Mong/s1600/P1010754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hw8pnVVGN3g/TqV_c1hR2_I/AAAAAAAAATM/KOiDpv6Mong/s320/P1010754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Manga on the horizon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>La Manga is a stretch of land which runs the length of the Mar Menor, 21km, and joins the mainland at each extreme. It is 200m wide at its narrowest point and 1.200m at its widest. There are buildings along practically the whole of its length and can be driven along the whole way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNhrC8K4N9Q/TqWAIMsKltI/AAAAAAAAATU/lKuMPzik4D4/s1600/P1010771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNhrC8K4N9Q/TqWAIMsKltI/AAAAAAAAATU/lKuMPzik4D4/s320/P1010771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The region becomes extremely busy and crowded during the summer months so for a quieter visit its better to go out of season. The sun is warm enough to go to the beach most days and the water in the Mar Menor is still inviting!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-28079141941367663662011-10-18T19:32:00.000+02:002011-10-18T19:32:34.440+02:00Top class experience for judges' courseAs you've probably already seen from yesterday's post, this weekend was the Spanish Juniors Dressage Championship. So I thought that I would make the most of having three whole days of competition practically on my doorstep to do get some more practical experience for my judges' course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnEiNcAaNHo/Tp21ZdnJH2I/AAAAAAAAASc/YxlpqrOQj0o/s1600/P1020483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnEiNcAaNHo/Tp21ZdnJH2I/AAAAAAAAASc/YxlpqrOQj0o/s320/P1020483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arena perfection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I offered my services to the Organising Committee and was thrilled to be told that I would be needed. Some international judges were coming to the competition and preferred to sit with someone that could speak English - yay! Little did I know that I was going to be sat with Hans-Christian Matthiesen, the Danish international dressage judge (also national team vet and Chef d'Equipe for the Danish Juniors and YR teams!), and Isabelle Judet the French international judge and Official to the FEI. What an honour and what a fabulous experience!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-ODg7OKxw/Tp22Uk0_i-I/AAAAAAAAASk/yp9I0iu4ekk/s1600/P1020436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-ODg7OKxw/Tp22Uk0_i-I/AAAAAAAAASk/yp9I0iu4ekk/s320/P1020436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pony precision</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I sat with one or other of them during the whole weekend, although I spent most time with Mr. Matthiesen. I got to see how they judge all different levels from children to YR and I could ask as many questions as I liked! Every query I had was answered and every score or comment that I didn't understand why it had been given was explained. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWbZcoiYkK0/Tp23E2dse5I/AAAAAAAAASs/JmAm-gUzIuk/s1600/P1020492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWbZcoiYkK0/Tp23E2dse5I/AAAAAAAAASs/JmAm-gUzIuk/s320/P1020492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freestyle start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By Sunday evening my head was spinning but I felt as if I had learnt so much - the 6am starts to get to the competition on time were really worth it! I realise that the more I see, the more experience I get and the opportunities to sit with different judges will only help me to form my own, solid criteria which I think is very necessary for being a fair judge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNPP2GqRySE/Tp23slog6QI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8Z4zlTuIE1k/s1600/P1020505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNPP2GqRySE/Tp23slog6QI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8Z4zlTuIE1k/s320/P1020505.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I also have to thank Hubby for taking care of the horses while I was at the competition, for getting me there on time and for taking all of these fabulous photos!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-11540480219414613612011-10-17T18:37:00.000+02:002011-10-17T18:37:00.604+02:00Spanish Dressage Juniors Championships 2011Over the last three days more than 140 riders with their horses have been battling it out in five different categories to be the Spanish Champion 2011. The categories were organised by age group - their were two childrens' classes, the Pony category, Junior category and Young Rider category.<br />
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The standard was extremely high - it takes more than one good score at a competition to make it to the Championships! The riders were all impeccably turned out and the horses, well, the horses had nothing to be ashamed about. They were brushed, polished and wiped until they were all shining brightly in the sunlight.<br />
