As each show season gradually winds down with the approach of the holidays, many of us find the time to reflect on what the past year has brought our way. This holiday season, we have asked the industry to tell us a little bit about what they are thankful for in the horse industry this year.
From the horses themselves to the “behind the scenes” people who make it all work, their answers inevitably did not fail to capture everything there is to appreciate about this sometimes crazy, yet almost always fun world that we love so much.
Alexia Tordoff – My mom has always told us to thank God for at least one thing every night. Of course, I am forever thankful for our incredible American Quarter Horses. I am blessed to have the most amazing horses. Each one teaches me so much. I am also grateful for my family – both my close family and my horse family. Without the help and support of everyone, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Cathy Corrigan-Frank – The thing I am most thankful for in the horse industry this year is a very personal answer: I am grateful to have had another year of showing my old gelding, Hanks A Skip N Zippo. He will be 19 on January first and has had some health and soundness issues in recent years. We were able to not only qualify for the 2019 AQHA World Show in Amateur Trail, but we made it into the finals as well. And, we are already qualified for the 2020 AQHA Select World Show. I know he is in the sunset of his show career, so I am very thankful for another healthy year with him.
Brian Baker – I am thankful for how all of the trainers and exhibitors are indeed a family. We all know we aren’t supposed to win all of the time, but everybody is always happy for the winner. The sportsmanship and camaraderie are definitely what I have appreciated most this season.
Emma Brown – This horse show season, I am most thankful for my horses and horse show family. Without amazing horses, I couldn’t do what I love, and without my barn family, I wouldn’t have fantastic support that I do, and my horses would not be prepared great every time. Judd, Jennifer, and my boys, Brett and Ben, are all such a blessing to me.
Lauren Stanley – Where to start? There are so many things to be thankful for this year. I am incredibly grateful to have a horse who is as kind as he is talented. I am thankful to have a family that encourages this crazy passion. I am thankful for a trainer who pushes me to be a better horsewoman. I am grateful for a great vet and a great shoer who keep my horses happy and healthy. I’m grateful for the horse show family that I am surrounded by; they are the best supporters win, lose, or draw. And last, but not least, I am thankful for GoHorseShow and their excellent articles and reports from the shows. We love you guys.
Hilary Roberts – Sometimes, I think we take what we do for granted, so it’s nice to stop and be thankful during the holiday season. I’m grateful for the ability to do what I love with my family and my friends. I’ve met some of my best friends through horses, and I think sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to live in an alternate universe where we can enjoy this hobby as a lifestyle with such a great group of people. I’m thankful that my parents allowed me to get involved in horses – I can’t imagine my life without them.
Jojo Roberson – I am thankful for so much within the horse industry. I am most grateful to have parents and trainers who got me involved in the industry and help me every day to become a better horseman. Also, I am greatly appreciative and thankful for the opportunities to ride collegiately and the scholarships that are available through AQHA. Lastly, I am so grateful to have my horse, Greedy. He has come such a long way in the past few years, and he has the best personality.
Charlie Cole – I’m thankful that I get to train and work with horses for a living.
Julie Hoefling – I think that any time you can swing a leg over your horse, or be in the company of a horse at all, there is reason enough to be thankful. When you have an excellent team around you, it makes all of the memories and everything you accomplish even better. I’m grateful this holiday season for my trainers, my horse, Lucky, and my family. I was blessed to have a pretty awesome year with a new horse and achieved a lot of success in a brand new event for me. Without my trainers and family supporting me and pushing me, it wouldn’t have been so special. This year was a blast, and I had so much fun with some of my favorite people. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that came my way this year. So, as 2019 wraps up, I’m feeling very fulfilled and grateful.
Tony Anderman – I am so thankful for my horse, Solo Invested, or as I call him, Mac. He has allowed me to realize the dreams that I have had since I was a little kid running around the shows. He makes me work for it, but comes through when it is crucial. Each year, I wonder what else we could accomplish, and each year he continues to surprise me. Mac has genuinely been my once-in-a-lifetime horse.
Michelle Forness – The first thing that comes to mind for me, and I am sure for the majority of us, is our horse show families. The supportive, loving people that make up Robin Frid Show Horses: the amazing show moms and dads that became all of our show parents; Robin, Jenny, and Katie that give their hearts to us every day. Also, the working girls that work the shows with me from before dawn until after dusk with a smile. I am especially thankful this year because I bought a new filly just in time for my birthday. I am grateful for the breeders in this industry that commit to producing the future of the breed. They have invested their time, money, and passion into making many of our dreams come true.
Which part of the horse industry are you thankful for this holiday season? Be sure to let us know in the comments. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
