In this heartfelt episode, Alexis opens up about the challenges of being a new mom while also balancing life as an adult amateur rider and equestrian enthusiast. She shares the guilt she often feels for not being able to spend as much time with her horses as she once did and reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities and daily rhythms.

Alexis also discusses the difficulty of finding joy outside of being a mom, reminding herself and listeners of the importance of prioritizing their own happiness and well-being. She speaks candidly about feelings of inadequacy and guilt, but also emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace during this season of life.

Throughout the episode, Alexis encourages other moms in the equestrian community to find small, meaningful ways to keep horses in their lives, even if it looks different than before. She also invites listeners to share their own experiences, advice, and encouragement, highlighting the strength of community and shared understanding.

WATCH

In this episode, Alexis and I finally got to catch up after being apart for a bit! We started with some updates, including hair, a new Garmin watch, and the fact that Alexis has been getting very little sleep, before diving into what’s new in our horse lives. Alexis opened up about how challenging it’s been to ride regularly since becoming a mom, and what it felt like to ride her friend’s very well-trained horse. She shared how fun it was, but also how nerve-wracking it can be riding someone else’s horse when you don’t want to mess anything up. Of course, we couldn’t resist a little barn talk, everything from horse trailer prices (and my “trailer anxiety” story) to a horse-shaped pipe cleaner that turned out to be a total fail. We even touched on footing. If you’re an adult amateur balancing real life with barn life, this episode will feel all too familiar. 🐴💬

In this episode, I reflect on the incredible experience of premiering Season 2 of Inside the Ingate at the Devon Horse Show. From seeing the show on the big screen to watching riders and viewers react, it was a moment full of pride, nerves, and excitement. I dive into the mission behind the series—showcasing the behind-the-scenes world of equestrian sports, giving riders and participants the chance to tell their own stories, and exploring the challenges, nerves, and triumphs that often go unseen. I hope you guys enjoy!

This week on The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re at the Wills Park Benefit Show and sitting down with some incredible guests who are shaping the equestrian community in unique ways!

Brooke Bryant (Dillard’s) talks about why Dillard’s sponsors events like this one and shares the hottest trends for fall.

Kelly from Harbin Agency breaks down the importance of equine insurance, how it protects both horse and rider, and why it’s more affordable than you may think.

Heather Steinman (Strays 4 Days) shares her inspiring journey rescuing cats, the challenges strays face, and the joy of rehoming them.

Matt (South State Bank) gives insights into banking for equestrians, budgeting tips, and his personal connection to Wills Park.

It’s a fun, insightful, and heartwarming look at how fashion, finance, and animal rescue all connect within the equestrian lifestyle.

This week has been a whirlwind! Episode 3 of Inside the Ingate premiered at the Will’s Park Benefit Show, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support this community has shown. In this episode, you’ll also see Nick and Matthew in the International Derby at the Devon Horse Show; their rides reminded me of the importance of patience, partnership, and listening to our horses.

I also open up about my own training journey with my horse. Riding hasn’t been easy lately. Between old fears, PTSD, and the pressure I put on myself, I’ve had to really focus on giving my horse positive rides even when I feel anxious or insecure.

This podcast is about honesty, growth, and remembering why we ride in the first place. I hope sharing my journey reminds other adult amateurs that you’re not alone! 💙

In this episode, I sit down with Haleigh Holom, a mental performance coach who helps riders push past mental and physical barriers so they can reach their goals. We talk about some of the biggest challenges adult amateurs face—things I’ve struggled with myself—like comparison, performance anxiety, and fear in the saddle.

I open up about my own journey with comparison, especially the frustration I used to feel when I couldn’t afford a “fancy” horse and would measure myself against others. Haleigh explained that the first step to breaking free from that cycle is recognizing when comparison sneaks in and then shifting the focus back to my own goals.

We also dive into performance anxiety. I share my experiences with pre-show nerves, worrying about letting others down, and that mental spiral that can hit before a big ride. Haleigh talks about how she works with her clients—and how I can apply this myself—through:

Mindset training to challenge self-limiting beliefs

A consistent pre-ride warm-up routine to find calm

Practicing gratitude and positive self-talk

Striking a healthy balance when facing fears

Using mindfulness and replaying positive riding moments in my mind

We also talk about how past traumas can show up in the arena, and how signs like body tension, agitation, or trouble focusing can mean I’m sliding into anxiety. Haleigh reminded me how important it is to have a strong support system at the barn, and I’m so grateful for my trainers and barn family who encourage me every step of the way.

Haleigh also shared about her workshops for riders, trainers, and parents, as well as her virtual coaching, clinics, and horse show support. I wrapped up the conversation feeling inspired and excited to have her back on the podcast in the future.

