Just for Dangerbunny!

I'm off to play at vacation, so this will have to tide you all over for a while.  Enjoy!

1. If you could ride any horse (living or dead) who would you pick?

Blue Hors Matinée – I want to know what that freestyle feels like to ride!

2. Who are your role models and why?
My mom – countless reasons, but most recently: we have been coaxing my mom to show dressage with us for a few years now. She’s always shown her mare western pleasure and hunter pleasure. It seemed only a logical step, since she’s already riding with dressage principles. She went so far as to buy a dressage saddle and make sure her boots fit… she still has not ridden a dressage test, and she looked at me and said, “I’ve come to the realization that I just prefer a nice western pleasure ride. I don’t want to ride or show any style of English. So, I’m not going to!” It turns out she was just showing hunt for additional experience for her horse. I’m proud of her for considering something outside of her comfort zone before deciding that she wasn’t interested. I admire her resolution to tell her peers like she sees it and to say it without judgment. I admire how she knows what she wants and actively pursues it. I admire her ability to show up and watch me ride a beginner novice eventing course. At the same time I respect that she couldn’t possibly bring herself to watch me ride a Preliminary course (if I ever even get there).

3. if you didn't have animals what would you do with all the extra money?
I have no idea… Vacation in Europe, maybe?

4. what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Mint Chocolate Chip

5. What motivates you when you feel like giving up?
Seriously, my mom. I never even realized it before. When I tell her what I want to do, she mulls it over objectively, then she tells me to go for it, because she believes I can do it.

6.What is your favorite equine sport and why?
Why do I have to pick a favorite? They all appeal to me… Each sport has its own charm and its own draws… I can’t even pick a favorite to compete in – how can I pick a favorite overall??
OK, FINE! I can’t resist a galloping XC course!
…but reining looks like fun, too…

7. If money was no object, what would you do differently?
I would quit my job and apprentice to a top trainer – or I would get my own truck and trailer before trying to show… or both?

8. do you think nutrition makes a difference in equine attitude?
Absolutely! It even makes a difference in human attitude!!

9. Favorite horse name?
It really depends on the horse…
Went to a show once where the same Paint won all the western classes. Perhaps it was the way the announcer said his name every time… “Cruuuuuuuuuusin’ on Wet Paint”
Or the Miniature stallion I got to show with a name bigger than he was… “Serenity Acres Ordered a Snowdrift”
and I’ve become pretty fond of “Psycho Mare”, even though it turns out she really isn’t…
But even better is when “RSA Talk ofthe Street” gets on the trailer to go to a show with “Out on the Town”!

10. describe your dream horse
Brave, forward… Expressive movement… Big jumper… delicate face…
Am I already riding this horse?  Bigger-than-pony-size better be on the list, too, then!

11. if you could travel in time, what advice would you give beginner you?
Don’t wait! Do it NOW!