My mom has been standing beside me from my very fist lesson, to my first fall, to my first three-day, and every positive aspect of my life has happened because of her support–as an eventer and as a person. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to appreciate our moms, reflect on their dedication, and hopefully learn how to share their unconditional love with others. As part of that reflection, we asked a few riders to tell us about what their moms have meant to them.
It was the eve of my 9th birthday, and all I wanted in the whole wide world was a horse. I asked my mom that night if I could possibly get one and keep it at Pat Jenson’s Stables where I took lessons. Pat’s moto for her barn was, “Where east meets west and learning is fun.” Forget the learning part, I wanted a horse, and wanted to haul ass. (I would quit today if I had to teach me) I knew I was the fastest rider out there, I just needed some hooves. After my mom said no, I pitched one of my typical fits, thinking I would never have a horse of my own. When we went to the barn the next day for my b-day lesson, a school horse I rode every week was there with balloons and a painting. The painting was that of Duke’s face and above it said, “Take good care of me and be kind, and your love will be returned, Duke.” I went bananas! I will never forget that feeling as long as I live, and thank my mom for making it all possibe. She of course had NO IDEA what was to come!!!
Jonathan Holling
My mom was definitely the horse person in our family. When I was little she used to “pony” me on of all things, my pony, from her Quarter horse. It was a lot of fun to ride around the neighborhood in my western saddle and cowboy boots feeling like a real daredevil. Never mind the lunge line attached to my pony! At some point in her life my mom has filled every role that an event rider needs. She has been an owner, a groom, an alarm clock, a kick in pants, a groom again, an employer, and an owner again. I can’t imagine that I would be even remotely close to the rider or trainer I am today without her.
If I were my mother I would have tied me up in a closet when I was 13, but not only did she let me live but she has spent most of her weekends since then going all over the country to help me at events. And she isn’t one of those moms that just cheered you on and made dinner, she was in the barn tacking up and taking out braids and still had time to be my shoulder to cry on during the tough times and my loudest cheerer during the good. She’s the best mom in my book.
Well at the moment I feel as if I’m ahead of the game, being that I gave the Happy M-Day call last weekend. Better early than late 🙂 But in all seriousness I do owe nearly all of what I have today to my mother’s influence. Hopefully as time passes I to can approach life with such fair and just view of it all. Funny being that I thought growing up I’d continue to ride for a lifetime, but I didn’t think their was even the slightest chance it’d be in a professional capacity. We were never forced to ride or to take lessons etc, it was just what you did…my sister and I. My mom was always teaching and I’m sure 95% of what we learned was by watching and replicating. With her guidance my career has progressed…with a long way still to go she’s still an integral part. I was just at her place riding my ** test the Tuesday before jersey. When in doubt she’s always the one I’d call…I’m sure that won’t soon change and I’m lucky that she’s always at the other end of the line.
It is a fact that I would not be where I am today without my mother. Her and I have spent thousands of hours together on the road to lessons and horse shows all over the US and Canada. She is not a horse person. Or, I guess she wasn’t one 17 years ago when she caved and put her 5 year old daughter in riding lessons. Since then she has been the woman in charge in the barn at all my FEI competitions and through the many many years of whatever level it is at which that kids event their 13 hand ponies. Her motherly love has made her take on so many different challenges so that I had a better opportunity to get what I wanted. I am grateful every day that my mom has taken on the sport and lifestyle I chose with determination and enthusiasm of a true eventer. Love you mom.
What gives my life purpose is crossing the finish line knowing my mom is there bursting with excitement and pride no matter the result. Even the most miniscule achievement can hold colassal weight when Valerie D. Ashker is in my corner, or standing outside the startbox…I love you mom!
