5-Day Challenge: Day 1

Tracy, over at Fly on Over, started a 5-Day Blogging Challenge. I don't normally participate in these kinds of things as I have a hard enough time squeezing in everything that happens to my two boys as it is. In this case, I liked some of the questions, and I've enjoyed reading others' answers, so I'll give it a try. I also love that it is organized by fives - five questions over five days which fits nicely with My 5 Things.

Here are My (first) 5 Things:

1. Most influential person on your riding: right now, that would have to be my trainer, JL. I had two endurance mentors, but for most of my life I've been without a trainer or a horse-focused family. I just did what I wanted with my horses. I missed out on early formal training, but the upside was that I learned a lot on my own.

2. Piece of tack you’d love to splurge on: we're not rich or anything, but when I see something I really want, I ultimately get it. But there is one thing I've had my eye on for a while that I can't see myself buying any time soon; a nice all purpose saddle. I don't need it for dressage of course, but if I do more fox hunting, it would be more appropriate for that sport.

Not necessarily this Pessoa, but something like this.

3. Top 5 riding playlist: I've never used headphones (except for an earpiece with a trainer) while riding. I can't listen to music from earbuds and ride; it's simply too isolating and would seem to remove the rider from the more visceral aspects of riding. When the neighbor has his stereo up loud, I do sort of dig listening to that while I ride, but I find that I tend to tune it out rather quickly and am not even aware it's playing.

4. Most important aspect of your barn: private and all inclusive. I board my two horses at a private home where I am treated as though I actually live there. Other than actually purchasing the hay, I am consulted on every issue related to my horses' care. My barn owners will do any "services" that I request like blanketing, feeding supplements, turn out, etc. I am there nearly seven days a week though, so I am free to do as I please.

Boarding Heaven

5. Three winter riding goals: 
1) Firm up some of the First Level movements (leg yield and lengthenings). 2) Get Sydney's right lead canter departure down pat. 
3) Try at least one more fox hunt. 

L to R - Speedy and Louisiana, me and Sydney, Noah and his pony, Annabelle and her mount (our field guide) at Tejon Hounds inaugural Fox Hunt, November 17, 2013. Photo is courtesy of Edyta.