1) “Isn’t it terribly dangerous?”
What you say: There is always a risk when horses are involved, but there’s plenty you can do to minimize the chances of getting hurt.
What you think: Not really as your horse seems to spend more time on box rest than in work. Although the experience of walking him in hand after six-weeks enforced rest is probably riskier than jumping around any cross-country course. Any volunteers for a spot of equine kite flying?!
2) “Have you ever fallen off?”
What you say: Yes, but it’s not a big deal.
What you think: Yes, more times than I would like to admit. Time to replace yet another hat.
3) “Do you have to pay for stabling and feed and all that stuff?”
What you say: I don’t have land of my own, so yes, he’s on livery at a local yard.
What you think: No, he earns his keep with a Saturday job delivering newspapers, and actually, I sometimes send him to Tesco on his own to do the weekly shop.
4) “Do you do dressage?” *Looks really pleased with themselves for remembering the word ‘dressage.’*
What you say: Well, you know, a bit. We got placed at the Area Festivals this year. (Cue blank look once more from a member of the public.)
What you think: But if pirouettes and a floating extended trot across the field when you’re trying to catch him to be ridden count, then you’re Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.
5) “Have you ridden at Badminton/Burghley/Olympia/Horse Of The Year Show?”
What you say: Not yet, but maybe one day.
What you think: Only in our dreams!