Ag N Chat @ Horse Stud

This month's Ag n Chat topic was a visit to a thoroughbred horse stud - Kooringal Stud which is about 20km north east of Wagga.

I don't know the front end from the back end of a horse but hearing about how a horse stud operates was fascinating. Stuart and Penny were exceptional hosts and were very passionate about their family-run business.

We all learnt a lot and had a lovely morning tea in Penny's magnificent garden.

Jacqui using the "control-a-foal" harness which makes handling foals much easier and safer for the handlers while the very relaxed mare looks on.

Stuart's family have lived in this house for 99 years and the wisteria over the pergola is 99 years old as well. It's trunk was massive but the bush was still very healthy and alive.

Surprise Visit

Daniel and Ange blew in on Sunday morning for a surprise visit after spending the night in Wagga. They came over for the Wagga Ag Races to celebrate their friend Trent's 21st birthday.

We had a Fire Brigade BBQ lunch at the shed for a presentation of long service and appreciation awards so Ryan, Emma, Ange and Daniel begrudgingly posed for a photo!

School Reunion

Last Saturday night I had a school reunion. It was 25 years since we were in Year 10, or 23 years since Year 12 for most of us at Kooringal High School together. It was the first reunion I had been to and it was very odd seeing everyone as 40 year olds!! Some of us held our age well, while others hadn't been so lucky!! It was great to catch up with friends I hadn't seen for quite some time even though we communicate through email and Facebook.

Here I am on the left with Yvette, Kelly, Jo, Jacqui and Karen.

Ski School

Last week Farmer Phil, Ryan, Emma and I spent a week at Colombo Creek Ski School. It was for a Junior Training Camp so that the kids experience some expert tuition in slalom and trick skiing before the beginning of the tournament season. Farmer Phil was a boat driver for the week and I was the camp cook. There were 16 kids and 10 adults for the week.

The kids have a great time and all get on really well together. The adults have an equally good time with lots of laughs, drinks and sitting around the fire at night when the kids have gone to bed!

The main thing is for the kids to improve their skiing and Ryan and Emma certainly did that.


Tanika, Deanna, Emma, Luke and Ryan sitting around the fire bucket warming up after their sets.


Sue who helped me with the cooking, Farmer Phil on a boat driving break and Jono having a break from trick coaching.


Ryan's style in the Slalom Shoot Out competition.


Emma in the Slalom Shoot Out.


Colombo's Got Talent with the older girls performing an act - Jenna, Tanika, Hannah, Jayme and Deanna.


Jayme, Leah, Tahner, Sierra and Emma singing.


Jayme, Ryan, Blake and Brittany watching the show.


The winner of the Slalom Shoot Out was Luke in the middle with Deanna coming second. Ryan on the right won the Most Improved Skier Award.

The kids, coaches and boat drivers on the dock for the last day of skiing.