Horse Shows Are Fun, DAMN IT.

We went to the horse show at the Rose Palace this weekend. It was my first show in six years, and it was also my first outing with Bob. Heading into the horse show, I had some really great lessons, and I was feeling confident in my new approach to my riding. I wasn’t over-worrying about distances. I wasn’t being a weeny about fence height. I was trying to ride confidently, and I was trying to ride nicely to give my horse a chance at success. So far, it was absolutely working. Then came the dreaded warm-up day.

Friday, we had a great school to start out with. I was riding great, hitting my strides in the lines, and I wasn’t nervous at all, despite the growing zoo that the ring was becoming. Then my trainer told me to come down a smaller two stride. Heading into the two stride, I was trying not to be concerned, but I felt that old fear creeping into my gut. We got in short and I went to move up, then before I knew it, I looked down, pulled back, and we crashed through the end oxer. Poor Bob’s nose went to the ground, and I law darted right off the side of him. Now, I am only twenty-four years old in muggle years, but I am pretty old in horse-lady years, and I have my fair share of body problems that comes from 21 years of riding, law darting, and god knows what else. So, falling is not as easy as it once was anymore. However, I jumped right back up, stood for a moment, and then I took a leg up to try again. We went back down the outside line just fine, and then my trainer had me try the two stride again.. Same thing, only this time I stayed on somehow (which is magical as it happened multiple times this weekend). Eventually, we made it down the line without me trying to attempt both of our suicides.

Saturday, my trainer told me she added me into a 2’3″ warm up to get the jitters out of the way. It was a pretty ugly course. There weren’t many moments of brilliance. The first jump we added a step instead of going forward and we got a rail. Then we went around at a molasses pace towards the dreaded two stride, set as I crashed through it yesterday, on the outside rail of the area. We jumped in pretty sort and instead of moving up, I did two and a chip and my horse had to climb out. However, we made it out alive. The rest of the round was pretty ugly, including chocolate chipping into a one stride and only a few decent jumps out of the rest. We finished with four faults and a time penalty. Our second course was 2’6″. I went in thinking “this two stride will not eat me, and I will gallop”. Honestly, I thought mostly about just getting it over with, because I knew I had one more course to go.

I had a pretty decent break before that class, and I spent it just sitting in a chair with my eyes closed. Amazingly, we warmed up well, and I went in with a good attitude and some pace. My second round was much more fluid. We added a stride here and there, but they were decisions made early not at the last minute. When I landed off jump 8, I never expected to be in the jump off. However, we were blown to continue to the JO and off we went. I never expected to make it that far, and my whole jump off plan went out the window, so I forgot to make the tighter turns, but we made it through clear and got a second. I was pretty much Beezie Madden. After another short break, I went into my second 2’6″ round after a course walk and course change. I went in with a plan, but I was hurting from Friday and both my horse and I were pretty spent.. So this happened:

Unfortunately, we just didn’t have the same pace and I took my leg off at the first fence, therefore we had an ugly pop-chip and rail. I lost both stirrups and thought about continuing down the bending line, but then I thought “If I don’t have stirrups, no horse, and do that again at the second fence.. I’m going to fall off.” So I regathered my stirrups, circled, and went back towards jump 2, an oxer. It was a nice jump and we had a bending line to the third. I put in a last minute add instead of taking the long one, and instead of committing to the forward five to the dreaded two stride, I sucked back, raised my hands, took off the leg, and we added an ugly chip into the two.

That oxer came crashing down into the two stride, and I put my hand up to excuse ourselves out of the class before they buzzed me. Of course, they ugly buzzed me anyway, but I was just done for the day. So, I gave him a long walk outside, a bath, and then I let him graze while apologizing profusely to him for my awful riding. Horse shows are fun right? I needed a cold beer and pain meds after the epic first day of ups and downs.

