June 18, 2025 
Picture this: You are working on your horse show entries and, for each show, you check off the category of adult amateur. Not junior or young rider. Not open or professional. Adult amateur.
Does that make you feel some kind of way?
Occasionally, I feel envious that I am no longer a younger rider. I have visions of those bright-eyed, brave kids galloping the fields on fresh, feisty ponies. Or the youngsters enjoying a winning round on seasoned, saintly mounts showing them the ropes.
Then, I think of the professionals. I wish I had the sought-after knowledge and skill to help start youngsters or work with problem horses. Maybe someday, I will get there, but maybe not. And that’s ok too.
The range of riders that fall within the adult amateur category is huge. There are weekend warriors, older adults enjoying pleasure riding, busy mothers trying to get out to the barn every chance they get, and more. Somewhere on that spectrum is where I fall.
I prioritize my horse and getting to the barn more than just a day or two a week, and I am grateful that I can. But I also work long hours, and enjoy other things outside of horses (well, a couple of other things).
I go to clinics when I can but—although it’s on the bucket list—I’m not able to spend a month in Florida every winter at this time. I’m equally aspirational when it comes to the horses I like and want to ride. I’ll look for the words “adult amateur friendly” while trolling the many Facebook horse groups I have joined. Then, I think to myself, how can I make a second horse work with my life? (Unfortunately, that question remains unanswered!)
But through it all, I’ve learned a couple of lessons that I hope will bring adult amateurs of every stripe together for the better.
Look for New Opportunities: In and Out of the Saddle
There are some great opportunities out there for adult amateurs even when time, experience, and budget are limiting factors. For example, an adult amateur can attend and graduate from the USDF L program for judging dressage schooling shows. Or, for aspiring competitors, the USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships is an exciting new option as well.
Opportunities are out there, and so are the people whose voices help promote them. Networking is underestimated, especially when, sometimes, the horse world can be a very small place! By joining the many groups on social media or in your area, you’re bound to find an event or opportunity that sounds fun and low-stress. Or, if you enjoy the pressure, go ahead and try to qualify for a final, or look for something else a bit more intense. Either way, getting out there is half the battle!
Keep a Positive Mindset
As I try to venture out and get opportunities to ride other horses for more experience, I realize how it can be difficult starting fresh, and going back to the beginning of learning a new horse. It is exciting, though, and only helps to make us better, so keeping that positive mindset is key. Especially since there are many adult ammies out there who maybe don’t have the access to lots of different horses to sharpen their skills.
Let’s talk about and celebrate how amazing adult amateurs are, whatever their circumstances; horse-owner, leaser, or neither. I may not make a living by way of horses, but I, like many others, am still out there working my behind off, setting goals, and doing the very best I can. I am sure I am not alone in that.
Realize That Setbacks Happen to All of Us
There are plenty of adult amateurs out there that I aspire to be like that are just tearing it up. And I know there are many others who would be, too—just maybe not at the moment because of factors outside of their control. The injured-horse-thing just happens to be my most common personal experience, sigh. (Alas, horses.) Let’s put aside the stigmas and respect each person for where we are in our horse journeys. Because, chances are, we have all been in similar places.
Become a Champion for Horse Welfare
I like to think that many horse people in general are doing the best they can for their horses. But at times like the present, when recent social media posts have revealed some not-so-nice things being done to horses, I hope we can all learn from them and move forward to put welfare at the forefront for all.
Embrace Comradery
Whether that is sharing a laugh with the person whose horse and trailer are next to yours at your schooling show, or a giving a high-five to the pros you are competing against in the big-money classes, let’s work to embrace comradery. In the end, all pros, ammies, and young riders have one thing in common: We are all doing this to build a better relationship with our horses.
