10 Questions for August Blog-Hop

Unofficial blog-hop courtesy of Viva Carlos:

1. What is your biggest source of caffeine that gets you through the day? (drink, not just brand) 
I don't regularly consume caffeine, but for long drives I use energy drinks for an extra boost (energy drinks may be bad for you, but crashing because you are tired is definitely bad for you). 

2. Do you honestly think your trainer is the best trainer for you? 
N/A, sadly don't have a regular trainer.

3. One token of advice a fellow rider/trainer/horse person told you that you still remember to this day.  
I remember so many things I have been told throughout the years, but one of the most important was simply "There! That's it!" During my longest stretch of regular lessons, I finally got to a point where my horse had all the elements of the dressage training scale: rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and the beginning of collection (second level ish, though I didn't know all the right terminology at the time). We couldn't hold onto it consistently, but by feeling what it was that I was aiming for, it was a game changer. That's when I truly fell in love with dressage and I am so excited to get that feeling again someday with Kachina.
  
4. If riding meant costing your family so much money that they’d be basically on poverty line, or making your family terribly unhappy (if they were not supportive or understanding, etc.) would you still do it? 
I have worked hard to be employable and have a steady, decent-paying job, as well as an emergency fund so that I hopefully won't have to face this decision. If I have kids one day, I feel that responsibility to kids comes first, but things would have to get pretty bad before I gave up riding. 

5. (Girls) would you ride while pregnant? 
I haven't been pregnant yet so I can't say for sure. I find it hard to imagine 9 months without riding, but I would talk to my doctor and objectively examine the steadiness of my horse at the time, the risks, and my body's feelings before deciding. 

6. How do you tell when a horse likes someone/has bonded with you or someone else? 
Different horses show affection in different ways. 

7. Are horses capable of loving, in your opinion? 
I don't think so, at least not in an unconditional sense. Self preservation and instincts are always going to come out ahead. I do feel a horse can have strong feelings of trust, fondness, and partnership though.

8. If you could have one horse from your past come back for 5 minutes, who would it be, why, and what would you do with them in those 5 minutes? 
I would love to see my old mare Ellie again. She was in so much pain and discomfort when I lost her (colic), so I would just like a quiet moment to spend time with her, give her treats, and say a better goodbye

9. Should a trainer also be a friend, or should it be a student/teacher relationship?
I tend more towards professional relationships, but I feel you can absolutely be friends too if it's right. 

10. One piece of advice/training you were given by a trainer or mentor that you look back on now and view it as incorrect? 
Immediately turn the horse on a small circle when they spook.