Sunday, I slept a little better and woke up with a different attitude going in. I put on my favorite breeches for good luck, and I told myself that today was going to be the best day. After all, I had one class to prove myself in today. I wanted to end on a good note! I got to the barn, gave Bob some cookies, and once again apologized for my lack of riding yesterday. We entered into another 2’3″ class for warm up before my division class, and I went to go look at the course. Of course, it was a 2C. I hate 2C’s. I don’t have a good memory, and I have not having a few seconds to physically point out my jump off (if I make it that far).

Warm up was great, and I had a lot of confidence going into the 2’3. We were rushed with time, so I didn’t get to course walk, but despite not totally remembering my course until I was on my way to the fences, the 2’3″ didn’t go awfully. There was a lot of things I wish I would have smoothed out, but we actually got to continue and do the whole course. No ugly buzzer here! We wound up taking a 6th in that class, and I was totally okay. After all, I’m not here for ribbons or the money back (though both are nice). I was here to have fun… BECAUSE HORSE SHOWS ARE FUN.

I actually had time to course walk while they set for the 2’6″. I wanted to go into 2’6″ with a plan, with strides, and with a better idea of what in the hell I was going to do. We decided the path I was taking, and I was feeling really great about it all. So great, I decided to go ahead and go in first! Heading to the first jump, I felt like we had a good pace, but I knew that both Bob and I were pretty tired. He began to suck back a bit at the first jump, and I let him rather than moving him forward. So we added a step and then landed short. I heard my trainer yell “GALLOP”, so I moved him forward with so many great intentions of having a gorgeous line and getting in at just the right pace to jump #2, an oxer that was a bending five to a four stride line. However, I felt my horse start to suck back again, and I didn’t keep the leg on. Instead, I went into a sort of hail mary – fetal position, and we pop chipped and pogo sticked over the oxer. I flew out of the saddle and as I landed halfway hanging off my horse, all I could think about is that I am not going out like this, damn it.

Somehow I climbed back into the saddle and didn’t eat dirt. So I took a circle, regained my composure, and then I was a determined cookie. I knew I wasn’t going to be in any JO, ribbons, or time; but I wanted to finish, and I wasn’t finishing like that. So, I went down to the 4A-4B line, and I decided to add the stride to get five down the line instead of going for the forward four. I didn’t want to crash anymore, honestly, and I didn’t trust myself at this point. I then turned to the one stride, and I wrapped my leg around him and dropped my hands, so we had a beautiful jump in and out (it’s amazing what happens when you do what your trainer tells you). The rest of the course wasn’t our best because I put in adds, but we finished on those 8 faults, and I came out with a smile. I hated that I ended my last course with a jump like that, but I was proud that we finished the rest and that it went okay… because horse shows are fun, D A M N I T!

Over all, I know that every mistake that was made was absolutely and 100% my fault. The keywords of the show were pace, leg, and drop your freaking hands! However, I am glad we did it, and we came out with two ribbons and $26 added back into our entry fees. My trainer was a saint through out it all, and I couldn’t have asked for a better barn team to tell me it was all okay, and that finishing the weekend was a success. I also couldn’t have asked for a better lease mom. Bob’s real mom was such a rock through the whole thing, and she kept sending me motivational messages even after I told her I was practically ruining her horse. She is such a wonderful person, and I wish everyone had as wonderful of a support team as me. It wasn’t the week that I had imagined or planned on having, but it was a weekend of experiences and minor successes. Hopefully, we won’t disappoint next time, and I will come much better prepared with frosty beverages and a horse show back pack flask (that I forgot to pack last minute).

Photo Credits: Mara Martinez, Jordan Lunney, and Amy Metz.

It’s Almost Horse Show Time!

I can’t believe I am even speaking those words again. I thought I was done showing after Monty. Once I started at Rachel’s with CW, I started to have those goals again. We would go to a show. We would jump around. We wouldn’t suck too bad. After all, those had been my goals with Monty, and we reached them at our last show together. Of course, we didn’t win. I think we were last in at least one class, but I came out with a smile on my face because we did it.

