Shannon

If you’ve ever felt sluggish—or worse, queasy—halfway through a ride, you’re not alone. As a rider who balances the barn with strength training and shift work, I’ve learned the hard way that what you eat matters. This guide breaks down rider-friendly meals and snacks that support your body without weighing you down. Section 1: Why Pre-Ride Nutrition Matters Riding is a full-body workout.…

Because fitness should support your riding — not compete with it. Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t become riders because we wanted to spend more time in the gym. But we do care about strength, balance, endurance, and keeping our bodies in it for the long haul. So what happens when your trainer says you need more core stability, your coach recommends more cardio, and your legs are still sore…

When most people think of horse shows, they picture polished coats, perfect braids, and nerves at the in-gate. But if you’ve ever traveled with a horse, you know the real work starts long before (and after) your class. At the heart of it, showing isn’t just about performing—it’s about protecting your horse’s comfort, mindset, and wellbeing in an environment that’s anything but…

Whether it’s your first season or your fifteenth, it’s easy to get caught up in the polish of the show ring: gleaming coats, matching saddle pads, perfect braids. And while presentation absolutely matters, that’s not what makes a good show. Here’s what actually matters—and what’s worth protecting—when you walk down that barn aisle and head to your next competition. 1. Your Horse’s Comfort Comes…

A love letter to the emotionally gifted gelding who thinks flies are a personal attack. Some horses spook at flapping tarps or deer in the woods. Mine? Mine spooks at energy. The mounting block was in a different spot? That’s a no. A leaf twitched wrong? He needs a minute. I changed my tone when I asked for the canter? He’s not mad, he’s just… disappointed. I used to call it dramatic. Now I…

If you’re anything like me, your days are a puzzle of shifts, sweat, and saddle time — and some weeks, it feels like something’s gotta give. Between a full-time nursing schedule, riding Oberon, and making it to the gym, I’ve had to learn the hard way that balance doesn’t always mean equal. It means intentional. Here’s how I’m learning to juggle riding and training without running myself into the…

We’re told that consistency is everything. That the key to becoming a better rider is to build a routine — ride often, stay disciplined, show up no matter what. But what they don’t tell you is how often life won’t make that easy. They don’t tell you how many times you’ll arrive at the barn completely drained — physically, emotionally, mentally — and still try to piece together something that…

No one talks enough about how hard it can be. The barn days that leave you feeling more frustrated than fulfilled. The rides that fall apart. The setbacks no one sees but you. The quiet question in your head that asks, “Am I good enough for this?” Every horse person has been there. And if they say they haven’t, they’re either brand new or not being honest. We don’t always post those…

Every time I’m with my horses, I pet them. It doesn’t matter if we’re riding, grooming, or just walking past each other in the barn—I always take a moment to reach out. A soft hand on their neck. Fingers through their forelock. A quiet rub on their shoulder before I leave. It’s not a big thing. They probably don’t think twice about it. But I do. Because that small moment reminds me why I’m…

Some rides are about progress. Others are about partnership. And sometimes—when you’re really lucky—they’re about both. This week’s lesson with Oberon gave me one of those rare, grounding moments where everything just clicked. We were working through technical equitation courses—the kind that force you to think three steps ahead, stay soft in the saddle, and communicate clearly every stride. But…

There’s something deeply personal about the tack you use every day. It’s not just leather and buckles—it’s how you connect, how you ride, how you show up for your horse. And the more I ride with Ovation, the more I realize: this brand gets it. I didn’t set out to be loyal to any one tack company. Like most riders, I picked things up here and there, mixed and matched, adjusted as I went. But…

When people picture the equestrian lifestyle, they often imagine early mornings, jumping courses, trail rides, and ribbons. What they don’t always see is what happens after the ride—the quiet, intentional routines that keep our horses healthy and happy long-term. At Riding Against the Grain, recovery is part of the ritual—and for Oberon, it’s non-negotiable. Why Recovery Matters (Even for the…

(And why that doesn’t make you any less of a rider) There’s a quiet pressure in the horse world—one that’s easy to internalize without even realizing it. Scroll through social media, walk through the warm-up ring, listen to the barn chatter… and you’ll hear it: “Are you moving up soon?” “What height are you showing?” “When’s your next big course?” And somewhere in all that noise, it’s easy…

Let’s cut to the chase: I’ve tried a lot of breeches, and KL Select breeches are hands-down my favorite. If I could ride in only one pair for the rest of my life—this would be it. KL Select (Tan) Show Breeches They check every box: flattering, functional, durable, and actually comfortable. Keep reading if you’re ready to retire your saggy, stiff, or overly shiny breeches and upgrade to…

The honest truth about no-stirrup work—why we do it, why it hurts, and how to recover when your legs are screaming. Let’s be honest: no-stirrup work hurts. Not just your thighs, but your pride, your posture, your sense of self-preservation. And yet—I keep doing it. Not out of masochism, but because the payoff is real. Why No-Stirrup Work Matters Independent seat – You can’t fake balance…

As an equestrian, my journey with my horse, Oberon, has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the early days of training to our countless adventures, I’ve learned that the bond between horse and rider is one of the most powerful relationships you can cultivate. And as I continue to share our experiences through Riding Against the Grain, I’ve found that content creation is the perfect way to…

You’re Still a Rider—Even When It Hurts Falling off your horse isn’t just a physical experience. It leaves a bruise on your confidence, your rhythm, your sense of safety. You can love riding with your whole heart and still feel a jolt of panic when your foot touches the stirrup again. I know, because I didn’t just fall. I fell with my horse. It happened at a show—one of those days that’s…