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It’s easy to watch a winning hunter round and assume the success happened in that moment—one clean trip, one brilliant jump, one soft landing. But for Nick Haness, top hunter rider and trainer, that winning moment is the culmination of countless decisions, long-term strategy, and obsessive attention to detail that begins long before the horse enters the ring.
From his barn in Temecula, California, to major victories at shows like Devon and Derby Finals, Haness has developed a system that balances fierce competition with deep horsemanship. And when it comes to preparing horses for big events, there are no shortcuts.
“Making the horses feel physically their best is the one thing I would say I really try to target as far as planning my show schedule for the weeks prior to those big events,” Haness explained on episode 434 of The Plaidcast.
Planning Beyond the Show Schedule
Preparation starts well before the week of a major class. Nick maps out each horse’s lead-up based on what they need, not just to be competitive, but to feel confident and comfortable in the ring.
That includes working with vets, farriers, and grooms to make sure each horse is at their physical peak. It’s not a one-size-fits-all plan.
“There’s a balance between overthinking it and overdoing it, or not doing enough. And honestly, it just comes down to having good horsemanship and knowing your horse in and out and knowing what’s best for them.”
For Nick, that might mean adjusting shoeing, experimenting with bits, or thinking through how a horse’s coat looks under the lights. These aren’t cosmetic decisions—they’re part of the holistic picture that helps a horse feel their best when it matters most.
Trusting the Process
Part of that preparation is understanding that even the best-laid plans don’t always go perfectly. “Trust me, I don’t win all the time,” Nick laughed. “There are a lot of times we don’t get the recipe right, and we have that result as well. You pick up and you learn from it.”
What separates a consistently successful rider from the rest isn’t perfection—it’s resilience. It’s the ability to regroup, reassess, and get back in the ring the next week with a smarter approach. For Haness, each show is a data point in the larger narrative of a horse’s development.
“The good thing is there’s another horse show probably coming up the next week.”
Learning What Each Horse Needs
Nick’s attention to detail doesn’t end with tack and turnout. He studies each horse’s preferences and adapts accordingly.
“At night, when I’m relaxing, I think about it all night long—how to prepare that horse. What could I change about their shoeing? Maybe a different bit? A heavier weighted tail?”
That intense focus is the result of years of experience, trial and error, and a constant willingness to learn. Nick doesn’t treat success as a fixed formula, but as a moving target that shifts with each new horse and each new challenge.
Success Looks Like Simplicity
When the moment finally comes, it’s not about flash or drama. It’s about letting all the hard work fade into the background.
“I don’t even overthink it anymore. I just go back to the basics and think about the simplicity and the balance with the horse.”
That mindset—trusting the process, staying present, and focusing on partnership—has earned Haness major wins and national recognition. But what’s even more impressive is his commitment to the daily grind behind the glamour.
A Championship Mentality
Hunter classes don’t reward theatrics. They reward subtlety, polish, and harmony between horse and rider. That kind of excellence takes more than talent. It takes planning, patience, and a willingness to listen to your horse.
As Haness put it, “Nothing is given or guaranteed. And you know, being able to give them the care and the attention they need, and picking up the pieces and regrouping and going on to the next event—and then winning that one—is what it’s all about.”
Want to hear more from Nick Haness about preparation, pressure, and partnership?
Tune into episode 434 of The Plaidcast—available now wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Plaidcast for more conversations with today’s top equestrians.
