25

Hi! I'm away to the city for work conferences this week, so here's some blog content courtesy of the 25 questions that have been circulating. I'm not sure where it originated, but I'm sending a big thank you to the original poster. I've loved reading everyone's responses!

Why horses? Why not a sane sport, like soccer or softball or curling?

I actually did all the normal kid sports, but I don't know, horses have always been what I've loved most.

What was your riding “career” like as a kid?

No career. I started riding at 11 via a friend by doing barn chores in exchange for a pony. There was zero structure and no adults, so we were basically a pack of wild children on ponies doing a lot of probably very unsafe, dumb things. But it was fun!

If you could go back to your past and buy ONE horse, which would it be?

I'd like to say Audrey, but let's face it, that would have been a disaster. She needs a pro.  I've actually got no regrets, everything has worked out as it's needed to.

What disciplines have you participated in?

Eventing, dressage, trail riding, english hack/pleasure, western show, reined cowhorse a little.

What disciplines do you want to participate in some day?

I'd really like to try mounted archery.

Have you ever bought a horse at auction or from a rescue?

Haven't bought one, was given one 6 month old youngster who was near death due to neglect and that was definitely a rescue, and another one in serious need of an upgrade. Last I heard, both were still living happy, healthy lives as trail horses.

What was your FIRST favorite horse breed – the one you loved most as a kid?

I had a book of all the horse breeds and I remember there was a black horse in there that I thought was perfect. 

Look! I found "the" picture. He's a Nonius!?

If you could live and ride in any country in the world, where would it be?

England. Two of my old barnmates are there working as riders and it just looks amazing.

Do you have any horse-related regrets?

So many. I wish I could keep them all. I wish I could take back all the dumb stuff I did when I was young and stupid.

If you could ride with any trainer in the world, ASIDE from your current trainer, who would it be?

I really like my current trainer but I'd never turn down a lesson with Carl Hester or Ingrid Klimke

What is one item on your horse-related bucket list?

Some kind of epic multi day horseback travel adventure. I'm eyeing up a South American one currently, but can't decide which country.

If you were never able to ride again, would you still have horses?
Of course!

What is your “biggest fantasy” riding goal?

Riding Grand Prix dressage in a horse I trained. Eventing at Training would be goals for me too.

What horse do you feel like has taught you the most?

Bridget. I know that sounds weird when she's pretty non dramatic on paper, but I've had more challenges and wipe outs on her than all the other horses in my life combined. The zero work ethic thing with the default "no' answer to everything new has taught me a ton about breaking things down into tiny steps, and keeping it interesting. Also, being persistent.

If you could change one thing about your current horse/riding situation, what would it be?

I'd have something I could actively compete on while I'm waiting for Sophie to mature. I'm concerned I'll go back to being very nervous for shows if I take a big break from them. I am very lucky to have lessons on Audrey, though!

If you could compete at any horse show/venue in your home country, where would it be?

We technically checked all those off the bucket list the past few years, but I'd like to go back to TBird and earn a little redemption - we didn't have the best outing! Out of country bucket list show I could reasonably travel to with my barn remains Rebecca Farm, although the Del Mar dressage shows look intriguing too.

If you could attend any competition in the world as a spectator, what would be your top choice?

Blair Castle. My gram was from very near there so it would be fun to mix a little family history sightseeing with some beautiful countryside and UK eventing, and also catch up with some friends based near there.

Have you ever thought about quitting horses?

All the time - it's a very tough and expensive hobby to make happen in this part of the world. These days, my horses are pets and I'd be unlikely to sell them completely, but I do consider it in the context of removing myself from the horsey world by not training or competing and just having backyard pets.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the horse industry, what would it be?

Eliminate mistreatment of any animals.

What’s the dumbest horse-related thing you’ve done that actually turned out pretty well?

All of it. Logically, just having horses with my available time and finances is kind of stupid. But hey, I make it work, and I'm happy.

As you get older, what are you becoming more and more afraid of?

Being bankrupt due to horses/vet bills ;) Serious answer: I'm more accepting of change and risk the older I get, so strangely enough, I'm much more at peace with myself and much braver now than I've ever been.

What horse-related book impacted you the most?

Books are actually what got me hooked on horses. I read all the Billy and Blaze books in Grade 1 or 2 and just thought horses were the coolest thing ever and that I needed to see one in real life. I read a book about the most amazing Irish Setter in the same time frame and wanted one, but that didn't stick ;)

What personality trait do you value most in a horse and which do you dislike the most?

Like: forgiving, wants to please

Dislike: lack of a work ethic

What do you love most about your discipline?

Dressage: feeling like the horse and I are totally in sync.

Eventing: pushes my boundaries.
Trail riding: relaxing getaway.

What are you focused on improving the most, at the moment?

My fitness/weight.