My last jumper show – Circa 2010.

After selling Monty and retiring CW, I thought it was the universe telling me that showing just wasn’t in my cards anymore. After all, I work multiple jobs and scrimp by just to ride weekly, let alone go to a show. It just wasn’t meant to be, and I was totally fine with being the grounds crew and show help. The only goal I had was to better myself and fix my confidence. Then, I began leasing the fabulous Bob. I sort of laughed and nodded my head the first time my trainer mentioned showing. I mean, I could barely get through a tiny course without Bob having to totally save my ass, let alone a show worthy course with 12+ jumps that I had to remember and think about. However, as we have learned each other and worked together, I’ve actually started to progress a bit in my riding. Suddenly, showing was starting to become a goal again, even if it meant working three jobs to make that happen.

 

So, we are gearing up for our first show! It is only a local show at the Rose Palace, but I am going in with a pretty hefty goal. What is that goal you ask? Don’t forget my course! That is really my only goal. My goal isn’t to win. It’s to come out smiling and to not forget my course, because I know if I give Bob a chance, he will not let me down. It’s been six years since I’ve stepped foot in a show ring, and I have to admit I’m getting pretty freaking nervous. However, I am really excited to be going in on a horse that instills so much confidence, with a kick ass coach, and especially an awesome team of barn mates to support me along the way (and be waiting with a frosty beverage after it’s all over).

 

How A Typical Lesson Goes For Me

I generally arrive at least an hour early, if not more, to prepare for my lessons. I am in a good mood at this point. I’m feeling confident and ready to take the world by storm.

I usually get on about thirty minutes before time to start, so I can stretch and walk around the arena. I like to size up what the jumps look like (trainer likes to change things up on us), and I like to get an idea of what we might be doing. We’re obviously going to have a great lesson.

I’m feeling good, my trainer either has us warm up or starts flatting us. I love flatting my lease, because I have finally figured out his buttons. We can usually get in a groove during our flatting, and I have figured out what to do to make him softer and supple.

Then she asks us to warm up over a small cross-rail or box. We are so going to do good in this lesson. This is easy stuff! We can do this all day.

At this point, I’m feeling good. I’m feeling fierce. We’re pretty much ready for the Olympics. Japan 2020, anyone? Then my trainer starts to add some harder elements. I’m still feeling pretty good after our cross-rails, but she suddenly raises the fences.

It is our turn to go. We head to the first fence, and I am feeling confident… My trainer gives me this look with her eyes.

Until I am not. You see, I can’t make a decision to save my life. My poor trainer tells me this all the time, but I still can’t seem to make the said decision. Bob really is a saintly horse.

Usually, I take a couple decent jumps and royally screw up the rest. My trainer usually sounds like this.

Or she looks like this

And I am generally like

And a lot of this

And some of this

Then my trainer asks me to review the course or exercised and explain what we liked and didn’t like. What did I like?

What did I not like?

What happened?

The process generally repeats itself for a few rounds until we mostly sort ourselves out. When I say we, I mean until I sort myself out. My horse is a saint. I am an indecisive potato that makes him do bad things. After my lessons, sweet Bob gets a lot of this:

And I am like this

 

Overall, I am very blessed to have such a wonderful, patient, and kind trainer like Rachel. I’m also so blessed to lease an amazing horse like Bob, that is always teaching me, helping to rebuild my confidence, and constantly puts up with my crap. We don’t win every lesson, but we get better (most of the time), and I call that a success.

Professionals Choice Jumping Boots

It’s been a while since I’ve done a product review. However, I am excited to review my new favorite boots on the market. Professionals Choice has been around since 1986, manufacturing some of the best equine therapeutic products on the market. For many years, I thought them to be a western only shop. My barrel racer friends had colorful SMB’s and bell boots. They had cool, air flow saddle pad. However, I was never really able to enjoy the products that my western friends spoke so highly about. That was until 2011, when the CEO’s daughter decided that PC needed to expand it’s horizons into the english world. In 2015, Professionals Choice introduced the Pro Performance line of leg care, and I am excited to review that very line in this blog.

