Can an adult amateur equestrian be a brand ambassador? The short answer is yes and no.

This age-old question can ruffle some feathers and you may hear many different opinions about adult amateur equestrians (as defined by US Equestrian) and being a brand ambassador.

I've decided to go straight to the horse's mouth for some answers. I spoke with Emily Pratt, director of regulations at US Equestrian.

Let's face it, equestrians (especially us adult amateurs) love photos and videos from our riding. Doesn't matter if we were division champion or it was a total #FailFriday moment, photos are a large part of equestrian sport. We share on social media, learn from mistakes you can only notice from the ground, revel in improvements and relive memories from amazing times we've had with our horses.

I recently sat down with the uber talented equine photographer Shawna Simmons of SAS Equine Photography to get some of her go-to tips when shooting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made our normal, daily lives much, much different. Add in horse showing which draws spectators not only for the day classes but also for larger money classes such as Welcomes, Grand Prixs and hunter derbies, and things change dynamically. US Equestrian has put out their COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe while returning back to what we love – horse showing. One of those protocols is that a face covering or mask is required while on the show grounds unless you are mounted. 

Fellow adult amateur hunter rider, Aly Howse, and her fiancé started Equestrian Face Covers providing personalized face coverings geared for the outdoor and equestrian lifestyle. ​

Adult Amateur Hunter and Equitation rider Lena Licata recently horse showed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic at Saratoga Horse Shows June 24-28 at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York.

I asked her what her experience was with all the protocols put in place by US Equestrian and state and local governments. Here's what she had to say.

Sarah Enwright is an adult amateur jumper and equitation rider from Southern California who works 9-5 in the Pharma and Biotech industry and she is the founder and creative mind behind the new equestrian apparel brand Calverro. The brand has been live for a little while, but it officially launched May 25!

Learn more about how Sarah plans her horse's training schedule around work, what she struggles with as an adult amateur and what being #AdultAmmyStrong means to her.

As we go through this crazy time of quarantines, social distancing and stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, I've done a bit mindless scrolling through Facebook and other social media platforms, as I'm sure most of us have. I saw a friend repost this and it really resonated with me:

WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT.
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

Life is hard. Why make it harder by comparing yourself to others?

Canadian adult amateur jumper rider Sierra Mark competes her 17 year-old mare Heat Wave 3E, whom she's brought along herself, in the 1.40-1.45m grand prixs and the High Amateur Jumpers. Learn more about her, what she struggles with most as an adult amateur rider and being #AdultAmmyStrong means to her.