This fall I have been experiencing the indoor circuit from the live feed on my iPad instead of from my usual spot at the in-gate. Thank goodness for the conveniences of modern technology! 

I must admit that this has been a bit hard for me. Throughout my life, these shows have always represented the pinnacle of quality in the hunter world and I think every rider wants to be a part of them. Though I love this sport, it has definite ebbs and flow.

This particular season, I felt that I needed to make the prudent decision and return home to Florida after the summer shows in order to continue developing my group of young hunters, let my more seasoned campaigners relax, and dedicate the necessary time to invest in my personal development in the sport.

Staying Focused

My objective over the last year or so has been to build a business based on developing a group of special young hunters, ultimately offering them for sale when they are ready to go on to successful junior or amateur careers. I have sought to bring along talented horses, while simultaneously working towards my own personal aspirations as a professional hunter rider. 

I have also enjoyed helping a few select clients who have similar goals. This type of business is a very concentrated niche. It relies on a unique dynamic with more emphasis on developing solid horses to market, as opposed to building a large base of clients that compete.

I realize that I am choosing the road less traveled, and sometimes I question if my ideal business is even really viable in this day and age. Yet, I feel like I am in this place right now where I have put in the time and garnered the experience to be on the cusp of big things, while still young enough to throw some caution to the wind and eat ramen noodles as I chase my dreams.

Eventually, I know that life will inevitably change.  My business will either become easier or harder and the decision will make itself. At that point, I will adjust accordingly. Either way, I want to know that I have given my all to creating a lifestyle that is built on my true passions.

Adjustments

I am finding that this industry is a constant lesson in striving for balance and perspective amongst moving parts. For example, I am a super-planner by nature, but any rider’s horse show string is always subject to change at any moment.

My group on the road has, at times, become smaller due to a sale or an unforeseen injury.  Similarly, sometimes finding the “perfect horse” does not necessarily coincide with having the cash flow or sponsor to be able to purchase it in that window of opportunity. Additionally, I feel obligated to constantly review where my horses are in their training to ensure that they are totally ready for the questions they might be asked in a specific competition, especially at some of the more challenging venues like the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships or the Pre-Green Incentive Championships.

These are just some of the constant adjustments that I try to balance.  I have a great desire to compete at the top echelon of the sport…but the reality is that ribbons alone do not pay bills.

At the end of this summer, I found myself with a diverse group of horses, experience-wise. They range the spectrum from quite green and very new to me, to relatively experienced, but conservatively rehabilitating from an injury. And I can’t leave out my right-hand man and solid partner, Poker Face (a.k.a Pokey).

I had to decide what took priority; the “now” or the potential of things on the horizon for next year, both in terms of finances and putting pressure on the horses.  In that ever-present question of balance, I chose the future.

I gave the horses that had been showing all summer a much-deserved six weeks off to physically rest and mentally relax. They spent hours in the paddocks, grew some whiskers, and just enjoyed being horses. The greener ones have flourished with some patient time spent building solid fundamentals.

I have also had the time to carefully manage the rehab of my one horse who suffered a mid-year setback, and I am so excited to feel him get back in form.

Investing

Though I absolutely love to horse show, I have also personally benefitted from a break from the road. I have made a conscious decision to look for new ways to better myself as a rider and competitor, outside of the barn and my normal routine.

I have started working with Tonya Johnston, a sports psychologist and fellow rider. This is the first time that I have consistently studied mental skills work and I have already found it to be encouraging and empowering. I have realized that I am not alone or inadequate, but just merely human, in my own personal nerves and insecurities.

The process is challenging, but I have found it extremely valuable to explore myself, open up a little, and step outside of my comfort zone in order to reach a place of more clarity and confidence. I am acknowledging what I can and cannot control and learning to channel my energy in positive ways.

I have also taken the time to travel outside of my home area as a learner judge at a few horse shows. Last spring I was accepted into the USEF Judges Mentor Program. I have always aspired to earn my judges card, and this program makes the process just a little less arduous for busy, but qualified professionals.

The judge’s box is a view that has definitely made me a better exhibitor. (I promise… I won’t be late to the ring or crawl to the first jump ever again! Well, I promise to try…!)

But seriously, it is a tough job that requires not only knowledge and experience, but also focus, organization, and conviction of your beliefs. You really want to see and reward good rounds. It has also been very special to have so many senior professionals offer their help and guidance as I work towards earning my card. I am proud that I will eventually be able to give back to the sport in this capacity. 

While learning the finer points of judging has been intense, by far my biggest challenge during this process has been in the wardrobe department. Left to my own devices, I pretty much wear breeches, gym clothes, and pajamas every day. None of which are very appropriate for the judge’s box! There was one particular incident that involved a mall dressing room and a tearful FaceTime call to my best friend…

Annual Review

I’m hopeful that all these varied pieces of the puzzle will add up to something close to what I both envision in my head and feel in my heart.  Last year at this same time, around the time of the Pennsylvania National, I wrote about trying to find that balance between dream chasing and bill paying.

I am still walking that line.  As I navigate this business as a young professional, I am just trying to always put my horses’ development and well-being first, take opportunities to grow as a horsewoman and an athlete, and gain knowledge to ultimately give back to the sport. Some days I feel likes I am barely staying between the standards, but when I put it all in perspective I am confident and hopeful that I am giving it my all to eventually be in the 90s.

Jennifer Bliss had a very successful junior career, which included achievements such as earning USEF Pony Finals championships and national year-end championships in the pony and junior hunter divisions, as well as top-15 placings in all the major equitation finals.  A professional rider and trainer whose focus is on the hunter ring, she operates Harris Hill Farm out of her home base of Wellington, Fla. 

In 2014, Jennifer was the WCHR Developing Professional National Champion and earned a top-10 finish in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. She especially loves developing special young hunters, and teaching junior and amateur clients. Jennifer earned her USHJA Trainers Certification in 2011 and is currently working toward her “R” hunter and equitation judge’s cards.

Read all of Jennifer’s blog entries.