Thanks, Mom! A Surprise for Our Horse Show Moms
By Delores Kuhlwein
The struggle is real – being a horse show mom is so complex, you can even buy a horse show mom survival guide on Amazon.
The parents, grandparents, siblings, and support team members behind the exhibitor are the real heroes of the horse shows, so for Mother’s Day, we asked exhibitors who have graced our pages to surprise their moms and grandmas!
See what they had to say about how these ladies impact their horse shows and their lives below! They also submitted their favorite photos.
Tracy Alderman, “Gam Gam,” from daughter Aubrey Jacobs and…
Holli Jacobs, “Gammy,” from daughter-in-law Aubrey Jacobs
My mom has shaped so much of who I am—not just in the show pen, but in how I carry myself and treat others. She’s taught me to be strong, to lead with love, and to be a friend to everyone. I’m endlessly grateful for the way she’s raised me and supported every dream I’ve chased—especially this crazy love for horse showing. She’s been by my side at every show since the very beginning.
I feel just as lucky to have gained a mother-in-law who gives that same depth of love and unwavering support as my mom always has. Now, stepping into motherhood myself, my appreciation for both of them has deepened in a way I can’t fully put into words. Their role as “GamGam” and “Gammy” is everything—they make it possible for me to keep doing what I love, stepping in so I can ride and show, and I truly couldn’t do it without them.
Beverley Bass, from daughter Paige Rogers
My mom is always there to hold my horse, video my runs, and cheer for me just to name a few. She also makes the big show schedules for our barn so everyone can stay organized in addition to setting up our dressing room at every show. She is super mom in every way, and I don’t know how I would get through the shows without her.
Susan Blackburn, from daughter Jules Blackburn-Baskin Arora
Photo by Mallory Beinborn of Impulse Photography.
I could not be more thankful for all my Mom does to encourage and support my horse addiction. Through every ride – good, bad and indifferent she is always there to support me. I love that we share this “hobby” together.
Jane Blevins, from daughter Jessica Blevins
I credit my passion for horses and horse-showing entirely to my mom! While I was growing up, my mom never forced showing on me, even while she was an avid exhibitor, so I pursued other interests like sports. When I was 20, my schedule began to allow for me to commit to showing, and my mom instantly became my biggest supporter and fan. She gives the best advice and encouragement, makes incredible snacks, flawlessly drives the living quarters trailer, and is just the most incredible horse bestie!
Cindy Brown, from daughter Alexa Newfield
Left- Maddie McGraw, Middle – Alexa Newfield, Right -Cindy Brown, photo by Ali Hubbell Photography.
My mom started it all for me, and she’s still right there by my side today. Now I get to be that support system for my daughter, just like she was for me. Having three generations doing what we love together is something I’ll never take for granted.
Melissa Cook, from daughter Georgia Cook
Vanessa Froman, from Collin Froman
Vanessa and Collin, with Jenell Pogue.
My mom has always been supportive and by my side when it comes to showing or working with our horses. She’s made a massive impact on me not only through that support, but also by showing alongside me at many of the same shows making them so much more meaningful.
Julie Graves, from daughter Emme Grace Graves
My mom, Julie Graves, has always been my biggest supporter, especially at the horse shows. She travels with me, videos my rides, and helps with everything behind the scenes. Even when she was fighting cancer two years ago, she only missed one single show, which says everything about the kind of person and mom she is. I’m so grateful for her and the love and support she shows me.
Lori Grossnickle, from daughter Katie Grossnickle
Photo by Jeff Kirkbride Photography.
My mom is truly my biggest supporter!!! She loves to show to so getting to enjoy our passions together is so much fun! We’ve traveled a lot of miles together and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. She is always there for me!
Stephanie Janis, from daughter Sabrina Littrell
My mom is truly the reason why I became a part of the horse industry. She fostered my love for horses, and all animals really from such a young age. I truly owe her everything. She taught me how to be a horsewoman and do everything for the love of the animal.
Dawn Kellogg, from son Justin Pyle
My Mom does everything she can to make dreams come true. She is incredibly selfless and always willing to do anything to help me which includes always wanting me to show our best horses even though we both want each other to have the chance with the best horse. Being able to spend time together at the horse shows is truly the best part of the shows, being together. I love her so very much and am so proud of everything she has accomplished and is a role model of mine!
Deneen King, from daughter Dakota King Phelps
Photo by Topline Image.
My mum fuels my horse show life with pure fun, turning every early morning, dusty boot, and long day into something to laugh about. She’s the most joy-filled, fun-loving person I know, always bringing the energy, the giggles, and just the right amount of chaos. No matter what, she fills my days with love, support, and a kind of happiness that makes every day the best day.
Debbie Martin, from granddaughter Kylee Wiseman
My mamaw impacts me every day! She is the strongest woman I know, and she has been by my side since my very first show at the age of 5. My parents don’t do the horses, so it’s always been her and my grandpa, and I’m so thankful for her.
Sandy Mundrick, from daughter Kelley Mundrick Martin
Photo by Ali Hubbell Photography.
My mom has always been my biggest supporter—my steady constant through every high and every low. She’s there for it all: helping at home with the retired horses, broodmare and babies, cheering on the show horses, and even traveling the road with me for Head to Tail Boutique. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering presence mean more than I could ever put into words. I truly don’t know what I’d do without her.
Dana Pipkin, from daughter Hannah Kate Pipkin
My mom always supports me and helps me through everything. She’s there for me in both my highest and lowest moments, and she’s my biggest cheerleader. She also always brings out the best in me.
Susan Roberts, from daughter Hillary Timchak
I owe my love of horses and horses and everything I’ve accomplished in the horse business to my mom! She’s always supported me 100% and been my number one fan. She taught me how to ride and has been there every step of the way since. Some of the best times of my young life were traveling together with my mom from show to show. Thank you mom for being my best friend and everything you’ve done for me!
Jane Rodriguez, from daughter Anna Rodriguez
Over the years, my mom has played many roles within our horse show life as well as within the industry. From running local open shows when I first started riding, driving me back and forth to lessons, making my show clothes when I was a youth, to now owning and operating her business Straight 2 the Top Designs, she has been the glue that holds it all together! In true horse girl fashion, we are spending Mother’s Day at a horse show together this year!
Deanna Searles, from daughter Taylor Searles
My mom has shaped who I am in ways I can’t even fully put into words: both in and out of the arena. Her work ethic, drive, kindness, and selflessness inspire me every single day. I’m incredibly blessed to have someone like her to look up to.
Kristy Starnes, from son Logan Starnes
My mom helps me out a ton at shows, she gets my horse ready, helps me with lessons, and supports me when I show.
