05/10/2026
had the opportunity to run the in gate of the walk trot - cross rails ring at a show this weekend, the same local horse shows that I grew up going to. Some kids had their best days ever, others had to dig in, some on green ponies, others on sweet schoolmasters. Every single kid learned something this weekend and every single kid was a good sport. Something that I think is extremely important no matter what level you’re at is that whether it’s your day to win or not, you still worked hard to be here. The two minutes in the ring is only a snapshot of the hours training you’ve put in, whether you’re at the grassroots level or beyond. Often times we get so hung up in the pressure and mistakes we lose sight of the love of the sport and the curious nature of getting better. Adding to the charm was the ear to ear smiles of these kids coming out of the ring after missing changes or adding in lines, or the kid who got a ribbon out of nine- not a blue ribbon, just a ribbon. The joy these kids had in the moment is something that I believe many of us can be appreciative of the reminder. It’s supposed to be fun 😀