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Friday and Saturday were the qualifying rounds for the finals on Sunday. The 15 best scores from each categlory went through to the final and, in the case of the Juniors and Young Riders, had to show their worth in the Freestyle test.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7H1l7y5As0/TpxXdaRJnDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/NZWnoCwBnjM/s1600/P1020529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7H1l7y5As0/TpxXdaRJnDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/NZWnoCwBnjM/s320/P1020529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the gold medal winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was fantastic to see the dedication and determination of such young competitors and the atmosphere was buzzing the whole weekend. There was a good vibe throughout the competition and riders, family members, trainers and friends all applauded for each competitor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JfyZlSL3MM/TpxYWIr1slI/AAAAAAAAASM/U4lAAGIly5w/s1600/P1020531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JfyZlSL3MM/TpxYWIr1slI/AAAAAAAAASM/U4lAAGIly5w/s320/P1020531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Rider category winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ1G1FbQZxA/TpxYL4FNX5I/AAAAAAAAASE/O1QZQbdOEsQ/s1600/P1020538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ1G1FbQZxA/TpxYL4FNX5I/AAAAAAAAASE/O1QZQbdOEsQ/s320/P1020538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And on the podium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was interesting that all the gold medal winners this year were young ladies! Perhaps this is a good sign for the future as most of the professional riders in Spain seem to be men!<br />
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I had a wonderful weekend enjoying the competition and continuing with the practical tests for my dressage judge's course (a bit more about that tomorrow).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35fpeskB4BQ/TpxZXkEh3_I/AAAAAAAAASU/y4srmn67Jxo/s1600/P1020541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35fpeskB4BQ/TpxZXkEh3_I/AAAAAAAAASU/y4srmn67Jxo/s320/P1020541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold, silver and bronze medal winners with the competition judges</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-69868029632124847272011-10-14T21:57:00.000+02:002011-10-14T21:57:58.718+02:00Something to think about....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tl84On4mRY/TpdD5nXUYEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/XjdIzpM-Mb0/s1600/P1020053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tl84On4mRY/TpdD5nXUYEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/XjdIzpM-Mb0/s320/P1020053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #a64d79;">- Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> We must believe that we are gifted for something</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> and that this thing must be attained. -</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> Marie Curie</div><div align="left"><br />
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Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, have a great weekend!</div><div align="left"><em>Hasta pronto!</em></div><div align="left"></div>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-38491147426788089592011-10-13T21:45:00.000+02:002011-10-13T21:45:25.305+02:00Views to die forWhile I was absent during my bloggy break I was out and about doing other things. I went with hubby to the Basque Country to visit some people we met a few years back and who breed Lusitana (Portuguese breed) horses. Don't worry, I'm not going to ramble on again about horses but the fabulous views that they have from their house. They live near the town of Mungia which is approximately 20 mins from Bilbao.<br />
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This is definitely more of a visual post, so I will stop twittering and let you feast your eyes on the magnificent landscape.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzzMkmMBIk8/Tpc9TzbxIpI/AAAAAAAAARM/BkmZbp_ozyA/s1600/P1010988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzzMkmMBIk8/Tpc9TzbxIpI/AAAAAAAAARM/BkmZbp_ozyA/s320/P1010988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmNR3VP4QMA/Tpc9mR9RTuI/AAAAAAAAARU/_-2igDBOWSQ/s1600/P1010978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmNR3VP4QMA/Tpc9mR9RTuI/AAAAAAAAARU/_-2igDBOWSQ/s320/P1010978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The garden looks out over a valley as you can see and the nearest neighbours live in the house just to the right. There are no other neighbours in sight!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DoEt08SkFY/Tpc-IhJqgtI/AAAAAAAAARc/gFuYImwMR3U/s1600/P1010983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DoEt08SkFY/Tpc-IhJqgtI/AAAAAAAAARc/gFuYImwMR3U/s320/P1010983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the sun begins to set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our friends live in the cutest wooden house. It is very similar to the chalets you can find in the Swiss Alps and so cosy! They also have a porch where it is possible to sit and just stare into the distance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRQdZWe6Frk/Tpc-4NlZpwI/AAAAAAAAARk/OdOTZUWUPwU/s1600/P1020001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRQdZWe6Frk/Tpc-4NlZpwI/AAAAAAAAARk/OdOTZUWUPwU/s320/P1020001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdC9yafltCQ/Tpc_OUKrUeI/AAAAAAAAARs/PcsE_FEbFao/s1600/P1020005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdC9yafltCQ/Tpc_OUKrUeI/AAAAAAAAARs/PcsE_FEbFao/s320/P1020005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dramatic end to another day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What a privilege to be able to comtemplate these wonderful landscapes every day. They told us that no two sunsets are the same - jealous? Us? Of course!!