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- Mar 1, 2019
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It's funny how things can be so similar but different! I got the job originally because I landed a spot on the IHSA Equestrian team as a non-competing member but I practiced for the Walk/Trot class. (Obviously, because I was lowest of that totem pole). Haha, it's funny beacuse growing up I always watched westerns with my Dad, so that's where the interest started when I was young. Being from the deep south, my home town is roughly 2 hours from the Florida line and less than 30 from the Georgia line, things are very similar to the Western lifestyle with some differences. We did not have a lot growing up, but we definitely were not poor. Just like I am sure you know, horses cost money! No one in my immediate family has interest in horses, however I have a great aunt that boards somewhere in Rhode Island, whom of which I have never met. (My GranDad is from Rhode Island, met by Granny via Airforce here in the South). Well around the time I was 22, I just literally said I'm old enough and I make enough money to take care of the things I need to, so why not get riding lessons. That's what I did, and it was from a barrel racer! Haha, but she did a fine job in teaching me the basics and that's how IHSA picked me up. (IHSA for those who are curious and do not know is a club equestrian team that competes in both English and Western events. There are no scholarships, at least not to my knowledge. Men and women alike are allowed to compete. Not to be confused with the NCEA team, which can give scholarships and is women only.If it makes it easier to understand NCEA bascially means NCAA. Which is a term that most can affiliate with collegiate football, baseball, etc.) From my understanding as well, Auburn University is one of the few Universities that has both IHSA and NCEA.Please do! I'm jealous you get to play with warmbloods. They aren't very common in my area, and the ones you do find are either $$$ or otherwise not sound of body and/or mind. Most common are paints, quarter horses, arabians, and OTTB; with the odd sprinkling of draft/draft-draft crosses and mustangs.
My boy is by far the youngest, and therefore the lowest on the totem pole in his herd. But, he doesn't mind. He has his moments, but for the most part nothing really phases him. We mostly just trail-ride. I used to compete when I was younger, did everything from halter, english and western pleasure, and even did a year with a local barrel racing club. But, trail riding has always been my favorite and we have some pretty nice land to ride on right where I board, so I'm pretty happy just staying home and hitting the trails.
With that being said, the cost of being a part of the team lead to me having to leave but I kept my current job, of course. I know there are some drafts around here, but I have only seen one at the unit. She was a broodmare being used for studies in a Horse Repro Class, for the major of Equine Science. We don't get them permanently at the barn, obviously because we have no use. Also, no Arabians. I know a girl who is a manager at a local barn rescue, which in this area is pretty prestigious, and they had an Arabian mixed. She ended up adopting her. Now when I say this, I am only telling you what I've been told and heard, they are not my own personal opinions. I do not have enough experience or knowledge with them, to even form one. But they get a bad wrap by most as a very "crazy breed." In this area, other than the field of competitive "Equestrian," most use quarterhorses because they are pretty good all around horses. Most rope with them, move cattle with them, and cut cattle with them. Obviously rodeo is big around here too, and that's the go to horse for those events. As far off the track thoroughbreds, my boss has one that I get the privilege to take care of now and again! He's 6, and he's a dapple grey. Dominant but very funny guy! He's still healing from an unfortunate leg injury that happened while he was out to pasture over Christmas break, but if you interact with him, he'll tell you he's doing just fine.
One day I would like to rope. I do an okay job on the ground with my own steer dummy that I built. Other than that because of time, I ride mostly horses that are rehabbing and when the NCEA team is not here to do it. I used to trail ride quite a bit, bareback or saddled, and I loved it! Almost had an opportunity to ride English, on our team swap day where western rides english, and English rides western but unfortunately I had to work! But by far, and I recommend it to anyone that rides who hasn't been able to do it, is to try cutting! I got to do this in Texas, this time last year. I'm telling you it is a whole mess of fun! I'll post a picture of it below, but please try to ignore my hair. My trainer, who was also my girlfriend at the time liked the long hair look on me. Don't get me wrong, I liked my long hair but unfortunately I don't know how to grow it properly, haha. So looking back I can see how it looked like a mullet.
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