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By Tina Bjerre Nielsen. 

10 types at
the stable

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Which one
are you?

As riders, we are not only different when sitting in the saddle. Also, in the stable we can come across a number of different personalities, each with their own unique way of doing things. Here, we give you six types of riders which we believe are to be found in every stable all over the world.

"I will fix it!" are the words most commonly heard from the stable’s handywoman or handyman. Is a snap hook broken or a letter dropped from the barrier, this person is the first one to do something about it. For both a handyman and a handywoman, functionality is more important than everything else, and the horse does not exactly have matching equipment. Instead, the horse is only wearing equipment named “best in test” from ear to tail. The handy person does not hesitate to gather information from other horse owners on their experiences with feed, bedding and equipment. If you need some good advice, they are easy to get, when the handy one is in the stable.

On the move, she forgot to hang the bridle and her brand-new saddle back in place. If it was because of her daily selfie time or because she got that text reminding her to buy butter and milk on her way home, you actually do not know. The easily distracted rider is the one who tries to pick up the phone while holding the horse in one hand and the saddle in the other. From time to time, she has to be reminded of which side to pass her fellow riders in the arena or to sweep the stable floors before leaving. But she is also the one who make everyone smiling. With her slips and sudden impulses, she plays an invaluable role in the social environment of the stable - most often without even knowing it.

All equipment is wiped off after use, and the four-legged bestie is always well groomed before saddling. The perfectionist has one overriding motto: "Live every day as if you were going to a dressage event".  That is why she also likes to spend a lot of money on tack and shiny things. The stall always has an everlasting scent of newly fallen wood and the horse smells like soap or the newest products on the market, when she is around. The benefit of having a perfectionist in your stable is that you can always borrow shampoo or a little shine spray if you run out.

The perfectionist

The handy one

The easily distracted

She is not stingy with the compliments and often praises both you and your horse. At the same time, she is not afraid to ask about the parts of your life not concerning horses. Quite frankly, she is interested in whether you have had a good ride or not and can immediately tell something is wrong. For the caring and well-being of others is fundamental for the maternal rider, often more important than riding even!

The maternal woman

Grooming is reserved exclusively for the areas on the horse where the equipment should be placed. "To muck out" is synonymous with removing only the most necessary. And you do not remember when you last saw her wipe her layer-by-layer-muddy leather boots off. Although she can be a mess, the best thing about the stable's shabby rider is the fact that she never reprimands you if should you have forgotten to sweep or clean up after yourself.

The shabby one

Most people in the stable are sweet enough to help you once in a while, but the helping hand person is a true hero. She - or he - passes the stable several times a day and immediately steps in if you should fall short of something. It may give you a little bit of a bad conscience that she never needs help herself, but do not worry she does not mind. According to her, reciprocity is not about one service being worth the other, but about the joy of having double-helped again.

The helping hand

Sometimes you may be unsure whether the saddle is completely correct placed, or if your horse seems slightly swollen on one leg. But it is nothing compared to the doubtful one. From that person, you almost every day hear questions such as "Do you think the wound can get infected, if I let him out on the pasture tomorrow? Or "Which bridle should I put on? The one with the snaffle, right? Or perhaps the kimblewick? Or is the hackamore better? What do you think?". In spite of the eternal questions, it is nice to know that she is always attentive, because she always keeps a close eye on your horse. You are absolutely sure that if there is even the slightest wrong with your horse, she has probably spotted it hours before anyone else.

The doubtful one

The shopaholic girl of the stable is the ultimate victim of the equestrian industry. She has everything in every color and more than a thousand excuses for buying new equipment. The argument is often something like "Well, I do not have an earnet for my horse in that medium-dusted pastel-green color with a rose gold border". You did not even know that color existed, did you? If it is not the color, it is the whole new and revolutionary technology, the special design, or a completely unique material that makes her want to buy it. Even though you cannot quite keep up, you enjoy the enthusiasm that the shopaholic girl always brings with her when she proudly showcases her latest purchase.

The shopaholic girl

When the stable's stickler comes by, you are sure that everything will proceed after the book. You walk your horse for exactly ten minutes before trotting, you mount it from the left side, and hell will fall upon you if you forget to remove your horse's remains. On the one hand, the stickler’s presence makes the visit in the stable a bit strenuous, but on the other hand, she makes sure that all of you move properly and safe - which you also value highly!

The stickler

Know someone who always gets into trouble? You have definitely heard the word "oops" more than just a few times when the troublemaker is around. She is the one who always ends up getting wetter than the horse when washing or dirtier than her brushes while grooming. It is always her wellies that gets stuck in the mud and her horse that overturns her on their way to the stall. Whatever good intentions she has, it always ends up going wrong - and sometimes you feel both love and a little sorry for her. On the other hand, you are almost sure to get a laugh along the way and a glorious day with the troublemaker by your side.

The troublemaker

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By Tina Bjerre Nielsen. 

10 types at
the stable

Which one
are you?

