It is estimated that the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters everywhere take advantage of this day to honor and express appreciation for their mothers. As author Mildred B. Vermont said, “Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field since the payment is pure love.”
Most horse show enthusiasts would agree that horse show moms are on a whole other level when it comes to being great at their jobs as mothers. So, on behalf of all the horse show moms out there, we asked several exhibitors why their mom is the best and how they have helped shape their show careers over the years. Many moms were described as cheerleaders, grooms, truck drivers, vets, teachers, best friends, and confidants. And everyone credits their mothers for helping shape them into the person they are today.
We wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!
Grant Mastin – My mom is single-handedly the most incredible person I know, almost superhero-like. She has always supported me throughout all of my endeavors, despite any circumstances, and helped me achieve my wildest dreams, never making me choose between one activity or another. One thing she has always told me when it comes to balancing my busy schedule between horse shows, school, and sporting events is that, “I’ll never make you choose. It may be inconvenient, but it’s not impossible.” She has truly lived by these words – from countless flights back and forth across the country, to early mornings and late nights that turn into early mornings. Not only does she do all of these things for me, but she is a person who would do anything for anyone and loves to see others succeed. Without her, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today, and someday, I hope to be half the person she is.
Bailey Anderson – I think most in the horse industry that knows Tina Anderson would argue she’s one of the best, but I especially would say this, as she is my mom. I think it’s pretty rare to have a relationship like we do. We are genuinely best friends and share the same passions. Being a judge in the industry, she is very knowledgeable, so she is a great person to get feedback from, even if I sometimes don’t want to hear it. I’m truly most grateful for her confidence in me as a rider and how she pushed me never to give up. There were tough times in my riding career (as I’m sure we can all relate to) when I wanted to give up, but her belief in me and her push kept me going. So much credit goes to my mom for all of my wins and success stories. Outside of the horse industry, she is also truly a force to be reckoned with in her career. I look up to her and utilize her as a mentor, a sounding board, and a resource. I am a Chemical Engineer and recently got promoted to a management position, and I know I wouldn’t have gotten this promotion without her as a role model and her guidance. I could go on and on for days on why my mom is the best, but it would be a book.
Alexia Tordoff – I have many reasons why my mom is THE best. My mother, Shari Tordoff has been a crucial role model for me in and out of the show pen. She has taught me much about hard work and being an independent woman. She has supported this crazy sport more than I could have ever asked. I can’t thank her enough for being there during all the early morning rides and late nights in the show pen. I love you, mom.
Maddie & Allie Rippeon – Our mother has been a great role model and mentor! She pushes us in different ways to be the best versions of ourselves. (Maddie) I appreciate she takes the time away from her family and friends to drive our motor home all over the country, ensuring we have everything we need, to go and have fun! (Allie) She has given us amazing opportunities and is always proud of us, no matter what.
Collin Froman – My mom is the best because she shows horses with me. It makes things more relatable to her and me whenever we’re showing. She knows what to say to help me when I’m riding (but she could still learn to keep it to herself sometimes). She also can relate to issues I have when I’m showing and will often listen to me when I talk about them. But, I think what makes my mom above all others is that she picks my stall for me while I’m practicing.
Emma Brown – I can’t imagine doing life without my mom, but I especially can’t imagine horse showing without her. She is the glue that holds us all together, my very best friend, and role model. She is always the person who reminds me to have confidence and never give up. She has been there for my biggest wins and my most brutal losses. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her by my side. I am forever grateful to have a mom like mine.
Kristen Galyean – My mom has always been my rock and biggest fan. She has always told me when she thinks I can be better, and that always pushed me to give it my all, so I’m thankful for that. But she was also the first to tell me she was proud, which meant the world to me. She is always there to help me however she can, and now with my girls, I keep her pretty busy. She is pretty much a rock star.
Olivia Tordoff – There is not a single day that I am not beyond grateful for my mom. She has taught me the importance of honest, hard work, compassion for others, and genuine loyalty to your friends and family. She never gets enough credit for the long hours she works to support us. Whether it’s watching me practice at 2 am or making sure I am prepared for an Organic Chemistry exam. I know I can count on her to be there for me. Her love and empathy towards others and the many horses we’ve owned over the years are extraordinary. I hope to be half as successful of a businesswoman and mother as her someday. I love you, mom.
Dakota Diamond Griffith – I am so blessed with a mom who has been my biggest supporter and most prominent critic. From being my homeschooling teacher to my trailer driver, braider/bander, groom, stylist, and so many other things, she has worn about every hat you could imagine in my life. We have cried tears of joy and tears of sadness together. Through literal blood, sweat, tears, thousands of points, piles of ribbons, trophies, and belt buckles, no matter what, she has been there for me. (Unless I showed my horse poorly, she may or may not have left the arena LOL), but she would always be ready for the next to go round. She has invested so much of her time to ensure that if I wanted something bad enough, I would have the tools to make it possible. One of my fondest memories includes when I was hauling for the year’s rookie, I was still so young and naive that all I could remember thinking was, “mom, we are in St. Louis on Easter, and the Easter bunny isn’t going to find me here!” That morning, I showed up in the first class at 8 am…my mom had my halter horse groomed to perfection, banded, and ready to go, and to my surprise, the Easter bunny had made it to my stalls. I had a basket and egg hunt waiting for me. My mom is my best friend, and I am fortunate to be her daughter. Love you, mom. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mom’s out there.
