06/17/2026
High Caliber Highlighted:
Where we are featuring not only our student workers, volunteers, staff, but former riders, parents, and people that work closely with High Caliber Stables throughout the year.
This Week: Lisa Decuir
1. How long have you been a part of High Caliber Stables?
I started riding lessons in July 2012
2. What is your favorite memory of being around High Caliber Stables?
My favorite memory at High Caliber Stables is from Kansas City in 2023, when Evan, Mary, and I were horse shopping. We rode many horses that week, but everything changed the moment I got on Indy. What made that experience unforgettable wasnât just finding the right horseâit was looking up and realizing our entire barn family had stayed late, well past bedtime, just to support us. That moment meant everything to me. It was a powerful reminder that this isnât just a barn, itâs truly a family. After Evan and I rode Indy, he said, âIâm not sure why weâre looking at any other horseâthis is the one.â And he was right. Thereâs something incredibly special about being surrounded by people who truly know youâwho understand what you need, often before you even say it, and show up for you in those defining moments. That experience captures what High Caliber Stables means to me. Itâs a place of trust, connection, and unwavering supportâand Iâm deeply grateful every day to call it my home away from home.â
3. What skills do you hope to learn or improve upon this show season?
I hope to continue improving my ringsmanship while becoming more in tune with how I manage my energyâworking in true partnership with Indy to create the strongest, most connected ride possible.
4. What advice do you have for newer riders and those stepping into the showing world?
My advice to newer riders is to go into this sport with your eyes open and your heart all in. This journey isnât easyâit will challenge you in ways you donât expect. There will be long days, setbacks, and sacrifices of time, energy, and even moments with family and friends. But if you choose it fully, the rewards are unlike anything else. This sport builds something inside you that carries far beyond the ringâdiscipline, resilience, and grit that shape who you are in every part of life. The relationships you form become some of the most meaningful youâll ever have, and the time you spend at the barn offers a sense of purpose, pride, and peace thatâs hard to find anywhere else. Thereâs nothing quite like the feeling of partnership with your horse and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing youâve put in the work. Stay patient, stay committed, and give it your very bestâbecause if you do, this sport has a way of giving back more than you ever imagined.
5. What is the most important life lesson you have learned over the years of working around horses?
The most important lesson Iâve learned is to trust the process. When working with horsesâand in a competitive environmentâoutcomes rarely happen on our timeline or exactly the way we envision them. Patience is everything. Some of the greatest growth comes from the small failures, and even the bigger ones, if weâre willing to learn from them. Iâve also learned the importance of truly recognizing and celebrating winsâboth big and small. They donât always come consistently, but every step forward matters, and the hard work, time, and dedication you put into this sport will pay off if you stay aware of that progress. Lastly, Iâve come to deeply value the village it takes to succeed. From trainers and grooms to vets, farriers, family, and barn familyâthose few moments in the show ring are the result of so many people investing in you. Staying grateful for that support is something I never take for granted.
