Enter our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways here!
SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Featured Video: Horse Show Moms

In honor of Mother’s Day last year, Merial released a video honoring the moms who make equestrian life possible for their horse-crazy kids (of all ages.)



She’s the unpaid groom. The official photographer/videographer. She drives the trailer, bridles your horse so you don’t get slobber on your show clothes, and makes sure you’ve entered the right classes. Or maybe she does none of these things, but is the first to “like” your show photos as soon as you post them and is there for moral support when you need her.



If you’re lucky enough to have one of these essential horse show moms in your life, make sure you let her know how much you appreciate her this Sunday, May 14, 2017. You can also share stories and images about your horse show mom (whether she’s your biological mom or someone who fills the role during show season) using the hashtag #showmomlove.


Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com

Leslie Potter

Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky. Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.

View Comments

  • Beautiful! Although I didn't start showing till in my mid 20's and was totally on my own. It didn't mean that mom didn't support me!

  • Getting close to time for dad to have his time in the spot light as being the hauler and groom to his children too! I show with a mom who shows and her two young girls, and both mom and dad are their show team!

Recent Posts

Haven Pines: A Family Sleigh Ride Business

Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin…

12 hours ago

Shop Small Business Saturday: Equestrian Edition

It’s holiday shopping season and I’ve spent the last few months searching for unique or useful equestrian gifts. I’m so…

4 days ago

Choosing the Right Hay Type

Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay to choose in your particular…

4 days ago

Thrush Season Is Upon Us.

As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush - and even…

6 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Hazel

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 week ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Breaking Bullet

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

2 weeks ago