Hello to my friends in Findlay and across the country!!  Now that I'm "out there" and doing things, I thought it was time to introduce myself to you, since I too am proud to be part the The University of Findlay.

I came to the United States from Holland in December of 2004 at the tender age of four, and moved to Betsy Steiner's barn in April.  I instantly loved everyone and found that everyone loved ME!   They were charmed by my long, stretched out snoring naps, and to this day, tell anyone who will listen how adorable I am with my long "Seabiscuit Siestas"!  They say this is only one of the things that make me so lovable.

The first three years at Betsy Steiner Dressage, were filled with my famous naps, turn out, eating,  grooming, treats - all the things I love, and oh yeah.....work!  I loved going out and working, but I was rather a wild child.  I took several working students for a wild ride home from a "quiet" hack, if they could even stay on that long.  Naomi Ayrton (UF graduate) and I became great friends - she didn't mind that I was wild and helped Betsy a lot during my crazy youth.  Horse shows were great fun in the barn, but man, was I scared being out in the big show grounds!!!  I found if I leaped, bucked and bolted, everyone made room for me - still, I felt very insecure.  I even had Buck Davidson come over a couple of times to gallop me - didn't even tire me out!  I guess that is when Betsy thought she was really getting too much bang for my buck!!

Naomi rode me in my first show and although I was really, really scared, I listened to her (for the most part) and we had a great test.  Then, Betsy said I was all hers again.  There was a time period when Betsy broke her hand, and Jessie Steiner and I worked together - she is my other favorite peep and loves me without question.  We did a lot of good work together and I moved up a level by the time Betsy's hand was good to go again.

In the summer of 2007, Kate Marsi and Dey Goodman came down from UF to work with all of us.  I feel that I made a pretty good impression on them - I was still just a little wild, but I like to think of it as enthusiasm.  I certainly made them laugh.

In 2008, Betsy's long time and very good friend, Janet Harms, made it possible for me to be a part of The University of Findlay family.  This is working very well, because now that I am at the collegiate level, I feel that it's time to grow up, be a great representative of the University, and use my talents for good.  I have put my hooves on the path of the straight and narrow.  I study hard and always try my best and strive to make us all look good.  No more horsing around for me!  I still get plenty of naps, many treats, and lots and lots of attention.  Hey, after four years of hard work, I've got my peeps trained well.  Alison McClure (UF student) knows, she was one of the easiest to train!  I could make her give me treat after treat.  I miss you Alison!

Speaking of napping, it's time.  I'll be hoofin it to let you know how the shows go.  In the meantime...Nickers n snorts to you!!

Titaan

PS - Here's a shout out to you Alison - it's still not a sprint but a marathon!