Nick Haness was the Chronicle’s 2022 show hunter rider of the year.

We sat down with him to get the scoop on the guy behind the title and learn more about the parrots in his ringside cheering section, his first horse—”he was a mixture of about every breed you could possibly imagine”—his most embarrassing show experience (it’s a doozy!) and more. This successful pro also gives more serious tips about selecting horses and catch-riding, in which his love for animals shines: