ORIGINAL EQUESTRIAN BLOG CHALLENGE 



Day 01- When and why you started riding 
I started when I first moved to France. I was almost 8 at the time. I fell in love with the little Icelandic ponies that taught me the basics. 
<3 Rufus, Unior, Biscuit and Vanille!

Day 02- The last time you rode a horse and what you did 
This afternoon. Focusing on toys in the arena and then out onto the trails. I loved the trail part!

Day 03- A video of your best riding 
I am ashamed of my riding. Why would I video it?

Day 04- A ride that impacted your life 
Moving up from the tiny ponies onto a horse that looked big back then. The horse was probably only about 15 hands but I became terrified of the bigger horses and spent most lessons riding the ponies. I was preserving my confidence and it has led me to the horses I have today. Under 15 hands. Always.
Day 05- Your first fall 
Second trailride ever. It was probably my 5th ride. We were cantering down a vineyard and the pony swerved around a sharp rock. Yes I was cantering confidently out on the trails by my 5th ride. Bruno was an amazing instructor and his horses were excellent.
Day 06- All the tack and riding clothes you have (brand/color/other details) 
All the clothes I own excpet for my nice school clothes and dresses are used for riding. Tack. 3 saddles (anyone want a black pony saddle?) 2 girths, bareback pad, bridle mismatches and I somehow ended up with a martingale. How? I dont have a clue.Day 07- Your favorite ribbon won at a show and why 
First place in a Bareback Class on my favorite pony before he was about to be sold and retire. I won first place because I was the only one participating. Shows how much courage and balance most people have. 

Day 08- A little about the barn/stable you ride at 
I care for the people that own it alot.  But sometimes the barn and area don't have what I need to build my confidence and help my horsemanship. I really wish I boarded at Kara's.
Day 09- Any injuries that occurred from riding
No physical, but many mental and emotional blows to my confidence.

Day 10- How your family/friends feel about your riding 
Dad thinks if I can't improve, then there is no need for horses. No pressure. :\
Mom used to ride and she is getting back into it and she has always loved horses. 
Matt couldn't care less.
Some friends find it cool. Others find me brave. Others couldn't care less. Horses have no place in their world of texting, shopping and video games. Eck.
Day 11- Find a horse for sale online that you would want to buy 
Hmmm....A MINIATURE HORSE!!!!!!! And a foal...and any kind really. Oh! A Donkey! (you get the idea!)

Day 12- Favorite horse color 
ALLLLL OFFF THEMMM... except white. White gets dirty and others will always criticize you for having a dirty horse.Day 13- A video of your worst riding 
No. I am ashamed of my riding. I'm not going to film it though. 
Day 14- Your dream barn/farm 
Ocala or Pagosa Springs.Or just Kara's house. :) Luv you Kara Shmara!
Day 15- If you could speak to any horse, dead or alive, what would you say? 
Casper. "What am I doing right and wrong? What do you like? What are you scared of? TELL ME YOUR LIFE STORY!"

Day 16- Your most recent fall 
Off of Sharlie back a few months ago. My first fall off of Sharlie. My most recent too.

Day 17- Your equestrian idol 
Linda Parelli!

Day 18- Your grooming routine 
I only groom them if they are very dirty or if I am going to be riding or something because I know they don't like being clean. They will just go back out and roll the second I leave. :)

Day 19- A discipline you would like to do that you’ve never done before 
Western riding as a whole is new and exotic to me. If only my horse's back was big enough for a western saddle....Or driving has always fascinated me.
Day 20- Your favorite horse show 
Saddle Club!
Day 21- Your perfect schooling outfit 
I'm sorry, what? O.o

Day 22- The importance of riding in your life 
Its way more than riding. Its about the relationship, the bond and the communication and understanding. :) 

Day 23- Critique a famous/well known equestrian’s jumping round of your choosing 
.......
Day 24- Your best riding friend 
Kara. She keeps me calm and motivated, and even without doing anything, causes me to think "what would linda do?"

Day 25- Your dream trailer 
A trailer that Sharlie and Casper will load in. That is nice, safe, etc...
Day 26- Biggest riding pet peeve 
When people bounce all over the horses back, pull on their mouths too much, have all these gadgets to tie the horse's head down, etc, etc. (Which can sometimes be me)

Day 27- You know your an equestrian when….. (Give 5 original ones) 
Your horses want to be with you.
Your essays and papers are always about horses in one way or another.
Teachers know you are an equestrian 5 minutes after you walk in the classroom on the first day.
You wear riding clothes anywhere.
Dogs, cats, fish & horses are all treated like horses.
Day 28- Helmet or no helmet? 
Helmet.

Day 29- A style/trend in tack/riding appearal that you don’t like 
The fake oversold look. There are so many different types. All fake in more way than one.

Day 30- Your Future With Horses
Wherever I want it to go. :)