What the Show Ring Reminded Me This Week

Good morning! I’m currently at the Northern Winter Classic horse show, and I must say, the weather is so much better this week. Last week it was 20° with the windchill—so cold!

I have a new rider, Angelica, who came to her first show last week. It was so exciting and so fun to watch her win her first blue ribbon. Seeing the tears in her eyes really warmed my heart.

On Sunday, she told me she was absolutely exhausted and didn’t know if she could even function. I told her this is part of horse showing, and Sundays are always the hardest. We talked about focusing on the task at hand: a quality canter, staying out in the corners, and breathing. She looked worried, but she rode amazing, and I was so proud of her.

After her ride, I reminded her to think about what was different for this Sunday. Was it fitness? Did she eat enough? Was she hydrated? I always ask myself these questions to make sure I’m prepared to give my horse my all. Don’t get me wrong—she gave Berlin her all, and they ended up champion.

Today, I just had a couple of horses to show. I rode my first one, Cash, and he was absolutely perfect. I did notice that I felt a little tired. Then I got on Ralphie. I own him and absolutely adore him. I had three rounds to do. In the schooling ring, I noticed my legs felt a bit tired, which is unusual.

Then it hit me: when I was in the RV getting ready to eat, I realized I was running behind to help Caroline on her first horse. So I ran out and totally forgot to eat. Nourishment is incredibly important for me.

Ralphie was beautiful in the first round. In the second round, he was very good, but I could feel my brain and eyes getting a little fuzzy. And here we go—the third round. I walked in, trotted across the ring, walked, and picked up my canter. Wait! I’m going the wrong way and to the wrong jump. I stopped. I wandered around, and my fuzzy brain would not let me pick the right jump. I was praying that Caroline would shout it out, but she didn’t know why I was wandering aimlessly in the middle of the ring. It literally took me five minutes to find the first jump.

This is my reminder that I need to eat in the morning. When I have my protein, I feel incredible. When I don’t… I just don’t have the stamina or brain power.

In these moments, I take a breath and remind myself that I am human and not perfect. My old self used to be quite critical—lingering, worrying, and feeling embarrassed. Not anymore. I just recognized what I needed to do to perform better. And I had a good laugh.

As trainers, there’s a lot more pressure when you’re riding other people’s horses. It can be stressful when something goes awry. But everyone has to remember… we are all human.

So this is your friendly reminder to be good to yourself. Eat and hydrate in the morning so you’re well prepared for your day at the show.

That’s your little nugget for today. Hope everyone has a great one!