This month TSB talked to Sean Patrick, author of THE MODERN HORSEMAN’S COUNTDOWN TO BROKE BOOK and the new companion DVD SET about his idea of the perfect meal, and what his 18-month-old daughter thinks of horses.
TSB: You have an 18-month-old daughter. Does she like horses? Has she been in the saddle yet?
SP: Madilyn loves spending time with the horses. While Dad is a bit more reluctant, Mom takes her riding often.
TSB: What are your personal goals for 2011?
SP: I want to spend more time on better horses.
TSB: If you were trapped on a desert island with a horse and a book, what breed of horse would it be and which book would you choose?
SP: I would choose a 15.1-hand, chocolate-colored, easy-going, cow-bred, Quarter Horse gelding. I would read Living Alone and Loving It by Barbara Feldon.
TSB: What’s in your refrigerator at all times?
SP: Half-and-half. Coffee without it is wrong.
TSB: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
SP: When a horse stays between your hands and legs.
TSB: Tell us about the first time you remember sitting on a horse.
SP: Behind my childhood home was a large park where the local annual fair was held. I “borrowed” 50 pennies out of Dad’s missionary jar and ordered one pony ride around the pen. I’ve since repented for the “borrowing” and repaid that debt.
TSB: Tell us about the first time you remember falling off a horse.
SP: I was just a kid and sitting backward on an un-haltered broodmare. After tolerating my antics for a few minutes, she simply launched me into the air. She never took a step.
TSB: What is the quality you most like in a friend?
SP: I admire and befriend gracious people.
TSB: What is the quality you most like in a horse?
SP: A horse that naturally looks for the answer without protest.
TSB: If you could do one thing on horseback that you haven’t yet done, what would it be?
SP: Ride the range with Buck Brannaman.
TSB: What is your idea of the perfect meal?
SP: I’ve had it! We were late getting into camp. It had been a long day climbing in the mountains with new horses. It was well below freezing with the wind carrying a few flakes. Everyone was spent. But, by the time those grilled pork chops were served, it was heaven. I’ll never forget that day.
TSB: What is your idea of the perfect vacation?
SP: A big mountain with a lot of snow and a chairlift to the top.
TSB: If you could have a conversation with one famous person, alive or dead, who would it be?
SP: Winston Churchill.
TSB: What is your motto?
SP: Ask more questions than you answer.