At the moment, I'm friends with most of the competent ones around here, or at least acquaintances. I'm on all the e-mail lists and now know what's going on when (first year here was totally scary I was so disconnected and knew no one!)

When I competed B-circuit hunters, it was similar to HP's stuff. When I got out of hunters and into A-show jumpers at another barn, I won't lie that we became elitists and looked down on many trainers/riders we competed with. We did seek info from outside trainers and do clinics, but it was very competitive.

When I rode in France it was much like the B-circuit hunters of my childhood. Everyone knew everyone and it was a family environment, only I spoke and understood rudimentary french so was left out of a lot of it But what was even better over there was that our barn often rubbed elbows with grand prix riders regularly and so we had a direct connection of friendships with the country's top riders. Pretty darn cool. It was like riding on the A or B circuit and having grand prix folks warming up with you and talking with you, or letting you exercise their horses. I wish I could go back over there with what I know now and with not being a stupid 16 year old, taking it for granted.

Chronicle of the Hoof

charleyharvey wrote:
SM is a smart lady. She'd run circles around half the people on this board who pride themselves on their cleverness and intellect.
RebelsBuckaroo wrote:
SM's all badass keeping illegal chickens in her yard and what not. She's a G.
baxtersmom wrote:
When the Nation of FiSH arises, SM will be the Intelligence and Communications Director.