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-83603145189188264312011-10-12T19:54:00.000+02:002011-10-12T19:54:44.551+02:00Becoming a dressage judge updateAs I've mentioned before, in June I took the first theoretical part of a course to train to be a regional dressage judge. Phase 1 included two questionnaires of over 250 questions and a written exam which I passed (hurrah!). And so I had to start the practical training. I received a list of 14 practical tests that I have to complete but only five of them can be done before the second, and final, part of the theoretical course. (I do hope that I'm explaining myself properly and haven't lost you yet!). <br />
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The five practicals are as administrative secretary (4 times), where I have to sit with a judge at an official competition and write down the scores and comments on the score sheet, and as technical secretary, which involves helping the Organising Committee to put together the final score sheets and publish the list of participants with their final scores and placings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXrycXn-3uE/TpXNjuwWViI/AAAAAAAAAQs/pOBnbg8Knag/s1600/P1020254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXrycXn-3uE/TpXNjuwWViI/AAAAAAAAAQs/pOBnbg8Knag/s320/P1020254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In Tenerife, where I started the course, there aren't that many competitions which makes it difficult to do the practicals. But in Madrid there is a competition almost every weekend! There are regional level, national level and, as I posted on Monday, even the Spanish Championship! So, I've already completed all the practicals I need to do before Phase 2 on the theoretical side. The second part has been confirmed for November and I already received the study plan. We have 4 days of intense lessons and an exam every day! So I'll let you know how I get on - fingers crossed!<br />
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I'm trying to go to as many competitions as I can. I think that the best way to improve at something is to dedicate time to it and practice, practice, practice. I was lucky to be able to sit with the judges as admin secretary at the Championships and, although it was hard work and a lot of hours, I noticed that things were coming together for me. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L2LTD4d6s4/TpXPYoKTiKI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/3xmaHUfNsiM/s1600/P1020262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L2LTD4d6s4/TpXPYoKTiKI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/3xmaHUfNsiM/s320/P1020262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the Championship there was an invited International judge and on Saturday and Sunday I had the good fortune to sit with her. She was none other than Mariette Withages! Just to bring you up to speed, Ms Withages has been an International judge for over 30 years, she has been a judge 6 times at the Dressage World Cup Finals, the 1st woman President of the Ground Jury at the 1998 World Equestrian Games, dressage judge at 4 Olympic Games and the President of the FEI Dressage Committee from 2001 until 2008. What an honour to be able to sit with her!<br />
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I asked her what, in her opinion, made a good dressage judge. She told me that it is essential to know the theory; to understand the training scale; to base all judgements on my own criteria based on the previous two; to know, understand and have experience of the moves that I am judging (I'll have to get on with doing some decent flying changes and learn how to do pirouettes then!); have a good memory as it is important to remember the tests of each horse to be able to judge and score fairly; and to have a strong character as it is not unusual for others (riders, trainers, owners) to try and influence your opinion and therefore your judging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpl9VGRBo4U/TpXRfhKBjmI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-ATRWW17-AY/s1600/P1020278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpl9VGRBo4U/TpXRfhKBjmI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-ATRWW17-AY/s320/P1020278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was an exceptional opportunity for me and so interesting to be listening to a judge with such experience. I also sat with other Spanish national level judges and was able to benefit from their experience also. I believe that the secret is to see as many different horses as possible at all levels. But it is also essential to train the eye and the brain to see what is in front of me and to be able to apply the theory and training scale in an instant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQK5_ljcVu4/TpXSlj2NDXI/AAAAAAAAARE/LZTZpYlDjJM/s1600/P1020279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQK5_ljcVu4/TpXSlj2NDXI/AAAAAAAAARE/LZTZpYlDjJM/s320/P1020279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying change</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is hard work, there is no easy way to do it and, to be honest, it's very necessary to love dressage! But I feel that even though I'm only just starting out on this, and I realise that I have a long way to go, I'm really learning new things every time I go to a competition and reinforcing things that I've already learned.<br />
