December's 10 Questions

Thanks, L, for providing some great filler content for when I'm stuck on my couch with a roll of toilet paper, blowing my nose every five seconds, instead of at the barn.

1. What size horse do you prefer to ride?
The smaller the better! Anything from a stocky medium pony on up to about 16h is within my comfort zone. Big horses, long horses, and very tall horses are harder for me to ride because I physically can't wrap my leg around them, and because I'm on the smaller side, a big horse is a lot for me to put together properly.

Midgets Fo' Life

2. Do you school in tall boots, or paddock boots and half chaps?
Paddocks and half chaps, because I often end up bathing, doing stalls, or turning out in my riding clothes since I am too lazy to switch boots 90% of the time. The paddock/half chap combo can take the abuse better than tall boots.

3. What do you do with ribbons after shows?
I write the date, name of the class, and name of the horse on the back, and hang them up in my office. The loads and loads of ribbons from years past are kept neatly in boxes in the closet because there just isn't room for them.

4. Do you ride/board at a large show barn, or a small private barn?
I keep Dino at a very small private barn, and I love it. I could never board him at a large show barn where there are always random people milling about, and risk him being fed treats he shouldn't have, or be in a barn where the trainer dictates the way I manage my own pony.

5. Have you ever seen a horse give birth?
Yes, for the breeding class I took in college we were required to witness 3 live foalings.

6. What is your favorite breed?
Owning Dino has totally sold me on sport ponies. All the athleticism and awesome movement of a big fancy sport horse in a compact package, with plenty of sass. Love them!

7. Favorite tack brand?
I don't think I really have a favorite... my tack is a mishmosh of different brands. I just buy what works for us and is good quality without putting me in the poorhouse. While I do buy nice things, I'm not super brand-conscious.

8. Would you ever buy used tack?
I would, and have! All of my saddles were bought used, and I have picked up some really nice stuff for cheap because someone else didn't need it anymore. The great thing about tack is that the quality things really hold their value if taken care of properly.

9. Have you ever been on a carriage ride?
I've DRIVEN carriages, how's that?!

10. How often do you go to the tack store?
Probably about once a month or so for feed and fly spray and that sort of thing. Trips to actually purchase tack or clothing are limited to a few times a year.