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Adult amateurs are one of the most committed groups in the sport. They show up early, ride between work and family obligations, and invest significant time and resources into their programs. But in some cases, the structure of a program doesn’t always align with what adult amateurs need to be successful.
That doesn’t come from a lack of effort or intention. More often, it comes from assumptions about what progression should look like, what commitment means, and what riders want out of the sport.
Understanding the Adult Amateur Reality
Adult amateurs don’t operate under the same conditions as juniors or professionals. Their schedules, priorities, and goals can look very different. That context shapes what kind of program is realistic, and what kind of horse makes sense.
Jane Ehrhart, who runs River Hill Farm, a private training facility based in Wellington, Florida, has seen how these dynamics play out across different programs. Her customers have had major wins at USEF Pony Finals, Wellington International, all of the indoor national finals, and the Devon Horse Show.
In some barns, there can be an expectation that adding more horses is the next step. “There are a lot of people… that have two, or even up to four,” Ehrhart explains when describing common barn setups, but that approach doesn’t work for every rider.
For some riders, adding another horse can create more complexity rather than improving their experience. Time, energy, and logistics all become factors. What works for one rider may not make sense for another.
Rethinking Progression
In many programs, progression is often associated with doing more—moving up divisions, increasing height, or expanding a program. But not every rider is looking for that path. Some riders may want to stay at a consistent level. Others may want to focus on riding in a way that feels manageable and effective.
“There are a lot of people who don’t have to have the big, glamorous, sexy horse to go to the horse shows,” Ehrhart says. Riders are making choices based on what works for them, rather than following a single model of progression.
The Role of Safety
Safety is often part of these decisions, even if it isn’t always the primary focus. Trainers are responsible for helping riders navigate risk, and that can involve making adjustments to horses, divisions, or overall program structure.
In some cases, that might mean recommending a different type of horse or a different level of competition. These decisions aren’t about limiting riders. They’re about finding an approach that allows them to continue participating in the sport in a way that works.
At the center of all of this is fit between the rider, the horse, and the program. A setup that works well allows riders to be consistent and effective. One that doesn’t can create unnecessary challenges.
This is where many riders are starting to make more individualized decisions. That might include riding a different type of horse, adjusting divisions, or structuring their program differently. These changes aren’t one-size-fits-all. They reflect what each rider needs to be successful.
Clear Conversations Matter
In many cases, alignment comes down to communication. Clear conversations about goals, expectations, and what is realistic can help shape a program that works for both rider and trainer.
That includes understanding:
- What the rider wants from the sport
- What kind of program they can maintain
- What changes might improve their experience
Without those conversations, it’s easy for assumptions to take over. With them, programs can become more intentional and better aligned.
As the sport continues to evolve, there is more room for flexibility in how riders participate. Not every rider needs to follow the same path. Not every program needs to look the same.
And as more riders make choices based on what works for them, those decisions are becoming more normalized. As Ehrhart notes, “people are doing what they need to do for themselves”.
That shift is creating space for different approaches and allowing adult amateurs to build programs that reflect their goals.
Want more insight from Jane Ehrhart? Listen to episode 476 of The Plaidcast and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for conversations with the most influential voices in the equestrian world.
