Hi Reader,

Today's episode with David Reichert, founder of UDJC (United Dressage and Jumping Club), includes a few hot takes.

Exhibit A: within the first two minutes he told me Pony Finals was a waste of time and money. 😳

So, this is one you'll love to listen to.

David grew up in Germany’s equestrian system and has some VERY strong opinions about the way kids are being developed in the U.S. horse world. Specifically:

• Why he thinks horse shows often reward expensive horses instead of good riding
• Why kids should learn multiple disciplines (not specialize early)
• Why horsemanship and grit matter more than polished rounds
• Why trainers may be trapped by the current system
• And what he thinks horse moms should actually prioritize long term

Whether you agree with him or not, this conversation raises some really interesting questions about what we want our kids to get out of this sport.

Are We Raising Riders or Buying Ribbons? with David Reichert of UDJC

🎧 Listen on Apple
​🎧 Listen on Spotify​

As always, if this episode makes you think of another horse mom trying to figure all this out too, please send it her way.

🎉 NEW SPONSOR ALERT!

I'm very excited to share that Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supply is officially the Presenting Sponsor of the Broke Horse Moms podcast.

We discovered Big Dee's after a boot-ordering issue and I was blown away by their selection, service, ridiculously fast shipping AND...that I'd never heard of them.

Much more info to come about our partnership, but if you're ordering spring and summer supplies, please shop there first!

👀 BTS: The Road to Pony Jumper Finals

*We're out of quarantine and...headed to another show!

Last Thursday, the 3 horses that traveled to HITS Culpeper officially came home after 22 days in quarantine. I MAY have cried bawled watching Phoebe walk off the trailer and back into the barn. 😭

Now, somehow, we are 4 days away from Chloe’s next Pony Jumper Finals qualifier at the Keswick Horse Show. We’re only doing a day trip instead of the full 5-day gig because Phoebe is still getting back into work after quarantine. She's had a very busy spa week, though, getting her feet done yesterday and body work done tomorrow.

*Ask my when my last pedicure and massage was??

TBH, I’ve been super proud of Chloe through all of this. As soon as the horses were cleared for light work, she was at that quarantine barn lunging Phoebe in a cow field and helping her get her body and brain back in the game.

Fun fact: They might be testing out a Large Pony Jumper class at this weekend's show, since it's the first Pony Jumper division we've seen at any of the shows we've attended. It's judged on optimum time which, if you know this speedy little pair, is not always their strong suit. TBD...

If you want to learn more about Chloe's road to Pony Finals, including how you can support her and/or partner with Broke Horse Moms), you can check everything out here at
​https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals.

Huge thank you to the following supporters:

• Lynn Zemaitis
• Richard + Kathy Sullivan
• Jackelinne Montero
• Katie Lewis
• TIffany Elise
• Nicole Hughes
• ​Gray Horse Counseling​

And truly, no pressure at all. This sport is expensive enough already. But every share, introduction, contribution, and cheer from the sidelines means a lot to us. ❤️

Alright mama, that's it for this week. As always, thanks for being a part of this community.

Inside leg, outside rein 🤷🏻‍♀️?
Angie

P.S. Missed a newsletter? See previous posts here.​