10 Questions for December

 I am jumping on L. Williams December 10 questions. Here goes.

1. Does you horse need shoes?

Dottie, top and DaVinci

Winston, one trimmed, one yet to be done

Dottie and DaVinci both wear front shoes. Both have them for support. Dottie injured her hoof before we owned her and it caused a crack at the top of her hoof. The shoes help keep the crack minimal. Plus the big girl hates the rocks. DaVinci used to get gravel which caused abscesses when we first got him, so the shoes help alleviate that problem. We used to pull his shoes in the winter, but the past snow and hard ground were rough on his heels. At their ages, we pay the extra to keep them comfy.
Winston has never worn shoes and has pretty great feet despite getting laminitis. All four cobs are barefoot with their super cob feet. Rosemary is slightly more flat footed than the others and may need to have shoes if we start driving her more. Maybe boots will work.


2. What do you think of the barefoot vs shoes debate?

To each his own as long as the horse's well being in taken into account.

Comrade, best hooves ever

3. Favorite season for riding?

I love riding in the fall. The weather is just getting cooler and the leaves are changing colors.

4. How many shows do you think you’ve gone to?
Over 20 while I was in high school and college, but more recently I only get to about 2 a year.

5. Do you consider yourself a good rider?
Yes, at least my horses tell me so...

6. How experienced do you think someone needs to be to own a horse?
Anyone can own a horse. Period. That's the easy part. If you have enough money, you can pay for quality care from experienced people. If you don't and you have the drive to succeed and access to someone to pick their brain, you will be great.

7.  Have you ever gotten into a fight with your trainer?
Not with any instructor, but I have snapped at my Mom before when I was much younger.

8. Describe your dream horse
My Mom always said I wanted a grey horse and I got him in Barry a 13.3h powerhouse Arabian. He was a challenge, but so much fun and we clicked into a team. On the ground he could read my emotions and I could tell if he was feeling off. He was my great "thing" in a little package.

9. Does anyone in your family ride?
Yes, everyone except my youngest brother has ridden in the past. My other brother was one of those natural riders, but girls grabbed his attention. Dad rode Barry on trails, and more recently he rode Dottie. Mom and my sister ride when they have time. We have to put my sister on a new ride since Dottie is retired.

10. If you could ride any horse in the world, which one would it be? Why?
As a Cob owner, I would say Cardi, but since he is on the opposite coast, I will settle for any upper level dressage horse. I really would love to feel the passage.