I need show horse interview questions!

[Xanthoria]

My husband works for a glossy magazine and he’s covering a fancy charity hunter jumper show with a big Grand Prix class, gala fundraiser and all the trimmings. I told him he should do a feature interviewing some of the horses at the show, with photos… and he agreed! So we’re going for one day of the show and I get to suggest questions

I’m so not a hunter person (more eventer) but what would you ask a horse at the show? Obviously we’re not going for controversial stuff (no drug questions…) but fun stuff, aimed at the reader who may support the show but isn’t always horsey. Like:

What’s your favorite treat?
What do you like about shows?
Seen any cute mares?
I like your braids. Do you prefer to have a human take them out or DIY by rubbing?
Who is this George Morris everyone always talks about?
What’s the hottest hunter trend this year?
Rubs or pats?

Obviously I need help! Suggestions? Answers will be phrased as if the horse replied

[Come_Shine]

Do you prefer oxers or verticals?

What is the name of the gremlin living in the corner?

Do you count your strides in the lines?

[shiloh]

Bath time? yay or neigh

[yaya]

Do you like getting all spiffed up, or would you prefer to go roll in the mud?

[clanter]

What do you do in your off time?

I swear we had one mare who slipped out at night to go to the bar and drink all night, I think she even got to the point of setting on the piano singing

[Sparrowette]

When you were a youngster, just learning your craft, what was your most difficult move to master, and how did you finally succeed at it?

What is your favorite horse trailer style, straight or slant? And if you have a distinct preference, why do you prefer one over the other?

[luvmyhackney]

In the saddleseat world, Richfield video does interviews after classes, they ask some decent questions. Maybe look to see what they ask and go from there. One question they ask is, “How fun was that class?!?!” You get some interesting replies from trainers sometimes.

[Xanthoria]

Love these! More please!

[Zonderpaard]

Which jump was your favorite and why?
Did you spot any celebreties this week? Who?
What’s the secret to your super shiny coat/fantastic braids/lovely tail?
What is the best part of showing here at __________?

[Sparrowette]

Have you ever tricked your owners or handlers? What was it and how did you do it?

[Thoroughbred1201]

I see you were spooking in the corner. Do you see dead people?

[PintoPony]

What was your most embarrassing moment in the show ring?

What is your favorite naughty thing to do to your rider/trainer/groom?

Which part of the pre show grooming is your favorite?

Just for fun, dish on the competition and tell us who is wearing a fake tail this year, heehee!

[Sueby]

Who are you wearing today?

[Magicboy]

Favorite saddle pad color?

[Irish_Ei_s]

Lunging…Calming or Revs you up ??

[Xanthoria]

Thanks to everyone who helped: I interviewed 3 horses for the magazine today!

Local star Peterbilt, whose retirement ceremony was today, was ably voiced by his rider Guy Thomas.

Ircos IV from San Diego gave great answers - his lovely rider/owner, riding for Mexico, Everado Hegewisch, had a few faults in the first round of the Grand Prix which allowed him a minute to help Ircos and I with the interview.

And lastly 17 year old Katherine Anne Brewer spoke for her horse Corleone E, a super cute stallion who partnered Katherine to third in the GP! Wow!

Fun times

[piedmontfields]

This sounds so cute–I would love to see the article!

[ChasPonyCat]

@piedmontfields

This sounds so cute–I would love to see the article!

Ditto!

[Xanthoria]

It should be in the Nob Hill Gazette’s September issue. If all goes well I’ll scan it and post here. Thanks for everyone’s help!

[Xanthoria]

Here it is! Flip to page 58 for the horse interview story

http://onlinedigitaleditions2.com/nob-hill-gazette/html5/index.html?&locale=ENG