Being a successful rider in this sport is an uphill battle — and not just in terms of the skills and time necessary to make your way up the ladder. The ups and downs can be extreme and unpredictable, it’s often “one step forward, two steps back”, and money more often feels like a problem than a solution. And for many ambitious riders like our guests today, there is a palpable tension between “businessperson” and “horseperson”.
Today on #EquestrianVoices, host Caroline Culbertson is joined by Paige Jardine and Erin Lane: two show jumping professionals who are putting in the hard work, making the sacrifices, and navigating conflicting emotions as they chase big dreams. In this conversation, they explore:
- When putting the horse first isn’t always the “easy” thing to do in terms of business
- Grappling with the feelings of “why not me”?
- Staying connected to your purpose, and thinking about your legacy in the sport (regardless of whether you’re a pro, amateur, or recreational rider)
- Why finding your niche as a pro is crucial
- Why riders can struggle to find owners and the problems with relying on other people to own your horses
- The question of whether there’s really enough room at the top of the sport