More Than a Ribbon: A Coach’s Reflection on One Rider’s Championship Journey

As a coach, I get a front-row seat to the beautiful, gritty, quiet work that happens long before the spotlight ever finds my clients. And every once in a while, I get to witness a moment that’s not just about a ribbon or a title—but about deep personal growth. This championship journey was exactly that.
Kim's success wasn’t defined by a placing. It was defined by pride—the kind that comes from becoming a true partner in the arena, building trust with a willing pony, and showing up day after day. The ribbon? That was just the symbol. The real victory was the transformation.
The Real Work Happens Between the Shows
Looking back, the key moments weren’t dramatic. They were consistent. All the training days. The ones where it would've been easier to skip. The ones where doubt crept in. But Kim kept going. She stuck to the plan. She did the work.
And it paid off—not just in competition, but in resilience.
There were times when she faced discouragement from others. People who made the journey feel heavier than it needed to be. But instead of quitting, she made the hard but empowering choice to keep going without them. That kind of clarity and courage is what builds champions.
Growth You Can’t Always Measure in Points
What I admire most is that this win didn’t go to Kim's head—it sharpened her focus. She sees it as a stepping stone, not a destination. She’s already thinking about her next goals. If her past self from a year ago could see her now, I know the reaction would be simple but powerful: “Wow.”
Throughout this journey, she stepped into the identity of someone who follows through. A committed athlete. A capable competitor. A partner to her horse. And a person who doesn’t back down when things get tough.
Support Systems and Short-Term Intensity
Right before the competition, Kim immersed herself in a concentrated learning environment. She absorbed instruction like a sponge, forming powerful habits in a short amount of time. It was incredible to watch her come alive with that intensity—it built a foundation of confidence and momentum.
And her support system? They showed up in full force. Her team, family, and community were behind her 110%. She told me later she had underestimated just how much that encouragement meant. But I didn’t underestimate it. I saw how it fueled her.
What’s Next? Everything.
This win unlocked something: a readiness for the next level. Kim’s already looking ahead, eager to learn, take new lessons, and step even further into her potential. The momentum is there, and she’s not letting up.
For Anyone Watching From the Sidelines…
If you’ve ever felt “less than,” or like you didn’t belong in the arena—Kim's story is for you.
She wants others to know that you can learn, you can compete, and you do belong. Her advice? Don’t spend too much time worrying about what others say. Just do your thing. Stay true to your path. That’s where the magic is.
As her coach, I couldn’t be more proud. Not just of what she achieved, but of who she became in the process. And if you’re standing at the start of your own journey, wondering if you’re enough—this is your reminder that you absolutely are.
​If you need additional reminders, I'm just a click away.