Whether riding your horse bareback in a pasture or on the beach, horses are still the center of focus of many equestrians’ lives, even outside the horse show arena.
Every chance we get, we incorporate them into our everyday lives…vacations, going to the local barn every day, meeting a famous horse, watching a famous show mare have their first foal, taking our children riding for the first time.
The list goes on and on. There is no doubt that horses affect our lives in and out of the arena. Here are some fun recounts of other ways horses have inspired and made an impression on your fellow horsemen outside the show pen.
Kathy Tobin – In the 1970s, my college roommates and I took a train from Juarez, Mexico, to Mexico City, then a bus ride to San Miguel de Allende to an old Mexican cavalry base that had turned into a riding school. We went to learn cross-country riding and jumping. Stayed with a local family and went to the school for a week, and enjoyed learning to jump Spanish style, which was the same as USA style, but improved my Spanish and learned how to give horses vaccinations. The rest I knew. Lots of fun going cross country with their jumps in their beautiful, but hilly countryside.
Penni Himes – The most remarkable and memorable time outside the show pen was my husband’s and my trip to The Hideout in Shell, Wyoming. It’s an amazing Dude ranch that has quality horses and mustangs…it’s not a head to tail ranch, and what they call a canter is a dead ass run. The rides they take are amazing, with different topography on each ride. And all are breathtaking and unforgettable. I rode two Mustangs, one of my most fun experiences on horseback. It was even more special because my oldest daughter worked in Chicago, but during COVID, she decided to leave that job and work there for a season, so she was there as a wrangler when we were there. It was incredible. My husband, the horse supporter for our three girls and now me, turned into Clint Eastwood on this trip.
Kaitlin Riker – Many special memories come to mind, but growing up on a seed farm (corn, soybeans, and wheat), we had the chance to race our horses in the fields before planting or after harvest. My horse would always buck with excitement while my little sister’s horse flew past us, winning every time. I can’t believe my mom let us loose on our own across a couple of hundred acres, but we had the best adventures out and about.
Taylor Foster – I started riding horses at a YMCA camp (trail riding), where I learned of my love for horses. I came home from that camp and told my parents that those horses smelled so good. My parents bought me my first pony from that YMCA camp. His name was Dr Pepper. I loved that camp and am thankful for all the memories revolving around horses.
Marissa Ledford – My most memorable moment with a horse outside the show pen is watching my kids enjoy riding at the barn. They love their mini pony, Remi, but are all about riding Nora (Fascinate) whenever they get the opportunity. Watching my son, Duke, race down Dan Trein’s trail pen ramp with the pony, knowing most times she gets loose, makes everyone laugh comically. Seeing their love for horses makes my heart melt. Horses have taught me so much, and I hope that continues with them.
Katie Kopf – On a college trip to Aruba, a group of us rode horses on the beach and had the opportunity to take them in the ocean. It was such a fun experience. Also, my family bred my current show partner, Two Ziplines. It’s pretty special to think back to when he was a baby.
Katie Grossnickle – I would have to say when I took my retired mare Deeviation out on a trail ride at my parents’ house. She had won me nearly everything in the arena, so I thought I’d try her out on a trail. Everyone thought I was crazy when I said I was riding her, but she was a saint and acted like she had been out on trails her whole life. Something I always remember and think about often.
Julie Hoefling – I was on a photoshoot for a previous job and met Spooks Gotta Whiz and Mechanic. I had never met a famous stallion until then, and meeting two of the best in their respective disciplines within 24 hours of each other was super cool. I am a total fan of Mechanic, and to see his size, personality, and famous locks was a fantastic experience. Incredible horses and a fun memory!
Lana Markway – My most memorable experience recently, outside of the show arena, that doesn’t involve anything funny or almost a wreck, would be foaling out my first foal out of my all-time favorite horse, whom I recently sold. Hard decision to sell Only En La Moonlite, but the perfect opportunity came last fall, and the best part is that the first show with her new rider was when she became a Congress Champion. Now I get to keep a tiny part of her through her foals.
Olivia Medows – The most memorable experience for me with a horse outside the show pen has been breeding our mare, Lookin Lazy. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s so fun for me to make steps towards continuing her and her mother’s (Goodbar’s Glamourgirl) legacy. We are looking forward to riding and showing her babies someday. Mariah’s show career was cut short, but we accomplished so much with her quickly and are excited to see what her foals do someday.
Emma Edwards – My most memorable moment outside the show arena was when I spent my summers at the barn as a youth. There was nothing better than just being around the horses all day. Riding, hanging with your barn friends, and spending time with your horse was so much fun.
Jenna Tolson – I miss the days I spent more time outside an arena than in it. I used to start the young ones I had out in the field, which probably says a lot about my confidence back then. But, I always felt like giving them more space to find their balance made things easier for both of us, especially since I’m not exactly the most talented. I’m not sure I’m that brave anymore, but I’d love to return to those pasture “trail rides” or cruising down the dirt roads near my home. No people. No noise. No phones. Just your horse and the peace you don’t find in a show pen.
Rebekah Kazacevicius – My mom has this picture: Her, holding little me, giving a horse a carrot. I didn’t know this until years later – it was Unbridled who won the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup!
Kristie Patterson – I remember growing up when we would gallop the horses bareback through the pastures at my aunt and uncle’s. My best friend and I would trail ride every day during the summer.
Jessica Landry – As a child, some of my fondest memories with horses were when my dad and I would trail ride and camp in the Ocala National Forest for the weekend.
Emma Brown – My most memorable moment outside the show arena is riding bareback at the barn. It is so much fun to have a laid-back ride. We often have so much pressure on ourselves and the horses to continue to improve and practice for the next big show. So, when we take a day and do bareback trail and lead changes, I always really enjoy it.
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Do you have a favorite memory of spending time with horses outside of the show arena? Please share your stories on our social media.
