top of page

In my weekly blog, “Amateur Equestrian Confessions,” I share the passion and the pain of one of the most endearing pursuits in the world, horseback riding.

Search


Picture Day
My husband, Geoff, is the type that usually ducks the camera lens. However, Frances Albers is no shrinking violet, and she’s no stranger to photo shoots. Once her professional eye saw the shot she wanted, her subjects, be they two footed or four promptly stepped into focus. Winston was more than eager to strike a pose although his silk scarf refused to stay tied. Captain acted like a celebrity who did photo ops every Saturday. Geoff forgot his earlier shyness and managed
JoAnn Shannon
4 days ago


Dressing Up
Hang around horses long enough and you will learn that they love to play. Pinky enjoyed the blast of color Not only do horses have a penchant for fun, but they are wonderfully tolerant when the humans around them are having a good time. Echo mooed into jersey lane Interestingly, horses can tell the difference between a leaf blowing (a terrifying experience) and a fluffy bit of boa blowing (all part of the fun). Champ went for the gold Kingsly won for best looking pony Rit
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 19


Joey's Sheet of Many Colors
There’s a green Rambo horse sheet in my garage draped over a sawhorse that my grandfather made years ago. It’s the first thing I see when...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 5


Love & Loss
An aspect of these gorgeous autumn days makes me sad. The morning mists, golden light and brilliant red leaves stir memories of loss. ...
JoAnn Shannon
Oct 22


Look Ma, No Spurs!
The crop is longer than my tack box! It’s easy to keep buying bigger spurs. What’s harder is riding without them and building a stronger...
JoAnn Shannon
Oct 8


Post Show Season
With my 2025 show season wrapped up, I took a moment to look around me. What I saw…. The garden was neglected My bank account was...
JoAnn Shannon
Sep 24


The Final Show
Amateurs get nervous before a show, but some of the best professional riders also admit to pre-show anxiety. When nerves threatened to...
JoAnn Shannon
Sep 10


It's About Perspective
Sometimes what’s happening is all about perspective. What Caitlin was thinking Captain is moving well. Not sure if he’s ever been in...
JoAnn Shannon
Aug 27


Going Home
The show must go on…mercifully it also must come to an end. Regardless, on Monday morning you’re going to wake up with a horse show...
JoAnn Shannon
Aug 13


Show Time
The question most frequently asked by someone who’s never been to a horse show is… “What time do you ride?” Time for friends Anyone...
JoAnn Shannon
Jul 30


Enjoy the Journey
There’s a ripple of anticipation as the horses wait to see if they’ll be loaded onto the trailer… At our barn, not all horses go to the...
JoAnn Shannon
Jul 16


Win-A-Gin Farm Show
You can’t go home again, according to Thomas Wolfe. And perhaps returning to a place from the past to recapture some previous state of...
JoAnn Shannon
Jul 2


Windermere Show
The best thing about horse showing is that it’s like a report card on your progress. In early May, Captain and I participated in our...
JoAnn Shannon
Jun 18


Fearless Riding (Part II)
Be your own cheerleader It is possible to brain wave your way to improved riding. Neuroscience, which deals with the structure or...
JoAnn Shannon
Jun 4


Fearless Riding (Part I)
Equestrian sports come with an inherent danger so fear is something most riders must manage. But imagine if you could use science to help...
JoAnn Shannon
May 14


Sleep and Athletic Performance
Sleep is the cornerstone of recovery and performance. And according to Ifa Simmons , certified fitness performance coach for...
JoAnn Shannon
Apr 30


Focus on Fiction
Going forward, my blog will be published every other week. With only so many hours in a day, I’ve fallen quite behind on my fictional...
JoAnn Shannon
Apr 9


Riders and Horses
Do you think your horse would be able to pick you out of a crowd? Chances are he could do that quite readily. Maybe even blind-folded. ...
JoAnn Shannon
Apr 2


Horses to Riders
Do I have to work out today? A horse greeting their owner is more cat-like than dog-like. You might get a nicker, but you don’t get...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 26


Horses Talking to Horses
Pinky is interested and relaxed. Horses are careful about announcing their presence. It wouldn’t be wise to let predators know where to...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 19
bottom of page