I’m going to start with the Pro Performance Open Front Memory Foam Jumping Boots & Fetlock Boots. I use this particular pair of boots as my weekly lesson and schooling boots. They have a secure Velcro closure and are lined with a compressional open cell foam. The foam is soft yet dense enough to offer support. However, these boots are absolutely not heavy. They are very well ventilated and my horses legs are always surprisingly dry. The front boots wick away moisture and are easily and comfortably secured to keep dirt from getting in. However, I have found the back boots a little harder to secure. I’m a butter fingers, so I don’t know how much say I have here, but the side closure on these is not my absolute favorite.I find that you can get them secure and well fit, however dirt still manages to get in, unlike their front counterparts. Overall, I think the boot is beautiful made, fits to size, supportive, and secure. I did notice on the Professional Choice website that you can get the fetlock boots in the open front Velcro style, as well. These boots are also available in black.

I do love the boots pictured above as my daily schooling boots, however I love my Pro Performance Open Fronts w/ TPU Fastner & Fetlock Boots the most. They are quick to put on, very secure, breathable, and offer the perfect support for the horse legs.

I was running late to a lesson one morning, and I didn’t want to fool with my butterfingers on the fastening on my regular schooling boots. So, I grabbed this pair of boots that I was saving for a show, and I threw them on my horse quickly. I was so impressed with their ease to get on and how secure they felt. I was afraid the TPU fasteners wouldn’t get tight enough, but I was pleasantly surprised when I took them off after the lesson to see barely sweaty legs and no dirt. These quickly became my favorite boot! These boots, like the Velcro counterparts, are very lightweight. They offer the shock absorbent core (the gray part you see in the back). The foam is not too thick but offers plenty of support. The lining is breathable and doesn’t hold moisture. I’m always amazed when I take them off to how little sweat has accumulated, unlike other boots I have had. Don’t get me wrong. The sweat is still there, but it’s not dripped and soaked like I have seen previously. I have nothing bad to say about these boots, and I find the price very reasonable for the research and quality Professionals Choice puts into their product. These boots are also available in black.

PROS: I will reiterate what I have said above. These boots are lightweight, secure, offer everything you could want in a boot, come in two colors and styles, and they are affordable. The TPU fasteners are quick and easy to put the boots on and off. They don’t hold moisture, and they usually don’t hold dirt.

CONS: The only con I can think of, is the Velcro fetlock boot. The Velcro closure on them is a little difficult to get tight when you have butterfingers (like me), and they tend to catch dirt.

OVERALL: I would buy 10000 more pairs of both boots in a heartbeat. I would more than likely change out the Velcro fetlock boot for the Velcro open front fetlock boot, but I still love them all the same. If you ask anyone that knows me, I am the first to recommend Professionals Choice anything. I find that the company really researches their products and stands behind them. Everything comes with a warranty and 30 day MBG. I have always found Professionals Choice products to be reliable and their customer service to be fantastic. I would recommend their products, especially these boots, to anyone. You can find a complete list of products and information regard the company and their research on their website: www.profchoice.com.

Conquering The Mental Game

Here’s the thing. I find myself t0 be a competent rider. I’m no Beezie, Kent, Will, or any of those other fabulous riders that are always cool under pressure, because I want to get one thing out of the way right now. I’m 100000% not cool under pressure. Even if that pressure is making a decision of whether I want to wear side zips or front zips. So throw in a few fences, even a cross rail, and I have immediately lost all my ability to human.

There was a time in my life where nothing fazed me. My best friend and I would gallop across undeveloped land, jump horses that shouldn’t jump over things we shouldn’t have jumped. I was a kid, and I was young and reckless. So reckless, that we often broke bones, fell off, and got into trouble. However, we got back on (cast and all) and we were off again. I didn’t care at what distance I got into a jump. I didn’t care if the horse had a bucking problem. I didn’t care how high the jump was. I got over it, and I was riding.

