25
Things You Don’t Know About Me … BRANDON FLOOD
1. The f irst horse I ever rode or handled was … Aristo Joy, a grey mare that belonged to my grandparents
2. My happiest moment with a horse was … I have a couple, my
unanimous first place in the gelding western at Scottsdale in 2013 and then making the top ten in the open with SC Don Julio. And this year, winning my first national championship on Sugar Mountain in the H/A Country, and my wife Emily also winning her first in the H/A show hack with JB Surfs Up.
3. The f irst ribbon I ever won was … in lead line, about 24 years ago with 4. 5. 6. 7.
Aristo Joy.
My f irst influence in the horse industry was … my parents. The f irst breed of horse involved with was … Arabians.
The age I got involved with horses was … since before I could walk.
The f irst thing I do when I get to the barn is … check on every horse, and then drag the ring.
8. The last thing I do when I leave the barn is … check on every horse.
9. The greatest horse I’ve ever ridden is … Sugar Mountain.
Brandon with Sugar Mountain, one of his favorite horses.
10. The most gratifying part of my job is … being able to work with my family and with such beautiful, intelligent animals every day, as well as to watch a horse and rider progress together to become a team.
11. My favorite restaurant is … North Italia in Arcadia, Arizona.
12. My favorite non-horse hobby is … backpacking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
13. My favorite genre of movie is … I pretty much love all movies. My favorites are Wes Anderson films, and I could also watch Guardians Of The Galaxy over and over.
14. When someone asks me, why Arabians, I say … not only are they beautiful, they are an ancient, intelligent and extremely athletic breed, and are able to do so many different disciplines well. They have such wonderfully diverse personalities.
15. My favorite division to show in is … western.
16. In my free time, I like to … read and go on adventures with Emily.
17. Horses have taught me … to be patient, to keep it simple, and that when you are truly committed to your work, the end result is always a good one.
18. My top vacation spot is … Yosemite National Park. 19. Few foods make me happier than … pizza; maybe ice cream.
20. Without horses, I would be … a mountain guide or park ranger. 21. The piece of tack or equipment that I can’t live without is … my work saddle and a smooth snaffle.
22. My childhood dream job was … I really wanted to be an astronaut, and be the first person on Mars. Obviously that didn’t work out.
23. My favorite breeding bloodline is … *Bask.
24. My biggest pet peeve is … insincere people. 25. The most influential person in my life is … my father. Volume 45, No. 8 | 303