01/11/2026
Though it is very late, I must make a SHN ‘25 post as the pictures were just narrowed down. It is not always about the ribbons won at a show, and I always promote that it is about the victories that don’t hang on the curtains. That is what this post is about.
Things can happen at home that the whole world doesn’t know about. We as trainers, exhibitors, or spectators don’t always realize the trials that had to be overcome for a particular horse or exhibitor to be there. We all assume that the pair we are watching is at 100%, because we think that if they weren’t why would they be at the show. I would bet more often than not, we are watching pairs that are not at 100% for some reason or another. We as a whole congratulate those who win and praise the ribbons that hang, however we don’t all think to do the same to those who don’t win or place. As an owner, even a trainer you can see and focus so much on the wins and prizes and sometimes forget to remember where you were a year, a month, even a week ago.
This is not the case for Alexis and Norene and I’m very grateful. The horse comes first and they always remember where I was just a week ago, even if the year before was a year that horse was 100%. This year was a year where Luke shined and grew in the ring and then was unable to compete in his dressage class at SHN. I must say that this was a decision none of us made lightly and while we were all hugely disappointed, it was decided he was still able to show SHIH and we would go with that. We were excited all year for him to compete at his first SHN and Norene to attend her first SHN week. While it wasn’t what we had hoped for, I can honestly say I have never been prouder of Alexis! She worked hard at shows this season, learned a lot, and improved on something every time she went in the pen. She schooled late at night at SHN to prepare the little details and she focused more than I have seen her do before. While she never won a ribbon Alexis showed the best three SHIH runs I have ever watched her do! She adjusted with the energy in the pen and the horses performed the best they ever have with her. She came out happy and proud of herself, with a smile and I was even more proud of her and the huge accomplishments she had just made. With her other horse Rocky, it was the same. He always try’s things with her knowing she can’t do anything about it in the pen. We really worked on these and she had a flawless run, the best she has ever had with him! I stood there watching extremely proud of what she just accomplished and a ‘win’, that was without a ribbon, that was hers to celebrate. Rocky gave me all he could in the WD ring and a miscommunication lead to a bobble that ended us 13th. While it was disappointing, I always remember it is about the ride you are given and not the ribbon. There is always a ‘win’ to celebrate yourself if you really look back and think about the ride you just had. You can always find a reason to walk away from the show pen with your own win and a smile.
I want to say, Thank You to Alexis and Norene for always being an owner every horse should want and for trusting me and the decisions that are best for your horse and you.