However, something clicked. I got older. I kept riding the harder rides, the young horses, and the difficult horses. I loved it, but I didn’t realize I was stepping right into a sinkhole of riding disaster. I began losing confidence, and it pretty much happened overnight. I lost my ability to think clearly, and I became one of the panicked.

You see, I am not a natural rider. I don’t have natural grace or poise. I really had to work hard and hone in on the skills I have. I’m also an analytical rider. I think about every little thing I am told, even if I don’t do it. I want everything to be perfect, and I want to look absolutely perfect, even if that isn’t effective. It’s very hard for me to get out of my head, and it’s very hard for me to stop over thinking everything I do while riding.

I think as riders, getting out of our own head is one of the absolute hardest things to do. I know what to do. I know how to do it, but I can’t do it because I’m too busy thinking about how I am doing it wrong. Therefore, I chip, I add, or I take a hell of a flyer to a jump that I shouldn’t be thinking that hard about. It’s one of the most frustrating things, ever. I get so caught up in how good I could be or should be, rather than taking time to really mentally strategize and hype myself up a little bit.

Recently, I’ve been researching a lot about sports psychology and rider psychology. I’ve been reading about the mental game of riding, and I have also been reading stories about other riders struggle with the same thing. By suggestion of a friend, I found Tonya Johnston’s website. Tonya Johnston is a great equestrian mental skills coach, and she is highly regarded and used by many professionals. Even better, Tonya is a rider herself, so she really understands our struggles in the ring. She also has a great book out (that is currently shipping to my house) called Inside Your Ride.

I know that my mental game is going to be a constant struggle, but I hope that my willingness to help myself and, of course, with the help of Tonya’s book, I can overcome some of my mental obstacles. I’m on a journey to overcoming my mental obstacles, and I hope that I can help someone that might be going through the same thing. Maybe one day I will go from hot mess to “well thought out”. Until then, my journey continues.

The Half Pad Directory

After months of trying and searching for the perfect half pad, I have decided that there needs to be a directory. I’m not talking about a “review page” or a comparison page. I will leave that for the Product Review section. I’m just talking about a one stop shop that gives you all the info on half pads that you need.

I look forward to this project, and I hope you find it useful.

2016 Resolutions

Yes, this is a blog about me making my New Years Resolutions 13 days into the New Year. Honestly, I think it’s silly to make them right away. Generally, I’m still half drunk and have yet to recover from the Holidays. It takes me at least a week to let the boozy brain clear. So, I have always waited on making my “resolutions” until I really had time to think them through. I want my resolutions to be obtainable, and I don’t like generic resolutions either. So here they are, a reminder to me that I do have resolutions, and that I have a year to make them all happen.

1. In 2016, I am going to ride more and worry less. I’m going to worry less about the extra time it takes to get to the barn. I’m going to worry less about hurting peoples feelings when I choose the barn over them. I’m going to enjoy the horse I have, and I am going to make things happen. I want to try and get to the barn two to three times per week.
2. In 2016, I am going to ride more horses. You are only as good of a rider as you let yourself be, and if you only ride what your comfortable on.. What does that make you? I want to ride different horses. I want to sit on as many as I can, and I want to make myself a better rider. Notice, this resolution is different than my previous resolution, because I do not plan  on riding just CW.
3. In 2016, I am going to try different disciplines. I believe you can become a more rounded rider by trying different disciplines. I think every discipline has something to give, whether you are a Dressage rider, Jumper, Reiner, etc. I want to try cutting, reining, and Dressage this year. I also want to start roping the dummy, again. Practice makes perfect, right?
4. In 2016, I will get myself in better riding shape. I’m tired of getting tired after two circles around the arena at a canter. No stirrup work? HA. You are funny. We don’t even try that most of the time. I need to improve my core, and I need to improve my stamina. Unfortunately for me, that means I have to do cardio and attempt to work out some. It’s only fair to CW that if he has to work more then so do I.

