GoHorseShow would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. As the horse show season begins to slow down, it is a great time for us to count our blessings and think about the things that we are thankful for. For many trainers and exhibitors alike, it is a sigh of relief that the Congress and World Show are over and Thanksgiving is here.
Some will be looking forward to staying home with family and friends while others will be packing up and heading to shows over the holidays. Through the horse-showing community, there will be whispered thanks for good horses, great moments of the year, and our good fortune to be able to show horses and do what we love.
We interviewed some of the industry’s top professionals and exhibitors to ask them how they show gratitude to their family and friends, including their furry ones. Let’s find out what they had to say.
Emma Brown – Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite times of the year. I love having all of my family together laughing and enjoying each other’s company while eating delicious food. Although the horses and dogs get plenty of treats regularly, we always slip something a little extra to them during Thanksgiving time to let them know how grateful we are. I think the pups might eat more than we do on Thanksgiving (haha). With that being said, I think at times, it can be easy to forget just how lucky we all are to be surrounded by our family and have a place to enjoy a warm dinner. This is simply not the case for everyone. Giving back to the community is at the core of what I love to do, so all year, but even more importantly during the holiday season, I volunteer and am involved with multiple homeless shelters and organizations that help people in times of need. We even do it as a family sometimes and nothing is more fulfilling than helping others. I encourage everyone to volunteer in your community during these times. You never know the impact you can make on just one person.
Grant Mastin – Always say “thank you!” It seems so simple, but I always make sure to genuinely say thank you to everyone who helps me. I also like to send handwritten thank you notes – a simple, but impactful gesture to acknowledge my gratitude. One of my favorite ways to show appreciation to friends and family is offering my time, whether it is just spending quality time together, helping them with a project, or giving them a ride, it’s my way of showing I value and appreciate having them in my life. This also includes small acts of kindness, like picking up their favorite drink or food. As I grow older, I realize how much adults in this industry give their time and knowledge to help others, especially the youth. I am especially grateful to everyone who has taken the time to invest in me. My heart is full.
Morgan Jennings – I have a lot to be thankful for always so, some small things I’ve been trying to do is send someone a text if I randomly think of them throughout the day and/or use my driving time to make phone calls I might otherwise not have time for. I can’t buy everyone the things they deserve, but I’ve been trying my best in this season of life to remind people how much I appreciate them. So many people were there for me when I needed it most and supported my journey into motherhood and back into the show arena.
Sarah Lebsock – I’m a big fan of calling it how I see it. If I see a person doing something cool or kind or genuine, I’ll let them know about it and thank them for their magic. My animals all get the best care I can provide. Whether that be a full day in the pasture for the horses or a jeep ride and a walk for the doggo, because he loves it. Doing things for them that I know they love is my favorite kind of appreciation and gratitude to give.
Rebekah Kazakevicius – For friends, I shoot for meaningful gifts for those close to me. Usually after a good year or a special moment, I’ll take horseshoes and a photograph, or a back number and have it mounted and framed. I also try to pay attention throughout the year if I notice they need anything in particular. Still something meaningful, yet functional. Since I mostly show futurity horses now, post-Congress is always a good time to reflect and set goals for next year, as well as areas where you can make improvements. Spring is also an exciting time because you get a good look at your next group of horses and can evaluate those goals further.
Amanda Moore-McFadden – My animals are my children and are pretty spoiled. My dogs usually get a special holiday meal that is normally a filet that they share, new toys, heated beds, etc. I have lost a few dogs over the past few years and have decided to honor them by adopting a few puppy mill rescues that need homes. My horse typically gets a nice gift. Last year, it was a red light laser therapy set. As for friends, any time we can spend time together over a meal or drinks is always enjoyable.
Ellexxah Maxwell – I spend a lot of time with my horses just hanging out with them. They are already spoiled to death with treats, peppermints, you name it. Horses are family to so many in the industry and I’m so proud that I get to share my life with these amazing animals.
Samantha Faust – As a chef, my way of expressing love and gratitude to friends and family involves sharing homemade baked goods. I find that making homemade items becomes a personal and heartfelt gesture, blending my culinary expertise with the spirit of giving during the Thanksgiving season.
Tali Terlizzi – I love giving little gifts or cooking meals for my friends! As far as horses, I make sure to give everyone some time off and pasture turnout so they can take the time and enjoy being a horse.
Juliana Arora – I am always petting, hugging, or feeding my horses some sort of treat to show my love for them. I like to take my dog for pup cups and also give him belly rubs. He is more my husband’s dog, but we’ll pretend he is mine.
Kathy Tobin – Just give and help where we can. We give thanks to the good Lord for all His blessings not just at Thanksgiving, but all year. We all have a lot to be thankful for.
Scott Reinartz – It’s not complicated for me, it’s all about food and words of gratitude. Just be kind all the time.
Vanessa Froman – I am a huge believer in having a grateful heart/mind with each day that I am granted on this earth. As a family, we work to live with intention and give God our thanks for all we have in our lives, all year long. Those who spend time with me will often hear me say, “I’m blessed to have the problems I have.” There are plenty of studies to show the health benefits of having a grateful mind. Every evening, we ask each other what the best part of our day was to give thanks for it, we have a “thankful” jar that has notes in it from others or ourselves that remind us of the good in life, and the last few months, I’ve been working hard to send a quick message to someone when I am randomly thinking of them to let them know they mean something to my life here.
Carey Nowacek – I am definitely a gift giver. I love to show my love and gratitude to loved ones and friends by sending or giving gifts. Simple things, like sending treats or getting creative with gifts are my favorite. As for my four-legged loves, I do my best to spend as much time with them as I can. I often spend time grooming my horses and giving them all the treats they deserve.
Alexis Potts – Something I’ve learned through showing is being grateful for the journey. I appreciate all the obstacles along the way and the people who are there to support me through them. I can’t wait to take the time during the holidays to spend time with family and give thanks to those closest to me!
Happy Thanksgiving, from everyone at GoHorseShow!
