GoHorseShow.com columnist, Kirsten Farris, is an Animal Communicator. Yes, she talks to animals, and often times, they talk back! She has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of horses, from World Champions to Weanlings. Farris had a conversation with 4-time Congress Champion and Multiple NSBA Year-End Champion Allocate Your Assets and his owner Katherine Tobin to get the inside dish straight from the horse's mouth, on his successful show ring and breeding career as well as some of his personal likes and dislikes.

KF: Thanks for taking time out of your day to talk to me, Al. You have had a successful show career and now you are a very successful sire. Can you tell me how you feel about what you have done?

Al: I am happy that I have been successful, although sometimes I do not understand what the fuss is all about. Once I understand what my job is, I enjoy doing it. When I was showing, I enjoyed the excitement and going to different places. Now as a stallion, I understand what is expected of me, and I am happy to do it. I like having a job, and I like structure, but really, I am not any different than other horses, although I do like getting special treatment once in a while.

KF: One of the things that you are known for is your calm disposition. Are you really that laid back?

Al: Nothing really bothers me. When I am doing my job, I focus on the task at hand, and am not easily distracted. I do like to run and buck when I am turned out, but I know when to play and when to work.

Kathy: He really was very easy to show, and was never ‘studish’ to ride. I felt very confident riding him, he really was pretty easy.

KF: What is your biggest achievement?

Al: I don’t really know the names of all of the things – but I do remember the first time I won something big. I could tell it was a big deal, and I felt very good about what I did. After that, I knew when I did well because I would get my picture taken with lots of people in the picture.

Kathy: We bought Al the summer of his 2 year-old year prior to his Congress win. Winning that was one of his biggest achievements, but no less was his win in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle at Congress in 2006, and then following that up by winning Reserve World Champion in Senior Hunter Under Saddle at the World Show with Sue Ellen Vickery. He also won the year-end high point award twice for the NSBA in HUS. Looking back on it now, I am not sure what his biggest achievement is; they were all special in their own way. Now that his offspring are out in the show pen, his biggest achievement may come from siring great horses.

KF: What can people do as owners, riders and trainers to keep horses happy, healthy and performing at their best?

AL: I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that having people around that see the best in you really helps build confidence. If people focus on the good points and don’t fuss about the small stuff, horses will rise to the occasion. I also think that each horse needs their own program to become all they can be. I was able to perform as a two year old, but that doesn’t mean every horse should be able to do that. We aren’t machines; we are individuals with a heart. If you take that into consideration people will maximize each horses potential. All of us have something to offer, and with the right team, we can realize our potential.

KF: Okay Al, let's have a little fun.  There is a TV show called the Actors Studio, and at the end of the interview, the guests are all asked the exact same questions. I thought it would be fun to ask you the same questions. Is that okay with you?

AL: Sure - I don’t watch TV, but I will give it a shot.

KF: OK, here we go.

1. What is your favorite word?

"Hello."

2. What is your least favorite word?

"Quit! Usually involves a jerk on the lead rope as well."

3. What turns you on?

"Bay Mares."

4. What turns you off?

"Flies."

5. What sound or noise do you love?

"The sound of stall doors opening, and then the sound of the grain being put into my feed buckets."

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

"Thunder."

7. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

"Stockbroker."

8. What profession would you not want to participate in?

"Garbage collector...because of the flies."

9. What is your favorite curse word?

"Damn,  but you need to say it with a southern accent."

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

"Welcome Home!"

KF: Al and Kathy, thanks for your time. It was great to get to know a little more about you and your career together. I look forward to seeing the new Al’s in upcoming futurities this year!

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Kirsten Farris is a Certified Sport Consultant, Certified Equestrian Fitness Trainer, and the Author of The Workbook for the Equestrian Athlete- A Guide to Showring Success.  Under the guidance of Jim and Deanna Searles, Kirsten has had a very successful 2010 show season aboard Lyles Al Lie who is by Allocate Your Assets. For more information contact her at: kirsten@equestrianathlete.com © 2010