Hi Reader,

About a year ago, Chloe said something that stopped me in my tracks:

Ma'am. I feel like there are endless ways to solve this problem without NOT going to college.

Rest assured, she's moved well away from this thought process and, while you're reading this, we're likely touring Virginia Tech and learning about their accounting program AND riding team.

See...two things can be true at the same time, sweet child o' mine.

If my kid is thinking that, your kid is likely thinking it, too, regardless of whether any of those thoughs actually become their reality.

So, this week, I sat down with Beth Sheely, head coach of the Virginia Tech equestrian team to understand what options, besides large NCEA schools, exist post-high school.

We covered that PLUS some topics that we as moms likely have questions about, as it pertains to our kiddos' ability to navigate this sport emotionally:

👉 What a collegiate club team is and how it differs from NCAA/NCEA
👉 What coaches look for beyond talent
👉 Time commitment and what “student-athlete” really means in this sport
👉 Confidence, nerves, and the role of sports psychology
👉 How fear develops and how to prevent it
👉 What parents often get wrong (and how to better support their riders)
👉 How to start exploring college riding programs

It's chock full of a lot of insight and might be my favorite interview to date, so, please share it with a friend. ❤️

College Riding Opportunities with VT Coach Beth Sheely

🎧 Listen on Apple
​🎧 Listen on Spotify​

👀 BTS: On the Road to Pony Finals

Over the last two weeks, Chloe and Phoebe have been hard at work in the ring working on balancing, lead changes and rhythm. I'm not sure how all of that works together BUT, I do see them looking far more controlled as they tackle bigger courses, so I'm here for it!

We've started piecing together the clothing that we'll need for the rated shows and Pony Finals...namely, a show jacket, show breeches and possibly a new saddle pad (how we actually NEED another one, I'll never understand).

My tips:

• Do not give your child show clothes for Christmas. They WILL grow out of them. Ask Grammie (my MIL) and I how we know.
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• Find a brand of show breeches that your kid likes and keep an eye on their price at various retailers until they go on sale. This year, we may be moving away from Tailored Sportsman pants, as we're trying out the Free Ride PRO breeches, without pockets (because, apparently, pockets aren't allowed at rated shows - I guess grooms are expected to carry the stuff that would go in a pocket 🤣).
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  I'll keep you posted but if you're really impatient, you can use code BHM for 10% off your purchase.
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• Show jackets - my GAWD they can be expensive. We scored Chloe's first show jacket, years ago, at our local equestrian consignment shop, Changing Reins, so we headed back there for another one.
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  AND....we hit the jackpot! We found an RJ Classics Youth mesh jacket in a short length (which is nearly impossible to find) and paid $90 instead of the $269-ish I'm seeing on line. I made a reel about it so you can see all they have (and also because why wouldn't a 50-year old woman want to make a reel??). For real, if you have an equestrian consignment show near you...GO THERE FIRST.

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

Eyes up, leg on,
Angie

P.S. Love what you're hearing on the podcast and want to help support the work we do (especially the BTS of rated shows and Pony Finals)? Say 'thank you' by making a small contribution here: Support Broke Horse Moms​

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