Staying On Track

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130 – November/December, 2022

By Barbara Aitken Jenkins

If you wanted to, you could horse show 52 weekends a year. Present-day horse showing is a year-round industry around the world. However, for most amateurs, showing every weekend is considered a pipe dream rather than a reality. Most amateurs will have an “off-season,” whether it lasts a few weeks or a few months. That off-time is important for reflection on past shows and the chance to refocus on shows in the future. Spending down time with family and friends is most commonly a necessity, but how do amateurs stay focused, motivated and on-track during their “off-season?” What should the focus be in order to improve both your horse and you while you are not actively showing?
Five amateurs from across the country share their best ways to stay motivated during their off-season.

Meet the Amateurs

Laina Banks is a Select Amateur from Schulenburg, Texas who focuses on All-Around events in AQHA and NSBA with her horses–AQHA mare Strawberri Wine, “Berri,” Eye on the Ball, “Beans,”–who she competes with in Trail and Western Riding–and Wine after Whiskey, “Cherylee.” Laina plans to debut her partnership with Cherylee in 2023.

Chase Hanson is an Amateur from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who focuses on Western Pleasure with his six-year-old mare Refleet, “Fleet.”

Laura Atkinson is an Amateur from Independence, Minnesota who focuses on Western Pleasure with her three-year-old gelding Socks for Dayz, “Socks,” in the Non-Pro Western Pleasure Classes.

Dana Azevedo is an Amateur from Napa Valley, California who focus on Western Riding, Western Pleasure, and Performance Halter with her mare Sleepin Double, “Presley.”

Heidi Oosting is an Amateur from Fremont, Michigan who focuses on the All-Around with her gelding Party in the Clouds,“Kobe.”

Staying Mentally Motivated 

Click here to read the complete article
130 – November/December, 2022