Emma Garcia – I could go on and on about why my mom is the best, but I think most of all, the fact that she runs a company and still puts the needs of her family before anything else (including her sanity) is incredible. When it comes to horse shows, not only is she a talented rider, but again, she makes sure I’m ready to show, signs me up for my classes, and keeps me organized and on time. Beyond the organization, my mom is my biggest supporter and the first person I want to see when walking out of the show pen. Even when I’m disappointed in my ride, she still finds a way to cheer me up and give me encouragement, which is what I love about showing with my mom. I see how hard she works every day, both in her career and in the saddle, and she motivates me to be a better person and rider.
Lauren Stanley – Words can’t capture my appreciation for all my mom has done for the horses and me. Being a horse show mom requires countless hours in the grime and sun, waiting to watch a two-minute run. But, my mom did all of that and more with a smile. She always knew the right thing to say when things didn’t go as planned and was always the first and loudest one cheering when they did. She loves the horses with all her heart. I couldn’t have accomplished my dreams without her.
Giorgia Medows – My mom truly is my best friend. I can’t imagine what I would do without her daily, especially at horse shows. Growing up, there have been very few times my mom has not been there to help me out at a horse show. I can always count on her to be in my corner through the good and the ugly, which is inevitable when showing horses. Showing horses has allowed my mom and me to have a strong bond. We do it as a family, and both my parents grew up doing it themselves. My mom is the first person I look to after each ride for advice or her thoughts, and I know this relationship will continue for everything else in my life. There truly is no one stronger than a horse show mom.
Austin Gooding – My mom does everything behind the scenes. She takes care of stalls for shows, and hotels, enters all the horses, making sure all the horse laundry (and people laundry LOL) is done. My mom makes sure every person and horse is ready and prepared to show. After the rest of us are done riding for the day, you can usually find her practicing patterns with the clients for the next day. Without her, me, my dad, and all our clients would be lost, no doubt. Everyone very much appreciates her.
Mackenzie Preston – My mom is the best, but one of the main reasons is her love and generosity. Her unyielding love of horses, the industry, and the horse community are hugely inspiring. She is always thinking of other people, wanting to truly enhance their well-being, doing things “just because”…she’s the epitome of generosity. These, and more, are just a few reasons why my mom, Michelle, is the best!
Samantha Foust – There are not enough words to describe just how important my mom is to my family & what a powerful influence she is on me. I strive to be as compassionate & strong as she is. My mom is my role model and my rock. I would not be able to enjoy my passion for showing horses without her support. Our special bond as mother & daughter has now grown even deeper with the addition of my son, Maverick. She is the most amazing grandma, and it makes my heart melt seeing them together. The two of them, in the crowd cheering me on, is the most extraordinary feeling. I can never thank her enough for everything she does for me. Happy Mother’s Day, mom.
Paige Stawicki Rogers – My mom, Bev Bass is the best because she supports me no matter what. Whether it was flying to watch every equestrian meet in college, following my airplane across the computer screen while I’m at work, or simply coming to the barn to see me ride, she has taken an active role in my interests. Although I had to step away from the horse world for a bit, she taught me to work hard and prioritize my career to afford the things I love on my own. That alone has made returning to the industry so much more rewarding. I appreciate every moment that much more, knowing how much work goes into allowing me these opportunities. Mom, thank you for always being someone I could look up to and for instilling values in me that make me proud of who I am today. I love you.
Parris Knight – Thankful and blessed are the words that come to mind when I sit down and think about my mom and all the things she has helped me accomplish. Growing up, I watched my mom continually create and redefine what success meant. This is something that I have tried to take with me into my life, career, and competitive endeavors. The lessons she has taught me through horses are things I carry with me every day. Never sacrifice quality for speed. Always push your comfort zone, keep your chest tall, and don’t be afraid to get gritty. Thank you isn’t enough to the mom who always has my back while I chase all my wildest dreams and push those around her to rise to their best.
Cheyenne Augsburger– You want to know why my mom is the best? My mom is the best because of her unconditional love and support. She helps me anytime I need it, sometimes while criticizing me when needed, but she is always there in my corner supporting me. She is there for me in my darkest hours. She cheers me on, not only in the show pen, but in everyday life. She loves to watch me show, and I always leave the arena with a loving, supportive mother. She never hesitates to teach me both horse lessons, and life lessons. She makes an effort to learn about all of my friends. My mom is the absolute best mother a person could have, no matter the arguments we may get in and the fights we may have, I know no one would fight harder for me or love me more.
Christy Arrington – My mother’s strength and determination have always been something I admire about her. When she was diagnosed with Parkinsons and told she had maybe five years left to ride, she never considered quitting. We are almost halfway through year six, and she is just as determined as ever to ride and compete. I’m not saying it has been easy. It has not been easy. But she rides almost every day. She loves it and works very hard. She has always worked hard at whatever she was doing. That is why mom is the best!
Why is your mom the best? Let us know and share your thought with us in our social media comments.