My Biggest Takeaway:

WATCH

In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur, I sit down with Piper Klemm, the powerhouse behind *The Plaid Horse Magazine*, to dive deep into her journey through equestrian journalism and what continues to inspire her work in the horse world. Piper shares what it’s been like navigating the industry as a young woman, building credibility, and staying authentic in a space that’s often slow to change. She also opens up about being featured on our very own Docuseries *Inside the Ingate*—a vulnerable moment that brought both nerves and excitement.

Her hope? That by telling her story, she can inspire and educate others in the equestrian community. We’re also joined by Geoff, a respected hunter and equitation judge, who brings his insight into what really matters in the ring. From memorable rounds to major pet peeves (like riders sitting the trot on their entrance), Geoff offers a candid look behind the judge’s booth. Together, we discuss:

* The high cost of competing at elite shows like Devon—and why it’s time to debunk the “only billionaires can afford it” myth

* The mental game behind showing and how to balance your passion with real life * The pressures of horse life and what it means to have a life *outside* the barn

* The importance of building a career in all areas of the horse industry—from judging to teaching to course design

We wrapped the episode with a little hype for the upcoming *Inside the Ingate* live show, and a powerful reminder: our stories matter. Whether you're in the big leagues or riding in your own backyard, your journey is valid—and worth sharing.

WATCH

This week on the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, I sit down with three of the biggest names in the hunter ring: Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, and Carleton Brooks.

Together, we talk about what it takes to build a winning program — from horse selection and team dynamics to mentorship, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes organization.

Nick opens up about what allows him to focus fully in the show ring, trusting that everything behind the scenes is taken care of. Traci and Carleton dive into their detailed approach to planning, communication, and developing top hunters and clients across the country. We also reflect on some of our funniest memories, career highlights (like winning at Devon), and what keeps them motivated for the future.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, Alexis and I sat down with the incredibly inspiring Ina Forssén—the founder of equestrian fashion brand POMME and co-founder of Amiko and Friends. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, struggled to balance your barn life with your real life, or felt the pressure to fit into traditional equestrian style boxes, this conversation is for you.

Ina has been riding since she was a kid and always had a passion for fashion alongside horses. She wanted something more modern, colorful, and expressive than what she was seeing in the equestrian world—so she built it. In 2019, she and her friend Pernilla launched POMME, a brand that's now known for bold, high-quality designs and standing out.

But the road wasn’t easy. Launching right before the pandemic meant dealing with shipping delays, product challenges, and plenty of uncertainty. On top of that, Ina and her team faced criticism for doing things differently—especially online. Pernilla has received her fair share of unkind comments for simply being visible and confident in her marketing. But instead of backing down, they leaned in. They listened to their customers, stayed true to their brand, and kept showing up.

As a fellow adult amateur, I couldn’t help but admire how Ina manages it all—riding, running businesses, motherhood, and everything in between. She credits her supportive husband and staying focused on what matters most. It was such a refreshing reminder that while we may not be able to do everything, we can do the things that count—with heart.

Recently, Ina and Pernilla launched a new venture: Amiko and Friends, a membership-based platform offering high-quality equestrian products at more accessible prices. It’s their way of bringing transparency and affordability into a space that often feels intimidating or exclusive—and it’s all rooted in community, connection, and real-life rider needs.

This episode was a reminder that there’s space for more color, more creativity, and more realness in the equestrian world. Ina’s story is proof that carving your own path—no matter how unconventional—can lead to something truly special.

Alexis and I are back—with a new recording location but the same honest conversations you’ve come to expect from us.

In this episode, we dove into some of the real-life challenges we’re facing with our horses, especially Alexis’s gelding who’s been dealing with some tough hoof issues. That naturally led us into the hot topic of farrier fees, expectations, and the controversy surrounding the value of their work. I also shared a few listener comments that added even more depth to the conversation.

We got real about the struggle of balancing horse life with the rest of life—trying to find time to ride, dealing with the relentless summer heat, and staying on top of hoof care. One listener sent in a beautiful message about being an adult amateur in the horse world, and we read it on air because it captured so much of what many of us are feeling.

We also talked about competition—how our definitions of “success” in the saddle have changed over time. Whether you’re chasing ribbons in the show ring or just enjoying a quiet ride in the field, there’s space for every version of joy in this sport.

As we wrapped up, we reflected on the pressures and stereotypes that exist in the equestrian world—and how important it is to support one another, no matter where someone is in their journey. We all make sacrifices to be here. Let’s choose to lead with empathy and respect.

And finally, we gave a little teaser for an upcoming documentary that we’re really excited to talk more about soon.

As always, thanks for listening—and remember to protect your peace and lift up your community. 💛

Watch