One of the most rewarding parts of this industry is watching young riders grow—not just in skill, but in confidence, character, and commitment. The truth is, the future of our horse industry doesn’t rest in the hands of today’s trainers or even today’s clients. It rests in the hands of the juniors who are just now learning to post the trot, polish their patterns, or take their very first lessons.
For that reason, we have to be intentional about how we nurture young talent.
Junior riders need more than just saddle time. They need structured opportunities to learn about horsemanship, horse care, and the values that make this industry sustainable. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience are just as important as a perfect lead change.
When young people feel invested in—not just as riders, but as whole horsemen and horsewomen—they are more likely to stay, to grow, and eventually to lead. Lesson programs, youth camps, and mentorship initiatives all serve this purpose. They create accessible entry points for kids and teens who may not have horses of their own, while also offering a pathway forward for those who dream of one day becoming trainers, instructors, or industry professionals.
Without these bridges, we risk losing passionate young people simply because they don’t see a way in. And that is dangerous for the long-term health of our industry.
If we only focus on riders who can buy multiple horses or compete at the top levels, we shrink our future. But when we build programs for juniors—whether they’re grooming in the barn or assisting with lessons—we expand our base. We’re not only creating the next generation of competitive riders, but also loyal supporters, lifelong horse lovers, and, for some, tomorrow’s professionals.
At our barn, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful this commitment to juniors can be. Our lesson program has been the foundation for so many young riders who began with no experience and grew into confident horsemen. Over the years, this approach has proven itself by producing instructors and trainers who are now working in the industry.
One key element is our assistant program. This program gives motivated students the chance to step into leadership roles, learning the steps that lead toward becoming instructors, assistant trainers, or even running a program of their own one day. They learn to help in lessons, care for horses beyond their own, and take on responsibilities that prepare them for the professional side of the business.
Not every junior wants to pursue horses as a career—and that’s okay. But for those who do, having a clear pathway makes all the difference. Our assistant program bridges the gap between “student” and “professional,” and it has created opportunities for young people who might never have found a way into the industry otherwise.
When kids grow up in a barn family that values teamwork, kindness, and horse care just as much as winning, they become better riders—and better people. Some go on to buy horses, show, or even pursue professional careers. Others may not. But all of them leave with a lifelong love for horses and a sense of belonging in this community.
This is why I believe so strongly that programs like ours are essential—not just for individual barns, but for the sustainability of the entire horse industry.
As professionals, we should all be asking ourselves:
The juniors riding in your arena today are the trainers, instructors, breeders, and industry leaders of tomorrow. It’s our responsibility to prepare them—not only to ride well, but to carry forward the values, knowledge, and passion that will sustain this industry for generations to come.
So my challenge is this: if you don’t already have youth-focused initiatives in your program, start brainstorming. Even small steps—a junior clinic, a horsemanship day, or an assistant opportunity—can make a lasting difference. Because every rider we support today could be a professional—or a lifelong industry supporter—tomorrow.
Education for lesson programs and instructors
Your content is excellent! Youth are sooo critical to the success of showing horses and horse shows surviving into the future! Well done!