Motherhood is celebrated not only for the unconditional love of mothers, but also for the sacrifices that come with that unconditional love. Many of the praises offered to mothers are centered around how much they give up for the love of their families.
This Mother’s Day, we wanted to acknowledge the self-sacrifice and self-fulfillment of mothers who support their loved ones while following their dreams.
We spoke with three show moms about their journeys and were inspired by their stories of the joys of both motherhood and pursuing their passions in the industry they’ve loved since they were kids.
Alefa Eserjose – A Lifelong Dream Shared with Her Girls
Alefa Eserjose was born with horses in her DNA. Her parents bought a ranch in California when she was around three years old, and she’s been a horse lover ever since.
Like many horse girls, she worked to lease a horse through high school, but upon becoming an adult, her horse dreams took a backseat to adult responsibilities.
Eserjose bought a ranch in 2012 where she raised her family. Her younger two daughters, Makeila and Trinity, caught the horse bug. While Makeila continues to show, Trinity recently decided to stop showing in favor of cheerleading.
“Makeila’s dream is to continue showing AQHA and eventually compete on a D1 equestrian team,” Eserjose gushes. “She is currently showing in the 14-18 youth all-around events with her horse KM This Rounds On Me (aka Lloyd).”
“My biggest joy about being a show mom is spending quality time with my kids. I hauled our horses around the country, including to Congress, and I loved that time spent on the road together. I don’t haul as much now, and I already miss those long hours on the road together.”
She continues, “Being a show mom is so special because of that one-on-one time you spend together. Horses are an all-consuming sport, from time spent on the road, to practicing, to grooming, and even to helping put chaps on – it’s different from other sports where you show up, watch a game, and head home. I wouldn’t trade my time in the barn with my kids for anything.”
Eserjose herself began riding competitively again in 2019 and then took a little break to focus on being a show mom.
“One of my favorite aspects about showing for myself is having my daughter as my biggest cheerleader and coach. She watches my classes, advises, helps with my chaps, and ensures my hat is clean. It’s a role reversal that warms my heart.”
Eserjose hopes to encourage other show moms to pursue their dreams, too. “I think many show moms out there got their kids into this sport because they have the horse bug. I want to remind those ladies that it’s never too late to do it for yourself and live your dreams alongside your kids.”
Lisa Bogen – Blessings of a Show Dad’s Legacy
Lisa Bogen’s story of getting into horses is familiar to many.
“I started riding horses when I was a child. Our neighbors had horses, and we rode wild in the hills behind our houses. I have many funny stories of riding with friends as a kid.”
Bogen eventually began showing Quarter Horse breed shows before heading to college. “We sold my horse when I went away to school, and I felt like horses were a wonderful memory from my youth, but not something I would enjoy as an adult.”
When Bogen got married, her husband and two older children had no interest in horses. However, things changed when her youngest child, Shelby listened to her Papa tell horse stories about her mom and aunts and knew she wanted that too.
“Shelby was horse crazy from a young age and repeatedly begged me for a horse. We started with lessons, which led to leasing a couple of horses, but I told her we couldn’t buy a horse of her own because I knew they were a huge commitment, and I didn’t think it made sense for us.”
Bogen’s position on a horse changed with a bit of intervention from her father.
“My father had been ill with heart issues, and we knew his time was getting close. The day before he passed, he pulled me aside and told me every girl needs a horse. Weeks later, my mom called and told me he had put money aside to allow Shelby to buy her dream horse.”
Bogen and Shelby immediately went horse shopping and used the money to purchase Last Peace Of Potential, with whom Shelby eventually won a Congress title. The back of her buckle is engraved with “Every girl needs a horse, Papa John.”
Bogen became an empty-nester when Shelby went to college. Shelby encouraged her to ride and show her youth horse (the one Bogen’s father set aside money for). “I think Shelby wanted to ensure I wouldn’t sell her horse,” Bogen quips.
“I love being at the barn with the horses, my ‘barn family’, and I can count on ‘Amateur Hour’ for non-stop laughs. Horses, amazing trainers, the best barn friends, the best co-conspirator, and youth kids keep it interesting, to say the least. Having your daughter give you a pep talk and be your biggest cheerleader, well, that’s just priceless.”
Marissa Dalton Ledford – Finding Balance in the Chaos of Horses and Motherhood
Marissa Dalton Ledford has also loved horses since she was a child. “I got into showing horses when I was eight years old because my older sister, Brianna Dalton was into horses thanks to our neighbor, multiple World Champion Erin Shapiro Boatwright. I’ve been blessed to be with Dan and Darlene Trein since then. I showed as a youth and went on to ride for the Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team.”
“After college, I took a few years off from horses to figure out my life. At the time, my fiancé (now husband) and I were planning a wedding and building a house together, so horses weren’t in the budget,” Ledford chuckles.
“I got back into horses for a short period after we got married. Then in 2019, my daughter Rylee was born. So, I sold my horse to a girl in the barn and decided to take another break.”
Ledford admits this second break didn’t last long: “I missed showing and having something for myself, so I decided to look for another horse. This time, I wanted something young that I could have finished my way, but that could also grow with my kids if they were interested in pursuing horses.”
Ledford ended up setting her sights on a yearling that was being campaigned in 2021 with Calli Rouse named Fascinate (aka Nora). “We sent Dan and Darlene’s assistant, Tony to look at Nora and, despite his protests that she was young and a mare, he fell in love with her, and we decided she would fit my goals well. We bought Nora and have loved her ever since.”
Ledford has big dreams for Nora with both herself and her daughter Rylee. “I think there is such value to growing up with horses. They expose us to a great community of people who are very different from us, but share a common love for animals, which brings us all together. I also think horses teach kids so much about responsibility, persistence, and hard work in pursuit of a dream – there are so many lessons they impart that I am excited for my kids to hopefully learn.”
“I’m looking forward to Rylee showing Nora in some small-fry events and getting a taste for showing horses. I would love to make memories showing with my daughter on a horse we both love.”
However, Ledford admits that showing horses and being a mom isn’t always easy. “If I’m being candid, I have many days where I struggle with balance,” she sighs.
“I want to be able to pursue my dreams, but I also know those dreams take work and dedication, which sometimes I’m unable to give because of my role as a mom. I’m motivated to be the best mom I can be, which admittedly takes me away from the horse.”
“I wish I had an answer for moms wanting to do it all, but I’ve found that I just do my best to fulfill my dreams while putting my children’s priorities first. I’m so grateful that our sport is much easier to take little breaks from and return to when the timing is right.”
Ledford is excited to support her daughter from the stands as she embarks on her small fry career, but she isn’t giving up on her dreams.
“I hope to continue to progress in Showmanship – it’s not my best event, but Nora is great at it and seems to enjoy it, so I want to pursue that with her. I also have had the goal for many years to succeed at the top shows in Horsemanship, so I will keep working at it to see that dream come true one day.”
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Being a mom is one of the planet’s most difficult and fulfilling callings. We applaud all moms who support their kids, sacrifice for their families, and pursue their dreams.