5. In 2016, I am going to cowgirl up. I’m not going to whine when Rachel makes me jump a jump I’m not comfortable with. I’m going to put on my big girl panties and just do it. I have a great horse that isn’t going to stop, so I need to put that out of my mind. 2016 is a new year, and that means I get to restart and push the bad behind. We’ve all wrecked. It’s scary, and I don’t think anyone wants to fall off, but I seriously have to get over it.
6. In 2016, I am going to stop riding backwards. It feels like my horse is going 900mph, but I know he is not. Heck, the videos make him seem like a pleasure! I need to embrace our forward march, and I think it will make both of us happier.
7. In 2016, I am going to make it around a course of 10 jumps. You hear that Rachel? That means we aren’t going to run away, circle, or stop in-between lines or fences. We have our work cut out for ourselves.
8. In 2016, I am going to push myself past my comfort zone. I am going to make myself reach these goals, and I am going to be a happier person and better rider for it.
9. Lastly, In 2016, I am going to update my blog much more often. I promise more interviews, #ROOTD, and fun bargain finds. I vow to be a better blogger.

With that said, bring on 2016!

 

 

Here’s to 2016.

In 17 hours the book will close on 2015, and a new chapter will begin to write itself. So many people begin to write big goals and resolutions for the next year, but I want to reflect on the small successes we had in 2015.

1. CW and I may not have shown at WEF and won our division, but we did manage to put a course of jumps together at home a few times.

  

2. We only went lame twice this year, the longest time off being one month. We also got x-rays that were pretty clean and promising. 

  

3. We moved barns and began training with a great trainer. We even started riding a bit better.

  
4. I sort of got over my rediculous fear of jumping anything bigger than a cross-rail.

  
5. We also don’t runaway quite as often as we used to, and we are starting to kind of use ourself and sort of round.

 

6. I bought a new saddle, and I made new barn friends.

 
7. Lastly, I managed to not fall off.

  

So, here’s to 2016. Here is to more small goals and successes, and here’s to another year that we don’t show at WEF or possibly at all! I’m just glad that we have friends and wonderful people to help us on our crazy journey.

  
  

Fall #ROOTD Fun

I love fall. I wish Texas had a 24-7 fall. I like changing leaves, temps not above 70, and the crispness in the air. Everything starts to feel warm, cozy, and inviting. I just want to ride ponies, bake goodies, and drink chai tea all day. In the spirit of fall, I decided to make a #ROOTD this week surrounding my newest purchase. I found a pair of gray TS breeches through a Facebook group for $50 shipped! This is one of my more “expensive” #ROOTD’s, because a girl can dream, right? However, this whole outfit can be found and made cheaper buy sensible spending. I found a great, similar green plaid shirt from Ross this weekend for $12. A vest from anywhere could easily be paired with this shirt, and it would look just as great with a pair of tan schooling breeches that you already have in your closet. I chose to top this fall theme off with a pair of Ariat brown field boots, because I dream about these boots! I also dream about a pair of Ariat Volants (hint hint family @ Christmas). I think the brown field boot is so classy, and I think it adds a certain edge to any schooling outfit. I added the brown Michael Kors braided belt in for a casual feel with a high end touch to bring everything together.

You can buy any of these items below:

