Most of my friends (and yes, that includes some of you silent followers who never comment 👀) probably think of me as a hunter pleasure rider through and through. And hey—you're not wrong! But what you see now isn’t where I started. Not even close. Let’s rewind a little. Technically, my first rated show was … Continue reading Start at the Very Beginning
Leveling the Playing Field: How I Helped Shape the AHA Amateur System (and Why It Might Be Time for a Rethink)
The Arabian horse show world is a wild mix of rhinestones, adrenaline, elegance, and, yes, strategy. For years, I’ve watched talented amateur exhibitors show up with heart, hustle, and beautiful horses only to end up discouraged because the playing field felt wildly uneven. So I got involved. When the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) began developing … Continue reading Leveling the Playing Field: How I Helped Shape the AHA Amateur System (and Why It Might Be Time for a Rethink)
Let People Enjoy Their Horses: Why Kindness at Events Matters More Than You Think
Let’s set the scene: You're at a horse show. The sun is shining, hooves are polished, and there’s that electric mix of nerves and excitement in the air. But then... someone does something “not quite by the book.” Maybe their headgear isn't right. Maybe their tack is slightly wrong. Maybe their horse is... a little … Continue reading Let People Enjoy Their Horses: Why Kindness at Events Matters More Than You Think
My First Nationals: A Look Back
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost eighteen years since I first showed at the U.S. Nationals. I never had the chance to compete at that level as a youth rider, so it wasn’t until I turned 21 that I found myself trotting into the iconic Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico — heart pounding … Continue reading My First Nationals: A Look Back
From Chaos to Courtesy: How to Be a Dream Horse Show Exhibitor
Horse shows are a unique kind of event — full of passion, precision, and proud moments. But behind every polished performance and seamless class is a hard-working network of show staff, secretaries, ring stewards, volunteers, and committee members making sure it all happens. Whether you compete in Arabian breed shows or the detailed world of … Continue reading From Chaos to Courtesy: How to Be a Dream Horse Show Exhibitor
The Gate Doesn’t Open Itself: Why Volunteers Are the Backbone of Every Horse Show
I’ve been part of the horse show world for over twenty years. From teenage gate opener to show secretary and board member, I’ve seen every side of how a show comes together. And if there’s one truth that remains constant, it’s this: None of it works without volunteers. We love to spotlight the competitors, the … Continue reading The Gate Doesn’t Open Itself: Why Volunteers Are the Backbone of Every Horse Show
Life Lessons Horses Teach Us (Without Saying a Word)
Let’s be real: horses are way more than four-legged hay vacuums. They’re therapists in tack, personal growth coaches with manes, and trotting reminders of what really matters. Sure, they can’t talk—but boy, do they teach! So saddle up, because these are the real-life lessons horses sneak into your heart while you're just trying to pick … Continue reading Life Lessons Horses Teach Us (Without Saying a Word)
Four Favorites: Everyday Barn Must-Haves I Swear By
Welcome to the first post in my new blog series, Four Favorites — where I share the tried-and-true essentials that make my life easier, more comfortable, and (let's be honest) a little more fun around the barn. Whether you're in the muck every morning or just love a good pair of paddock boots, these are … Continue reading Four Favorites: Everyday Barn Must-Haves I Swear By
When Life Puts Things in Perspective
A Gentle Reminder from the Saddle There are moments in life when everything slows down—sometimes by choice, often by force—and we’re reminded of just how small some of our biggest worries really are. Maybe it’s a personal loss, a health scare, a loved one going through something heavy, or even just watching the world shift … Continue reading When Life Puts Things in Perspective
Horse Shows are Exhausting (but I keep going anyway)
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough air time: horse shows are exhausting. Like, “someone hand me a large McDonald's Coke and a chiropractor” kind of exhausting. And after being on the road for four of the last five weekends, I feel like I’ve earned the right to shout it from the rooftops (or … Continue reading Horse Shows are Exhausting (but I keep going anyway)
Silhouette Arabians 