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So the compulsory practical tests before Phase 2 are already completed but this weekend it's the Spanish Championships for Juniors, so I've offered my services to sit with the judges again. It's going to be interesting to see different levels as all the riders are under 21 and to see how the judges operate. It's also going to be a long weekend - over 140 participants! But I'm already looking forward to it! I'll let you know how it all went next week.<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094825719996004940.post-52235970175196827392011-10-10T20:54:00.000+02:002011-10-10T20:54:06.849+02:00Spanish Dressage Championships 2011I'm sure that you may (or may not!) have noticed that I've had a little 'bloggy' break. Not that I haven't got anything to post about but I've just had very limited time between one thing and another. But I have been storing up all my photos ready to send them out into blogspace to share with anyone that's interested!<br />
<br />
This weekend was the Spanish Dressage Championships 2011. I was held in the Club Deportivo SEK on the outskirts of Madrid. We had three days of glorious weather, beautiful horses and great riding. It was the adults competition this weekend and the juniors start on Friday this week. I was there the whole time - I even went to see the vet check on Thursday afternoon before the real competition got underway. <br />
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I was there for a couple of reasons. Firstly because, as you may know, I'm currently doing a course and practical tests to become a regional dressage judge (more about this tomorrow) and all the experience I can get is useful; and secondly, I was just curious to see what went on at a vet check for a competition of this level. I have to say that I enjoyed it and it was great to see the horse before they started to compete.<br />
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So the competition has finished and the winners have been announced:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2m7KqTmv2Q/TpM7AtM8j6I/AAAAAAAAAQc/CbRv2JsBhJs/s1600/P1020356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2m7KqTmv2Q/TpM7AtM8j6I/AAAAAAAAAQc/CbRv2JsBhJs/s320/P1020356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medal winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The gold medal went to the horse 'Grandioso' ridden by José Daniel Martín Dockx, the silver medal went to 'Ciowa' ridden by Carmen Naesgaard and the bronze medal went to 'Guardadamas' ridden by José Antonio García Mena. It was a close thing and the medals were fought for every day of the competition. There was no clear winner even on the final day which made it all the more exciting!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GNIDW4zbfY/TpM72L5V7dI/AAAAAAAAAQg/aOTeVeWMQbU/s1600/P1020363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GNIDW4zbfY/TpM72L5V7dI/AAAAAAAAAQg/aOTeVeWMQbU/s320/P1020363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winners with their trophies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BBnnD7lrec/TpM8Ps0NOuI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ag0j9z030uo/s1600/P1020368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BBnnD7lrec/TpM8Ps0NOuI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ag0j9z030uo/s320/P1020368.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmen and Ciowa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were other categories also being disputed over the weekend - Prix St. Georges, Young Riders and Juniors. The level was high and it was good to see that the new generation of riders are showing great talent and dedication.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dN7AUXSloTI/TpM9N0kQv0I/AAAAAAAAAQo/VmIEx5W1C1s/s1600/P1020301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dN7AUXSloTI/TpM9N0kQv0I/AAAAAAAAAQo/VmIEx5W1C1s/s320/P1020301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other category winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I really enjoyed the experience. It was the first Spanish championship that I have been able to attend and I didn't have far to go to see it! I find dressage very interesting to watch and there is always something new to learn - especially from more experienced riders. On Sunday all the tests were Kür (free tests to music) so it was even more interesting, waiting to hear the choice of music for each rider and how they had made their movements fit. A perfect weekend!<br />
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<em>Hasta pronto!</em>AC Quigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907785835378009837noreply@blogger.com5