1. LL Bean Scotch Plaid Shirt in Black Watch – $44.95

2. LL Bean Quilted Riding Vest in Black – $109

3. Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunters in Gray – $189.95

4. Ariat Heritage Zip Field Boot in Sienna – $369.95

5. Michael Kors Braided Leather Belt – $30

Do Something That Scares You – Audrey Norrell

You can call me lucky. It’s hard for some bloggers (especially tiny bloggers like me) to get interviews with super awesome people, but I happen to have a great connection with someone in the big leagues. Lets take a moment to go backwards in time. I started riding at a great barn named Red Rock Hounds in Reno, NV after moving there when I was 16. At my first lesson, I watched a rail thin, young girl battling a feisty Chestnut TB as he ducked his head and attempted to buck. I didn’t say much, just observed in awe as the trainers yelled “Stay on! Get his head up!”. I couldn’t believe this girl was sticking to this horse that outweighed her by a lot. After the lesson, I decided to start a conversation. Of course, because she “looked” younger, I made the mistake of talking her like a baby. It was only when I cooed “How old are you?” did I get a certain look and a prompt answer that she was 10. She sounded wise beyond her years already. You can say, the rest is history, and I am happy to call her one of my best friends. Fast forward to 2015, Audrey Norrell is now a bright star in the show jumping world, working as a barn manager and assistant rider for 2008 Olympic equestrian Will Simpson at the young age of 18 in California.

Will Simpson and The Dude win at Del Mar.

Audrey, can you tell us a little about your background. Did you always want to have a career in the horse world?
• Both of my parents ride, so I was lucky enough to grow up around horses. I always knew that I wanted to have a horse related career when I got older, and I considered a lot of different equine related fields. However, a professional career in the show jumping world was always a dream of mine.

You work for Will Simpson out of California. When did you first meet Will? How did you acquire your position?
• I decided when I was 14 that I wanted to pursue a riding career in the Show Jumping industry. I wrote a lot of letters to trainers on the West Coast looking for a working student position. Unfortunately, not any of the barns were open to working students under the age of 16. At that point, I was feeling quite discouraged. It wasn’t soon after that my trainer from Reno, Lynn Lloyd, and her dear friend, John Charlebois, owner of Charlebois Farms, arranged for me to do a trail as a working student for Will during a week at the Menlo Horse Show. I was so shocked that a top rider like Will would even consider working with me! Not only was I very young, but I had no background in the show jumping world. I grew up fox hunting and assisting in starting young horses, which is very different from the hunter jumper industry. Luckily, after working for Will at Menlo he offered me a position at his barn, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work for him ever since.

Will Simpson, Audrey’s mentor and boss, helped clinch team gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

You left home at a time when most girls your age are planning their first homecoming dress. What was it like leaving home so young to pursue your dreams?
• It was a little intimidating leaving home so young, but I’m so happy I did. My mother was notorious for saying, “Everyday you should do something that scares you. You aren’t really living unless you push yourself out of your comfort zone.”

How did your family feel about all of this at first?
• Certain members of my family were very skeptical about me pursuing the working student position, which is understandable considering the unique situation. Even though they may have questioned it in the beginning, my family has been extremely supportive over the past few years. Without them I would not be where I am today.

You are 18 now and coming up on graduation, how do you manage working and school?
• I actually graduated in May of this year! I did all of my school work for high school through the online programs, Laurel Springs College Preparatory School and Connections Academy. It was difficult at times, but the flexibility of online school allowed me to travel and continue to work for Will while still getting my diploma. In January of this year, I will begin online college courses. I’m very happy with where I am in my life right now. So, I have decided not to attend a traditional 4 year college for now. Instead, I plan on getting a business degree through an online program. My goal is to have a professional career in the show jumping industry, but that isn’t a normal major in most colleges. However, I think that I will benefit the most from obtaining a degree in business. I am determined to get a college degree while continuing to work towards my riding career.

You mentioned that you grew up Fox Hunting, what was it like coming from a fox-hunting barn to a major show jumping operation?
• It was quite the transition going from a fox-hunting barn to a top show jumping program. They are two completely different worlds. I will say that growing up in the hunt field has had a strong influence on my riding, and it will continue to for the rest of my career.

Audrey is the youngest member of Red Rock Hounds to ever be awarded a Scarlett coat. She is also an extraordinary whipper-in.

Can you explain your day-to-day schedule? How about a day at home on off-season vs. a day at a show?
• Generally I ride 6-10 horses a day, administer the feed and medications, do a bit of office work, and oversee everything else happening around the barn. Days at home are usually less busy than a day at the show. Show days tend to start earlier and end later, and they are a bit more high pace then our work days at home. Honestly, it’s really hard for me to call any day spent around horses work!

