So because I’m still horselessly holidaying and the Horde is chilling at home (praise the Lord, Magic is looking better and seems to be on the road to recovery, God willing) you guys get to read some more questions. Sorry. Cool wrap-up on my first real beach ride (squee!) comin right up as soon as I actually go on it.
This idea comes from Chasing the Dream.
1. If your horse was a person, who would they be? (you can generalize personality if you can’t think of someone).
Arwen would be one of those really businesslike young women you find in offices; you know, the clipboard-wielding, pencil-skirt-wearing type.
Magic would be the character that’s always my favourite in an adventure novel: the friendly, sensitive and selfless one whose only fault is his apparent cowardice, the one who cries after battles, who in the end saves everyone after a key event reveals his inner great courage.
Skye is Queen Boadicea: fearless, fiery and defiant of anything that thinks it can conquer her, but a loving mother for all her ferocious protectiveness.
As for Thunder, he’s every girl’s dream guy. Tall and handsome with smooth black hair that falls irresistibly over his eyes, he’ll adore you forever, has impeccable manners and agrees with everything you say.

2. What is one (or two…or five) piece(s) of equipment you CANNOT live without.
Hmm. Probably my helmet, because I may quite literally not be living without it. I’m very attached to Arwen’s wonderful Kent and Masters saddle as well.

3. When did you start riding/ what discipline?
I was four and my chosen discipline was Not Falling Off. Seriously though, I spent the next several years just riding out and staying on with variable success.

4. Do you have a barn dog? If so, what breed?
I am followed everywhere by two German shepherds and two Jack Russels. The shepherds, Cyclone and Blizzard, are the canine equivalents of the angel and demon on Kronk’s shoulders in The Emperor’s New Groove. The Jackies, Yip and Yap, live to run and be snuggled.

5. Do you like doing stalls or nah?
I don’t have stables, but when I do have to muck out I really enjoy it. It’s so satisfying.

6. What treat(s) does your horse go nuts over?
Carrots – it’s all they get, except for apples for special treats, which they adore. Better for them and for my wallet than cookies.

7. If you’ve switched disciplines, why? If not, also why?
I used to want to be a showjumper, but then I rode my first cross-country course. I’m now desperately hooked on eventing, but I’ll ride anything. I also switched Thunder from dressage to Western because it was more chilled and suitable for a pleasure horse.

8. What is your least favorite discipline and why (yeah, I aint afraid to be scandalous)?
Saddle seat, but only because I don’t understand it. It’s not very pretty in my eyes and I’m not terribly fond of the amount of gadgets used.

9. Who is currently your favorite rider?
The Horse Mutterer; among famous people, easily Charlotte Dujardin. Have you ever seen a position that perfect or a dressage horse that exuberant?

10. What is your BIGGEST pet peeve regarding horses?
The way their people treat each other. So much emphasis has been laid on the love, respect and understanding of the horse, which is amazing, that I know we can love, respect and understand each other even better. There’s no need for us to be down on one another and while I have come across many supportive and loving horse communities, I have to admit that our reputation as stuck up horse people is in many cases well earned.