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What is your idea of perfect happiness with horses?
If I close my eyes – late summer, sun in the process of going down, but not yet set, riding outside. Breeze bushing my face and tossing my horses mane. We could be schooling in a ring or just going for a hack. To me, that is perfection.
What is the quality you most like in a horse?
There are so many things I could say that I value in a horse, but to me, what sets a horse apart in their personality.I like a horse that I can walk around a field with and feel like I’m having a conversation.My horse is a real joker, he’s always making me laugh and I love that.
What is your greatest horse extravagance?
Aside from my horse, it’s definitely the contents of my tack locker!I read a meme on the internet once that made me laugh, because it’s so accurate: “I like my money where I can see it, in the field and on my horse.”
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
That’s a tough one, I don’t know. In some ways, I think we have many great achievements in our horse journey. One doesn’t stand out more for me than another. I’m proud of every milestone I pass – our first jump together, an off property schooling where we rode really well or just a great lesson when I learnt something valuable and then was able to apply it.
What talent would you most like to have?
Ha! Can I ride like Beezie Madden? I think that would be pretty cool.
Who is the horse person you most admire?
I don’t think there’s one person I look up to more than another. For me, a Grand Prix jumper could be as important and influential as a friend at the barn. I have always been hungry for knowledge and for experience in the horse world, and you can find that in so many places.
What horse would you love to pat?
My own.Every day, always and forever.I was lucky enough to pat Big Ben when I was a child. But if I had to pick one superstar horse today, it would be Annie, better known as HH Azur.That mare just blows me away.
What is your greatest horse regret?
Quitting riding when I was a kid. Hindsight is always 20/20. I had to choose between horses and dance classes, and I wish I had chosen differently.
What is your most treasured horse possession?
My horse, Paxton. At the end of the day, the “stuff” doesn’t matter if you don’t have a great partner.
What would you like us to know about you?
I learned to ride when I was a kid, and then took a 20-year hiatus! In my early 30’s once I had gotten myself through school and a very demanding start to my career.Taking a step back to decide what I really wanted out of my life, I remembered one time in my life when I truly felt joy. That moment brought me back to riding. So, I restarted my riding journey, about 4 years ago.
I am Hunter rider and ride anywhere from 3-5 times a week. I have one horse, Paxton, who I board at a stable about 15 minutes from my home. I’ve done a schooling show, and I am hoping to do more this year. I’m lucky to have a great day job and a very supportive and understanding husband to fund my horse habit. Mentally I appreciate the help of a few close friends and champions.
I’m known around my barn as the “tack shopping girl”.If you’re looking for a good recommendation on a product, or you want to find the best price on a new product, or even something used in good shape, chances are I will have an answer for you.It’s a fun hobby – I like knowing what the latest and best is out there.
It's for this very reason Sarah will be guest blogging on occasion .... she's a shopping queen with impeccable taste, and clean beautiful tack - her blogs will be known as "Inside the H/J Tack Locker" so keep your eyes open for them!