Blog Hop: 25 Questions

I find that Blog Hops are fun but act more as fillers when life is busy. So here is a little filler as I procrastinate my deadlines. Thanks to That Red Mare for the hop and Everyday Equestrian for sharing hers so I saw it.

1. Mares or Geldings? Why?
Both. I love the sassy mare attitude thanks to my Angel-pony, but I also love the dopey lifestyle of a gelding.

2. Green-broke or Fully Broke?
Again, I’ve had both. Angel was a green bean when we first bought her and Ax was a veteran that needed some touch-ups. So I guess I like the middle ground.

3. Would you own a “hotter” breed (ie. Arabian, Trakhener, etc).
I do. Morgans will always have a soft spot in my heart.

4. What was your “dream horse” growing up?
When I was really little I wanted an appaloosa mare, I have no clue why I was so specific. Then I grew up a tiny bit and wanted a big dapple grey hunter.

5. What kind of bit(s) do you use and why?
I use two different types of D-Rings; a waterford and a Happy Mouth french link. Ax’s mouth is extremely soft and sensitive, so I try to keep him happy. Ultimately he loves when I ride in the bitless.

6. Helmets or no helmets?
MIND YOUR MELON. It took me a long time to realize this and I am 100% guilty of riding without a helmet for a couple years once I turned 18. I’ve now learned (thankfully, not the hard way) that my helmet is my crown. Every now and then I’ll hop on for a photoshoot or spontaneous ride sans-helmet, but never more than that.

7. Favorite horse color?
Grey or blood bay. I love bathing my horse anyways so grey doesn’t bother me.

8. Least favorite horse color?
NOONEKILLMEBUTIDONTREALLYLIKEPAINTS. And blue eyes skeeve me out.

9. Dressage or Jumping?
A balance of both. Dressage and flatwork are your basis for jumping and I don’t have a preference.

10. How many years have you been riding?
Fourteen years.

11. Spurs/whip or no spurs/whip?
Spurs and no whip. I think that when correctly used, spurs can be a valuable tool to a rider. I’ll use a short crop if needed, but I prefer none.

12. Your first fall?
I think my first fall was off the old schoolie I always rode, JB. I was going over a cross rail and he cantered away and my 8-year-old bum plopped to the ground.  Needless to say, I thought I was dying.

13. When was the last time you rode and what did you do?
Yesterday. I worked on bending and transitions in test format.

14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?
This is tough because I refuse to pay full price for most things. I am a bargain shopper and will stand in line outside of tack sales for an hour before I’ll go in on any day and pay the retail price. My most expensive piece of tack that I own if I had purchased it full price would be my bridles or my half pad.

15. How old were you when you started riding?
Eight.

16. Leather or Nylon halters?
Leather. If I have to use it Nylon it better be cute and have a leather breakaway.

17. Leather or Synthetic saddles?
Leather.

18. What “grip” of reins do you like?
Laced. I despise rubber reins.

19. English or Western?
English but I don’t not like Western.

20. How many horses do you currently own/lease?
Two. Yes, I consider Angel mine. Technically Ax is the only horse in my name that I pay completely for but Angel was “mine” for so long that I still think of her as mine.

21. Do you board your horse? Self-care/full board? Home board?
All three of our horses are in full board.

22. Have you ever had to put down a horse that you loved?
Thankfully, no. *knocks on wood* That is the last thing I want to think about.

23. How many saddlepads do you have?
Too many. Way too many. In my defense, Ax is a swampdog so if one gets wet then it takes a bit to dry and I’ll need another the next day. Plus I let them pile up until I wash them. I know that I have about fifteen at the barn and more at home so…

24. Slant-load trailer or straight haul?
My family has a straight load but none of our horses care which one.

25. Why do you ride?
Because if I didn’t I would go insane. And it makes me happy.

-TC