Equestrian Adult Amateur

Have Neck Injuries Increased In The Horse World? Frida’s Story | Ep 38

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I sit down with Courtney, who opens up about the emotional journey with her mare, Frida.
When Courtney first brought Frida home, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, even though the mare had passed a pre-purchase exam. Over time, that intuition proved true.
Frida was later diagnosed with multiple neck injuries, including internal stenosis and a fractured bone. Courtney shares the long and difficult road of seeking answers, advocating for her horse, and ultimately making the decision to pursue multiple surgeries to help Frida breathe and live comfortably again.
This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with hope, a reminder that sometimes, listening to your gut can make all the difference!

LIVE Plaidcast: The Story of Wills Park with Cheryl Sims | Ep 37

Hosting a live episode of The Plaidcast during the Inside the Ingate Season Finale Watch Party was such a special moment for me. There’s something about being surrounded by my local horse people community — sharing stories, laughter, and memories — that reminds me why I love doing this! For this episode, I had the chance to talk with Cheryl Simms, the Horse Show Manager at Wills Park Equestrian Center, and Piper Klemm, Publisher of The Plaid Horse. Wills Park has been a vital part of the Atlanta horse community for decades, and hearing Cheryl share its history and her vision for its future was truly inspiring. We discussed how the park has evolved, the renovations and fundraising efforts that sustain it, and Cheryl’s mission to ensure it remains affordable, welcoming, and community-driven. Piper brought great insight into why it’s so important to preserve spaces like this — places where riders can grow, connect, and feel at home in the sport. For me, this conversation really highlighted the heart behind what we do. Wills Park isn’t just a showgrounds — it’s a reflection of how much love and dedication go into keeping equestrian life alive at every level.

Can I Be Happy, Have Horses, And Be A Good Mom? | Ep 36

In this heartfelt episode, Alexis opens up about the challenges of being a new mom while also balancing life as an adult amateur rider and equestrian enthusiast. She shares the guilt she often feels for not being able to spend as much time with her horses as she once did and reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities and daily rhythms.
Alexis also discusses the difficulty of finding joy outside of being a mom, reminding herself and listeners of the importance of prioritizing their own happiness and well-being. She speaks candidly about feelings of inadequacy and guilt, but also emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace during this season of life.
Throughout the episode, Alexis encourages other moms in the equestrian community to find small, meaningful ways to keep horses in their lives, even if it looks different than before. She also invites listeners to share their own experiences, advice, and encouragement, highlighting the strength of community and shared understanding.
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Motherhood, Riding Nerves & Barn Life Unfiltered | Ep 35

In this episode, Alexis and I finally got to catch up after being apart for a bit! We started with some updates, including hair, a new Garmin watch, and the fact that Alexis has been getting very little sleep, before diving into what’s new in our horse lives. Alexis opened up about how challenging it’s been to ride regularly since becoming a mom, and what it felt like to ride her friend’s very well-trained horse. She shared how fun it was, but also how nerve-wracking it can be riding someone else’s horse when you don’t want to mess anything up. Of course, we couldn’t resist a little barn talk, everything from horse trailer prices (and my “trailer anxiety” story) to a horse-shaped pipe cleaner that turned out to be a total fail. We even touched on footing. If you’re an adult amateur balancing real life with barn life, this episode will feel all too familiar. 🐴💬

The Message Behind Inside the Ingate | Ep 34

In this episode, I reflect on the incredible experience of premiering Season 2 of Inside the Ingate at the Devon Horse Show. From seeing the show on the big screen to watching riders and viewers react, it was a moment full of pride, nerves, and excitement. I dive into the mission behind the series—showcasing the behind-the-scenes world of equestrian sports, giving riders and participants the chance to tell their own stories, and exploring the challenges, nerves, and triumphs that often go unseen. I hope you guys enjoy!

Getting Local at the Wills Park Foundation Benefit Show | Ep 33

This week on The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re at the Wills Park Benefit Show and sitting down with some incredible guests who are shaping the equestrian community in unique ways!
Brooke Bryant (Dillard’s) talks about why Dillard’s sponsors events like this one and shares the hottest trends for fall.
Kelly from Harbin Agency breaks down the importance of equine insurance, how it protects both horse and rider, and why it’s more affordable than you may think.
Heather Steinman (Strays 4 Days) shares her inspiring journey rescuing cats, the challenges strays face, and the joy of rehoming them.
Matt (South State Bank) gives insights into banking for equestrians, budgeting tips, and his personal connection to Wills Park.
It’s a fun, insightful, and heartwarming look at how fashion, finance, and animal rescue all connect within the equestrian lifestyle.