While many of us look forward to warm weather and the outdoor competition season, the environmental changes at this time of year aren’t positive for everyone. Just as we may be prone to summer associated health issues, such as hayfever, so some horses and ponies are susceptible to allergies and intolerances through the nicer weather.

An allergy develops when the immune system of your horse becomes sensitized to the allergen, often at this time of year tree or plant pollen. Repeated exposure causes your horse’s body to overproduce antibodies specific to that allergen or as their body now views it – the invader!

This is followed by the release of large amounts of the chemical histamine. This is what causes the symptoms we see in an allergic reaction.

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All equipment is wiped off after use, and the four-legged bestie is always well groomed before saddling. The perfectionist has one overriding motto: "Live every day as if you were going to a dressage event".  That is why she also likes to spend a lot of money on tack and shiny things. The stall always has an everlasting scent of newly fallen wood and the horse smells like soap or the newest products on the market, when she is around. The benefit of having a perfectionist in your stable is that you can always borrow shampoo or a little shine spray if you run out.

The perfectionist

1.
2.

The handy one

"I will fix it!" are the words most commonly heard from the stable’s handywoman or handyman. Is a snap hook broken or a letter dropped from the barrier, this person is the first one to do something about it. For both a handyman and a handywoman, functionality is more important than everything else, and the horse does not exactly have matching equipment. Instead, the horse is only wearing equipment named “best in test” from ear to tail. The handy person does not hesitate to gather information from other horse owners on their experiences with feed, bedding and equipment. If you need some good advice, they are easy to get, when the handy one is in the stable.

3.

To nutritionally care for either equine, look for highly antioxidant supplements which can support the horse’s own immune system in flushing out the toxins and the inflammatory markers associated with any sensitive reaction. Ideally nutritional support should be introduced prior to onset, to ensure health is maintained throughout the height of summer.

By taking some simple management steps, and nutritionally supporting health from the inside out, we can hopefully help all of our horses and ponies to enjoy the long summer days as much as we do.

The easily distracted

4.

The maternal woman

She is not stingy with the compliments and often praises both you and your horse. At the same time, she is not afraid to ask about the parts of your life not concerning horses. Quite frankly, she is interested in whether you have had a good ride or not and can immediately tell something is wrong. For the caring and well-being of others is fundamental for the maternal rider, often more important than riding even!

5.

The shabby one

Grooming is reserved exclusively for the areas on the horse where the equipment should be placed. "To muck out" is synonymous with removing only the most necessary. And you do not remember when you last saw her wipe her layer-by-layer-muddy leather boots off. Although she can be a mess, the best thing about the stable's shabby rider is the fact that she never reprimands you if should you have forgotten to sweep or clean up after yourself.

6.

The helping hand

Most people in the stable are sweet enough to help you once in a while, but the helping hand person is a true hero. She - or he - passes the stable several times a day and immediately steps in if you should fall short of something. It may give you a little bit of a bad conscience that she never needs help herself, but do not worry she does not mind. According to her, reciprocity is not about one service being worth the other, but about the joy of having double-helped again.

7.

The doubtful one

Sometimes you may be unsure whether the saddle is completely correct placed, or if your horse seems slightly swollen on one leg. But it is nothing compared to the doubtful one. From that person, you almost every day hear questions such as "Do you think the wound can get infected, if I let him out on the pasture tomorrow? Or "Which bridle should I put on? The one with the snaffle, right? Or perhaps the kimblewick? Or is the hackamore better? What do you think?". In spite of the eternal questions, it is nice to know that she is always attentive, because she always keeps a close eye on your horse. You are absolutely sure that if there is even the slightest wrong with your horse, she has probably spotted it hours before anyone else.

8.

The shopaholic girl

The shopaholic girl of the stable is the ultimate victim of the equestrian industry. She has everything in every color and more than a thousand excuses for buying new equipment. The argument is often something like "Well, I do not have an earnet for my horse in that medium-dusted pastel-green color with a rose gold border". You did not even know that color existed, did you? If it is not the color, it is the whole new and revolutionary technology, the special design, or a completely unique material that makes her want to buy it. Even though you cannot quite keep up, you enjoy the enthusiasm that the shopaholic girl always brings with her when she proudly showcases her latest purchase.

9.

The stickler

When the stable's stickler comes by, you are sure that everything will proceed after the book. You walk your horse for exactly ten minutes before trotting, you mount it from the left side, and hell will fall upon you if you forget to remove your horse's remains. On the one hand, the stickler’s presence makes the visit in the stable a bit strenuous, but on the other hand, she makes sure that all of you move properly and safe - which you also value highly!

10.

Know someone who always gets into trouble? You have definitely heard the word "oops" more than just a few times when the troublemaker is around. She is the one who always ends up getting wetter than the horse when washing or dirtier than her brushes while grooming. It is always her wellies that gets stuck in the mud and her horse that overturns her on their way to the stall. Whatever good intentions she has, it always ends up going wrong - and sometimes you feel both love and a little sorry for her. On the other hand, you are almost sure to get a laugh along the way and a glorious day with the troublemaker by your side.

The troublemaker

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