ping ryan

"there are many different situations. many pro riders come from wealthy families (remember though, not all)! as they get a name for themselves in the equine world, sponsors come and support these well performing riders, and through this they get free tack/apparel to support that end. catch rides are great too, as they get to show these horses free of show fees. people pay for famous riders to show their horses. "

"i think it is much much easier to come from a horsey family. you are more likely to be surrounded by connections. . .nice facilities, well-known trainers, sometimes it’s just easier to get your name out there if you have these benefits from the get-go. i don’t come from a horsey family, so i really look to my trainer. . .my parents are exactly supportive of me w my horses, but my dad is all in financially (somehow). both routes you have to work your ass off, but in some cases w a horsey family, you’ll be better off and ahead. same w coming from a wealthy family vs. a standard family that barely affords the horse. just remember: EVERYONE’S SITUATION IS DIFFERENT. "

"ariats & tredsteps are a good starting boot, though mine never held up (i ride 6x days a wk and multiple horses a day). my favorites are filli fabbris and parlantis. "

"samshield & gpa all the way!!"

"all the 3’/3’3” eq medals, low hunters (3’) but hopeful to move up to the big eq when i go down to florida!"

"anika, hemingway, & tbs rolls the dice"

"typically at a week show i lay it out like this (for my eq/hunter horse):
monday - arrived @ show
tuesday - warmup (light hack, pro ride, or lungeline)
wednesday - two hunter o/f classes
thursday - two hunter o/f classes
friday - lesson (o/f)
saturday - whatever 3’3” eq division (two o/f, one flat), nehc medal (o/f, possible test), chja (o/f, possible flat), this (o/f, possible test)
sunday - off (just a happy horse in turnout)"

"tailored sportsman breeches are high end, amazing quality, and so gorgeous!! they also carry a variety of shirts and belts to the same standard. equiline and ghodho are also some of my favorites as well, though a bit pricier. good luck!"

"anika: dutch warmblood x tb
hemingway: hanoverian x tb
lily: some type of warmblood"