It’s Grand Prix day for Will and The Dude. What is that day usually like?
• We like to keep The Dude as fresh as possible for Grand Prix days. He is a little cold blooded so we have to keep his energy up. Generally to prep him for a big class, Will or I will give him a nice flat in the morning when it’s cool. Then we have a few different therapeutic measures he gets, such as the Theraplate and a magnetic blanket. Then we let him relax in his stall until show time. We try to make sure he is feeling as rejuvenated as possible before he heads into the ring.

What is a typical schooling session for Will’s horses? What is your favorite schooling exercise?
• We don’t school very much at home. When we are at home we generally try to keep the horses very fit on the flat and give them down time from jumping (and some pretty awesome looking trail rides, might I add). When we do school at home, Will is a big fan of gymnastics. We also try to incorporate a lot of different exercises and a lot of hill work. If there is a race track near by, we will load some horses up and let them go for a good gallop. We believe in a lot of forward flat work. That is 99% of getting a show jumper fit! As for me, I don’t necessarily have a favorite schooling exercise. Anytime I get to school a horse I’m thrilled!

What are your responsibilities as a barn manager and assistant rider?
• The responsibilities vary. I just try to make sure that the horses are in the best shape and condition they can be when they are competing and traveling. I also handle the logistical side of the barn. My job is to make sure that everything is organized and runs smoothly so Will can show up and focus on the show ring.

Tell us a little about your personal horse.
• My mare is a 10 yr old Holsteiner mare. I’ve had her for almost a year now. I started riding her last year for Sandstone stables. She’s a little feisty and definitely has her own opinions, but she’s talented and I feel very fortunate to have her. We currently compete in the Modified Jr/Am Jumpers and the open 1.20m.

Audrey and Mariposa competing at HITS Thermal.

What has been the biggest hurdle to overcome for you?
• I think the hardest thing for me to overcome has been my nerves. I still get nervous before I go into the ring, but I’ve gotten better about managing them.

A lot of people, including myself, have a hard time dealing with their nerves. How do you help manage them?
• Will has been really helpful in learning how to deal with my nerves. One of his favorite sayings is, “Just do the best you can, and it will be good enough”. This saying really helps me keep everything in perspective. When I’m getting ready to go into the ring, I just tell myself that there is no other place I would rather be right now. All I have to do is go in and give it my all, and that will be good enough. I think it is a good thing to get a little nervous, because it means that you desire to do well. It’s just about channeling that desire into the ability to perform your best. I read an article about Beezie Madden recently, and she stated that “Anybody who says that they never get nervous isn’t telling the truth.” So, even the best riders in our sport have to deal with nerves!

What are your long-term goals?
• Representing the USA at a world championship or at the Olympic Games is my ultimate dream. I’m going to do everything I can to try to become a successful Grand Prix rider.

What are your short-term goals?
• Right now I am taking it day by day, trying to improve my riding every single time I sit in the saddle. I’m focusing on becoming a professional and hopefully working my way up to some bigger classes.

You are an inspiration to me and many others, what advice would you give to a young equestrian that dreams of becoming a professional?
• Thank you, I don’t know if I have earned that compliment, but I am very flattered. The only advice I can give is to try to learn everything you can from every person willing to teach you. Take risks even when they scare you, and don’t ever give up on something that you are passionate about.

How to win a Grand Prix? Bribery, of course.

When she isn’t riding, Audrey is an ambassador for Camp Southern Ground, a non-profit organization that creates outdoor experiences for children of all abilities. We encourage you to check out Camp Southern Grounds mission! Audrey and the team from Will Simpson Stables are headed to Thermal for the National Sunshine Series before finishing their show season at the Las Vegas National Horse Show. We wish everyone on team WSS a great show, and we look forward to checking in with Audrey again soon!