In homage to maternal wisdom this Mother’s Day, we asked top riders across North America: “What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you?”

1. Danielle Torano: “The best advice that my mom ever gave me was to wait to have kids after I was married."

"For the longest time I thought it was so weird. I used to say to myself...I wonder why my mom doesn't want to have grand children? I got married at 21, so clearly I didn't understand. After waiting 10 years to have our family I now thoroughly understand. We were able to really get to know each other and do what we wanted to do. We were then ready to settle down and enjoy our kids. It was definitely great advice.”

Torano family

2. Candice King: "My Mom, Marlo, always told me to do as I believed."

She was the most supportive mother ever! I cannot say how appreciative I am of her! She was always there for me through the highs and lows. She always told me to believe in myself!"

Candice King

3. Belinda Trussell: "My mom shows me and constantly encourages me to think and live outside the box."

"I am conservative by nature and my Mom guides me to take chances and follow my dreams. I would not have had my success in Dressage without her."

Belinda-Trussell-close-upcrop

4. Hope Glynn: "The best advice my mom gave me is to believe in myself and don't ever give up."

"Stop making excuses and work harder and believe.”

Hope Glynn

5. Keean White: “Don’t get married too soon.”

(He's still listening, Mom!)

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6. Kristin Hardin: "My parents told me to 'walk in the ring a winner.'"

"They believed in me. I believe in my kids the same way, and that confidence I have in them gives them confidence in themselves."

Kristin Hardin

7. Laura Balisky: “My Mom led by example."

"Her work ethic and incredible heart to do for others is something I can only strive for.”

Laura Baliksy

8. Tiffany Foster: “The best advice my mom ever gave me isn't really advice but more of a philosophy that if I work hard enough I can do anything I set my mind to."

"She is the hardest working person I know and there is nothing she can't do. Love you mom!”

Tiffany Foster12.DSC_0146

9. Bernie Traurig: "My Mom always said, ‘The outside of horse is good for the inside of man.’"

"She was right!”

Bernie Traurig

10. Katie Dinan: “I would say the best advice my mother has given me is when a task seems insurmountable, break it up in parts and tackle each problem separately."

"She has another favorite expression, ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get.’ That's something she has really instilled in me."

Ps. My mom brought me for my first pony lesson when I was four on Mother's Day. It was her gift to herself to have a mother-daughter day at the barn—I am so lucky!

Katie Dinan Wellington Masters

11. Brianne Goutal: “The best advice she ever gave me was to work hard."

"She always says that no matter what it is that you are doing, you will get nowhere without work. Also to always write a thank you note!"

Brianne Goutal

12. John Anderson: “When you are building your business John, stick to your beliefs."

"And be thankful to the folks that support you in your growing years and they will appreciate all if your efforts! Thanks mom....love you.”

John Anderson

13. Amy Millar: "Family is everything."

"My mom really instilled that in us. She also used to say 'worrying is like a rocking chair—there’s a whole lot of going back and forth but it doesn’t get you anywhere.'”

Amy Millar