The Original Heels-Down

[abovetheoxer]

Harrie Smolders & Zinius

X-BIONIC Sphere Indoor Masters CSI4* in Samorin, Slovakia

Photography: ©X-BIONIC Sphere

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[pride-riding-deactivated2014080]

[armani365]

Loved this photo shoot:)

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are you serious about the western riding? like do you think youll quit the jumpers to ride western?

No! I’ll never quit the jumpers! BUT I do really love the reining and i love the patience it entails. Just the way you have to reset your brain for not only all the cues, but rewire your way of thinking to be so much more patient. It may seems like a fast paced kind of sport, but really reining is just taking your time, setting up the horse and making sure everything is methodical! Very cool to me! 

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Do you think it's possible to make it in the horse world if you don't really have a successful junior career??

Of course!

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Would you have rather kept Armani over Bon Bon?

No, I think pushing yourself outside your comfort zone makes you a better rider! In a perfect world I would keep all my horses but it's just part of this world to keep moving up and learning as much as possible.

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Really, really impressed with the way you have Zander going. That's one to really put you on the map. Congrats on all your amazing accomplishment with him :)

Thank you!! Really sad I had to sell him but all in due time :)

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I saw your tweet about sometimes just feeling annoyed with everyone and was wondering how you make yourself snap out of it?? I have been like that with a few friends and just cant seem to snap out of it

Focus on yourself for a little while!

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lately i've been struggling a lot with my eye and distances. I have a super talented mare and we usually train at like 1.35m at home but lately she's been having to take care of me and accept some not so great distances. any tips or exercises for sharpening your eye? i feel like you never miss a distance lol

Drop it back down to lower fences. Not because you're both not comfortable at the higher height but because you need to make yourself and your horse feel like a genius again. Practice tight courses at a smaller height and your confidence will start to heighten again!

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Thoughts on parlanti? I think I remember you saying that they broke down too easy? I'm looking for a nice pair of boots, but I don't want to pay for expensive boots that won't last. Recommendations? Thanks!

I love mine, so comfy. But they do drop a lot and look a little old after a month or so :(

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When are the Monday outfits coming back???

Ok this week!

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I don't really know how to word this but how did you "find" your seat. Like how is your seat so nice

It's sort of a personal thing, no? Watch a class and you'll find that everyone has their own way of feeling and reacting to the animal underneath them. Especially people with different body types, short vs tall for example. The more you ride in attempt to be effective and best for the animal you're riding, the more comfortable you will be with your seat I promise!

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What's ur makeup routine?

Lancôme 24H foundation, Clinique bronzer & Lancôme or Dior mascara!

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did you really switch to western?

I ride reining and horsemanship for my NCAA team!

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when you were in an LDR, did you find it necessary to text/talk a lot every day? or was a couple times a day enough for you?

A couple times was enough! I got too sick of the person if it was all the time tbh. I like night/ morning phone calls and that's it

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Looking for a new jacket and have always loved your show coats! What brand/brands are they?

Equiline and Alessandro for the most part!