Perfection In Our Riding Is NOT the Goal | Ep 32

This week has been a whirlwind! Episode 3 of Inside the Ingate premiered at the Will’s Park Benefit Show, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support this community has shown. In this episode, you’ll also see Nick and Matthew in the International Derby at the Devon Horse Show; their rides reminded me of the importance of patience, partnership, and listening to our horses.
I also open up about my own training journey with my horse. Riding hasn’t been easy lately. Between old fears, PTSD, and the pressure I put on myself, I’ve had to really focus on giving my horse positive rides even when I feel anxious or insecure.
This podcast is about honesty, growth, and remembering why we ride in the first place. I hope sharing my journey reminds other adult amateurs that you’re not alone! 💙

Mental Barriers, PTSD, And Trauma | Haleigh Holom | Ep 31

In this episode, I sit down with Haleigh Holom, a mental performance coach who helps riders push past mental and physical barriers so they can reach their goals. We talk about some of the biggest challenges adult amateurs face—things I’ve struggled with myself—like comparison, performance anxiety, and fear in the saddle.
I open up about my own journey with comparison, especially the frustration I used to feel when I couldn’t afford a “fancy” horse and would measure myself against others. Haleigh explained that the first step to breaking free from that cycle is recognizing when comparison sneaks in and then shifting the focus back to my own goals.
We also dive into performance anxiety. I share my experiences with pre-show nerves, worrying about letting others down, and that mental spiral that can hit before a big ride. Haleigh talks about how she works with her clients—and how I can apply this myself—through:
Mindset training to challenge self-limiting beliefs
A consistent pre-ride warm-up routine to find calm
Practicing gratitude and positive self-talk
Striking a healthy balance when facing fears
Using mindfulness and replaying positive riding moments in my mind
We also talk about how past traumas can show up in the arena, and how signs like body tension, agitation, or trouble focusing can mean I’m sliding into anxiety. Haleigh reminded me how important it is to have a strong support system at the barn, and I’m so grateful for my trainers and barn family who encourage me every step of the way.
Haleigh also shared about her workshops for riders, trainers, and parents, as well as her virtual coaching, clinics, and horse show support. I wrapped up the conversation feeling inspired and excited to have her back on the podcast in the future.
My Biggest Takeaway:Our mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical skills. By reframing my thoughts, focusing on what I can control, and letting go of what I can’t, I can ride with more confidence, clarity, and joy.
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Plaidcast Live Pregame | Piper Klemm & Geoff Case | Ep 30

In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur, I sit down with Piper Klemm, the powerhouse behind *The Plaid Horse Magazine*, to dive deep into her journey through equestrian journalism and what continues to inspire her work in the horse world. Piper shares what it’s been like navigating the industry as a young woman, building credibility, and staying authentic in a space that’s often slow to change. She also opens up about being featured on our very own Docuseries *Inside the Ingate*—a vulnerable moment that brought both nerves and excitement.
Her hope? That by telling her story, she can inspire and educate others in the equestrian community. We’re also joined by Geoff, a respected hunter and equitation judge, who brings his insight into what really matters in the ring. From memorable rounds to major pet peeves (like riders sitting the trot on their entrance), Geoff offers a candid look behind the judge’s booth. Together, we discuss:
* The high cost of competing at elite shows like Devon—and why it’s time to debunk the “only billionaires can afford it” myth
* The mental game behind showing and how to balance your passion with real life * The pressures of horse life and what it means to have a life *outside* the barn
* The importance of building a career in all areas of the horse industry—from judging to teaching to course design
We wrapped the episode with a little hype for the upcoming *Inside the Ingate* live show, and a powerful reminder: our stories matter. Whether you're in the big leagues or riding in your own backyard, your journey is valid—and worth sharing.
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How Teamwork Wins Championships: With Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, & Carleton Brooks I Ep 29

This week on the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, I sit down with three of the biggest names in the hunter ring: Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, and Carleton Brooks.
Together, we talk about what it takes to build a winning program — from horse selection and team dynamics to mentorship, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes organization.
Nick opens up about what allows him to focus fully in the show ring, trusting that everything behind the scenes is taken care of. Traci and Carleton dive into their detailed approach to planning, communication, and developing top hunters and clients across the country. We also reflect on some of our funniest memories, career highlights (like winning at Devon), and what keeps them motivated for the future.