Filler Fun

Things have been pretty busy and I keep forgetting to upload photos that go with what I’ve written, so here is a filler post (stolen from L at Viva Carlos).

1. Do you actually always pick the horse’s feet? Always? Really?
   • Yes! Do people really not? I can admit to forgetting a time or two but I’ve never intentionally just not picked them. The one time I wouldn’t do it would be the one time there is a boulder in one of his hooves.
2. What is the biggest obstacle/reason preventing you from becoming a professional or competing full time with ease?
   • I like being an ammy. Plus, being a pro requires you to actually know how to ride…
3. Do you think it will ever not be about the money?
   • That depends on what “it” is. Riding? For me, I think it will always be about my resources (i.e. money), but I do wish it wasn’t. In general, I think enough hard work and dedication combined with talent can get you anywhere you want to be.
4. What is one weakness in your riding that even your trainer doesn’t pick up on, only you?
   • Well, considering I don’t exactly have a trainer right now, everything.
5. What is the biggest doubt/insecurity you ask or tell yourself in your head?
   • I mostly just second guess my distance and whether or not we will make it over the jump. We almost always do and its in my head.
6. There is a barn fire. You are the first person to discover it and see that the roof is collapsing in slowly, and you can tell that it’s going to come down any time. Do you call people first, or head in straight to save the horses?
   • How morbid. I would go for the ponies, obviously, but why can’t I call someone at the same time?
7. What is one event in your riding career/horse/anything that you’re still not over, even though you might tell others you are?
   • More than anything, I wish I had gotten into the hunter/jumper world a little earlier and had “pony days.” That being said, I wouldn’t change my showing and time with Angel for a second.
8. Have you ever seen questionable riding or training practices, but let it go/ignored it? How do you feel about it in hindsight?
   • I’ve seen more things that I don’t agree with as opposed to “questionable practices.” I normally just keep my mouth shut because it isn’t my business, not my horse, and not my place to butt in.
9. What is your biggest source of caffeine that gets you through the day? (drink, not just brand).
   • Coffee, hands down. Though my co-worker has recently introduced me to the magical goodness that is black tea.
10. One token of advice a fellow rider/trainer/horse person told you that you still remember to this day. 
    • Give yourself more credit.
11. How do you tell when a horse likes someone/has bonded with you or someone else?
    • I think it is an individual thing, but you just know. It took a while before Ax stopped staring at me with his eyes glazed over and actually realized he was stuck with me.
12. Are horses capable of loving, in your opinion?
    • Are they capable of eating?
13. If you could have one horse from your past come back for 5 minutes, who would it be, why, and what would you do with them in those 5 minutes?
    
    • Ziggy. I owe the giant chestnut that helped me get back into riding after a nasty fall a huge hug and a thank you.

-TC