Ten years ago, I witnessed one of the most un-horseman-like antics from someone who claimed to a be a "certified trainer" of a popular clinician to the masses. If his confusing actions were any part of a credible teaching process, I made the decision that this girl would never need “one of those” clinicians. I hadn’t forgotten my experience, but my curiosity was peaked when two friends suggested that I might consider talking to the darling of RFD-TV, Clinton Anderson. Although my fellow horse show junkies may be in disbelief that I’d miss a day in the show ring, it was simple. The guy is hot!

The 21st Winter Olympics begin Friday in Vancouver. Leave it to our Dakota Diamond Griffith to bridge the gap between our horse show world and the Olympics. With Dakota style, she does this with none other than Lindsey Vonn, the best downhill skier in the world right now. Lindsey has won the past two World Cup Championships and by the end of these Olympics, there's a reasonable chance she will become one of the most decorated American Winter Olympians of all time. As Dakota explains, Lindsey just happens to be the “Vonn-derful” Olympic bound niece of AQHA/NSBA judge, Lisa Krohn!

The Winter Circuit has wrapped up here in Florida, but not without a final send off party at Fox Lea Farm. The weather finally cooperated for the exhibitors, even if just for one day!  I feel like I've been in Florida forever! I guess I kinda have, at least since before Thanksgiving. But before I head north, I want to fill you in on all the goings-on from the sunshine state! 

Although it was a frigid 35 degrees, Rita Crundwell’s annual birthday party heated up the beachfront patio Sunday night at the famous Sharky’s restaurant in Venice Beach, Florida. Industry leaders traveled to Venice from many parts of the country just to attend the party which was one of the premier events of the year. It was just the shot in the arm needed by weary horse show exhibitors who have been braving unseasonably cold temperatures for several weeks during the Florida Winter Circuits.

What is up with New Year’s Resolutions? Where did they originate and does anyone really ever follow through on them? Most of us have a certain commitment phobia to begin with but we find it especially hard when it comes to making a resolution. Carl Yamber actually playfully jumped in his truck to attempt a fast get-away when I pressed for his. I felt like the paparazzi chasing Tiger Woods. Just kidding, but it does put people on the spot if only for a day.  We all know I'm not above putting people on the spot though, so I asked some of the leaders in the industry, "What's your New Year's Resolution?"

Greetings from the “COLD” Coast. This is definitely one of my favorite shows of the year but I think we all enjoy it a little more when the weather is warmer! However, the heat has been on for Trainer Bowl votes! Trainer Bowl mania has hit down here big time. You should have seen people literally scrambling to and from the show pen Sunday night to cast votes for their favorites at the end of Round One. I plan to catch up with a few of the participating trainers while we're here.

Happy Holidays y’all! I’m happy to be back blogging for my favorite website GoHorseShow.com, but I am feeling super pressure right now. The end of another year is approaching, and some of us (like me!) are still chasing precious horse show points and I haven’t finished my Holiday shopping! Any of you readers need some last minute help like I do? Come on, even Ebenezer Scrooge came through with presents at the end of the story, so there will be no excuse for a Bah Humbug from any of us this year.

Hey, my name is Dakota Diamond Griffith coming straight to you from Ohio. For those of you who don't know me, I'm the girl who hauls to way too many horse shows with my black mare, Hope and may talk just a little TOO much!