Lauren Nethery: Choose Your Mate Like You Choose Your OTTB
Lauren Nethery has returned with a few more selection advice…
After a long time, very long hours, and belated evenings of intense, careful, hands-on research, we have actually developed a concept that may many certainly result in at the least 5 of my allotted a quarter-hour of fame…and revolutionize the equestrian dating globe. The trick to a successful courtship for every equestrian all over, male and feminine, old and young, is this:
CHOOSE THE MATE SUCH AS YOUR CHOOSE YOUR OTTB
Admittedly, there aren’t CANTER sites to peruse (next million-dollar idea: correspondence Alliance to Network Turned-On Event Riders?) and equestriansingles.com is bull crap. No, there are not any Coggins or Health Certs accessible to examine before admitting onto “show grounds”. BUT, add the next items to you list “do’s” and don’ts and you may end up getting a capable partner that is sound, sane, appealing, and athletic (in concept).
1. ONLY SEARCH FOR LEADS FROM TRUSTED RESOURCES AND PLACES
If you’re hunting at bottom-level “claiming songs” (ie seedy pubs and vehicle stops near show venues), have a much to cope with the types of conditions that accompany long promotions with mediocre riders and trainers. Prospects bought at such places nearly also have soundness dilemmas (so that you lost those teeth for which club battle?), stable vices (no, I don’t have a tobacco cigarette you are able to bum), and behavioral dilemmas (you have actually what amount of warrants out for the arrest?). Rather, adhere to prospect-hunting at legitimate establishments that provide high-dollar mounts for assessment. Think polo matches, A circuit programs, and FEI activities.
2. DO JUDGE A NOVEL with ITS COVER
It probably is a rat if it looks like a rat. Don’t have sucked in to the “oooooh goodness, with some elbow oil, some mane-pulling, and some groceries, we bet this 1 would look better” that is sooooo much. There are numerous ponies into the paddock. Keep in mind it is important to focus on a thing that may be resold if they’re destined for a new function you are looking for and also you won’t get stuck with a classic plow horse taking on area and consuming you away from home and home.
3. BRING ACCOMPLICES FOR EXTRA VIEWS
Specially I know you’ve always wanted a 17h one with blonde hair and blue eyes, we all have), there is safety in numbers if you are in danger of being blinding by lust at first sight. Choose one or two of one’s most discerning friends to come with on all endeavors that are prospect-searching.
4. THINK BEYOND YOUR BOX
Just take a full minute to give some thought to the most effective performers in most associated with FEI disciplines. They come in most sizes and shapes and from numerous diverse backgrounds, training programs, and bloodlines. If you should be dead set on a 17h Bay Thoroughbred Gelding to try Pony Finals, you will be disappointed. Hit a balance that is delicate high criteria (cribbers, difficult keepers, and kickers do not need to use) and broad perspectives (that roached mane will grow away, those shoes could be trashed, and a show coat and ear bonnet will truly spruce things up).
5. ENQUIRE ABOUT AN USING THE PROSPECT ON TEST
You will be amazed how many times an effort is a viable choice. The thing that is last want as a prospective customer is usually to be stuck with an entirely unsuitable mount for months or years at a stretch. God forbid it lack curb appeal and be lame. That nag will haunt your barn forever. Alternatively, play it safe and require an endeavor amount of a minumum of one date or drive but preferably per week or thirty days to accommodate a while adjust fully to each other’s quirks and choices before leaping into any commitment that is long-term.
