TRM Blog Hop!

I started to draft a post last night/this morning about a topic that’s been weighing on my mind, but can’t find the right words just yet. Then I saw another blog hop to participate in and since the first one was a lot of fun, I figured I’d join on in this one as well. This is brought to you by That Red Mare.

1. Mares or Geldings? Why?

I’ve always gotten along better with geldings. Less drama! But there are some seriously amazing mares out there…for someone other than myself.

2. Green-broke or Fully Broke?

Since I keep buying green horses, I’d say this one is fairly obvious. The one time I purchased a supposed “made” horse was a disaster and that made it clear that zero expectations is the way to go.

3. Would you own a “hotter” breed (ie. Arabian, Trakhener, etc).

I’m definitely a TB snob…love me some Thoroughbreds!

4. What was your “dream horse” growing up?

A palomino! It’s all I ever wanted. And still the one color I’ve never owned…I’ve had a chestnut, a grey, a grey/brown paint/TB and a bay.

5. What kind of bit(s) do you use and why?

I used a Level 1 Myler loose ring for the majority of training P and just recently switched to a boucher bit in September. P definitely goes better in the boucher and seems to like the steadiness of it.

6. Helmets or no helmets?

Helmets. Even when they make your hair gross and sweat drips from the brim right into your eyes, still helmets.

7. Favorite horse color?

I love P’s color…I wish I could freeze frame him like this.

8. Least favorite horse color?

Chestnut…maybe because the craziest horse I’ve had was a chestnut, though.

9. Dressage or Jumping?

Jumping…but dressage makes jumping fun because P is controllable thanks to the dressage work.

10. How many years have you been riding?

22, taking into account my 6 year hiatus after my accident.

11. Spurs/whip or no spurs/whip?

As of recently, I’ve been in riding in spurs to help with P’s sucking back. I don’t have a death wish though, so no whip.

12. Your first fall?

In warmup of my first show. My trainer told me I wasn’t a real rider until I had at least 7 falls. It worked and I got back on!

13. When was the last time you rode and what did you do?

This afternoon. We worked on walk-canter transitions. And P tried to kick the little pug chasing him in the midst of it all. Talent, he’s got it.
14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?

My jump saddle. After trying over 25 different saddles, it’s clear that CWD fits him the best. So I was able to pick up this lil gem.for $1500. After our final HT in December, it’s heading to the repair shop to get a new seat.

15. How old were you when you started riding?

I always say 2, because that’s what I was told. Lessons and showing? Around 6.
16. Leather or Nylon halters?

P has a leather halter and always has, so let’s go with that. Although it looks rather gross right now.

17. Leather or Synthetic saddles?

Leather

18. What “grip” of reins do you like?

I used to like laced, but ever since I got the Thinline reins, those are by far my favorites.

19. English or Western?

I’ve actually fallen off nearly every time I’ve ridden western, so English all the way.

20. How many horses do you currently own/lease?

One, but he’s got so many personalities it sometimes seems like more!

21. Do you board your horse? Self-care/full board? Home board?

What I wouldn’t give to own a farm and have P home with me. I do full-board.

22. Have you ever had to put down a horse that you loved?

Yes, in May 2013 I had to put Jester down. I cried for months. He was the 1st horse I rode in over 6 years after my xc accident.

Eck, I’m sad again.

23. How many saddlepads do you have?

8 all-purpose, 2 dressage, 3 half-pads. I heart saddle pads.

24. Slant-load trailer or straight haul?

Straight-load, baby.

25. Why do you ride?

Some days I have no idea. But I can’t imagine life without it.