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, but this year has been extra special for us because we welcomed our baby girl back in March. During that journey, I realized how much a little note here and there can mean – whether it requires an answer or not, knowing someone thought of you or wanted to share something with you can brighten the day. 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.
Joan McMann – This has been an absolutely amazing year for my daughter. Kelly and I owning Super Freek and having such a successful show season with our trainers, Jamie and Jason English have been fabulous. However, I have not been feeling well since NSBA, and I can’t tell you how going to the horse shows has been the very best medicine for me. Just being with “our people” and being surrounded by so many friends is so wonderful. Our horse show family is just the best, and we are so grateful to have so many wonderful, caring, friends, and family. Kelly and I count our blessings every day…and the lesson learned, is that win, lose, or draw, our friends and family are there for us. And knowing that there are more horse shows to come and lots more fun adventures ahead, gives me the extra motivation to get feeling better ASAP. By the way, Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, so we are extra lucky because we celebrate both Canadian and American holidays. It gives us an extra day to be extra thankful.
Amanda Moore-McFadden – My animals are my children and are pretty spoiled. I currently have 6 dogs (4 pugs and 2 French bulldogs). They 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 Maverick 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. After a long, hard season of showing this year, we decided to take a low-key trip with some of our loved ones for Thanksgiving week. Connor, my 13-year-old son, said he just wanted to stay in a house with a scenic view with random fun things to do nearby and play games together. So. we are staying at a cabin in the Smokey Mountains with an indoor pool, movie room, and lots of games packed. The Pogue family, Grammy, and Aunt CICI are meeting us there to rejuvenate a bit. We are planning to take the time to reconnect and let each other know how grateful we are to be doing this thing called life together.
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, and especially this year 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!
Meg Pye -This time of the year is perfect for pause and reflection. While my priorities shifted away from showing extensively this year, it has made me extra-grateful to have supportive trainers and a barn family. Through their efforts, I was able to show at the NSBA World Show and Congress several months pregnant. It takes a village to make programs operate, and I’m very thankful for my CASH and MQH families. I hope that Marley Sue, Roman, and Minnie enjoy this special break and continue to get all the cookies they deserve.
Happy Thanksgiving, from everyone at GoHorseShow!
