Horse first always- why the partnership matters more than the ribbons

Horse sport includes all kinds of people, from full‑time professionals to those fitting rides between jobs and family. We trudge through winter mud, count down to daylight saving, and cherish every minute with our horses. For many of us, modest wins are common and the pros often take the spotlight. It’s easy to ask “why do I do this?” after a bad ride or show. I still ask it sometimes, but the answer is always the same: I love my horse. I’d never choose someone else’s ride over mine. Ribbon or no ribbon, that’s winning.

Horses don’t share our goals. They don’t care about placings; they simply want to do their best for us. If you enjoy your horse on good days and bad, you’ve already won. Don’t stay with a horse you don’t enjoy just to chase ribbons. The real joy is the countless hours of work and companionship, the ribbons are just icing. When you appreciate the partnership, success follows naturally. It’s not about glory; it’s about the life you share with your partner. Enjoy the process more than the prize.

Shows are also places to reconnect and make friends, though competition can strain relationships. Remember you’re really competing with yourself. Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Most people at shows share your passion and can add richness to the journey. If you ride in a strong field and don’t win, you still improve, higher standards around you will raise your own.

Every result is a benchmark. A “bad” show can spark useful reflection and better training. Not scoring a ribbon doesn’t mean the day was wasted — progress can show itself in placement, confidence, or lessons learned. Early in my young horse’s season we often finished just outside the ribbons; it was still progress toward bigger goals.

The “big riders” were once beginners too. Hard work, luck, good horses and perseverance get people onward. Every horse can teach you something; every horse can improve. If you feel you’re “too good” for a horse, your attitude will hold you back.

Persevere, celebrate small victories in training and at shows, set realistic goals, and love what you do every day. Appreciate where you are now and ride for the child who couldn’t wait to get their first pony, that little you would be proud.

If you want to get out of your own way and break through limiting beliefs, check out my mindset courses, or book a 1 on 1 mindset session!