25 Questions (it's actually 24!)

SprinklerBandit started this on my blog-roll, looked like fun :)


1. Mares or Geldings? Why?

I never thought I would say this, but after Promise, I most definitely prefer mares. A good horse is a good horse, regardless of gender.


2. Green-broke or Fully Broke?

I like greenies that have good brains -- that aren't going to do anything stupid if you challenge them or show them something new. I do love a well-broke horse that I can just get on and go, however.



3. Would you own a "hotter" breed (ie. Arabian, Trakhener, etc)?

I don't mind thoroughbreds at all. And I almost bought a trakhener gelding before I met Promise.



4. What was your "dream horse" growing up?

A liver chestnut arabian with lots of chrome and a flaxen mane and tail. Or, you know, the black stallion!



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

Promise always went in a slow twist snaffle at home. For showing, we used a twisted double egg butt, so I had a little better brakes when she was "up."



6. Helmets or no helmets?

Helmet.



7. Favorite horse color?

I love a really dark bay or liver chestnut.



8. Least favorite horse color?

I am not a fan of chestnuts or cremellos.



9. Dressage or Jumping?

Both! But mostly hunter. :)



10. How many years have you been riding?

I've been riding for approximately 29 years. I started when I was 2, riding with my mom.



11. Spurs/whip or no spurs/whip?

Whip. I don't really like spurs.



12. Your first fall?

I was taking a lesson when I was about 6 or 7, on a little black pony named Velvet. My grandmother came around the back of the arena on her mare, and Velvet spooked when the horse came into the open doorway. She zigged, I zagged, and I landed on my feet.



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

Almost 2 weeks ago. I rode a big grey QH gelding named Kirby and got to jump 2'6"! Last Thursday, I rode Mya.



14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?

My County saddle.



15. How old were you when you started riding?

I started when I was 2, riding with my mom. I started lessons at 6 or 7.



16. Leather or Nylon halters?

Nylon for every day use. Leather for showing and/or shipping.



17. Leather or Synthetic saddles?

Leather.



18. What "grip" of reins do you like?

I just like regular old-fashioned laced leather reins :)



19. English or Western?

English, but western is nicer for long trail rides



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

I boarded mostly at full-care facilities. I did work off board as much as I could when I was in college.




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

Yes, I lost Promise on 7/11/12.




22. How many saddlepads do you have?

Like 5 or 6, I think. But I have 1 or 2 that I use almost exclusively.



23. Slant-load trailer or straight haul?

I don't have a trailer.



24. Why do you ride?

I love horses, I love the partnership and the exhilaration that comes with it. I can't imagine my life without horses in it somehow. Weekly lessons definitely help me get my fix, but I do hope I have own a horse or two again sometime down the road.