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Equestrian media typically showcases the best of the best, not someone cantering the trot jump. But that’s exactly what happened in the premiere episode of Inside the In-Gate, a equestrian docuseries from filmmaker Kelly Berry of KB Media. And honestly? That’s the kind of the point.
“There’s so much content out there, but it all feels very similar,” Berry told the crowd at a recent Plaidcast In Person event. “You’ve seen one interview, you’ve seen them all. We wanted to show what this sport really entails. The good, the bad, the emotional.”
It’s a departure from the filtered perfection that saturates equestrian social media. In a world where most footage is edited to show only flawless rounds, Berry’s work aims to show vulnerability. She follows riders through the tough moments—rain, mistakes, tension, tears—and presents them with compassion rather than polish.
Showing the Stories We All Know But Rarely See
Berry’s docuseries doesn’t aim to introduce equestrian sport to the mainstream like Drive to Survive did for F1. Instead, it’s made for us. For riders who have stood outside the in-gate with our hearts racing and minds swirling with doubt.
“It’s about humanizing the sport,” Berry said. “Social media makes it all feel so unattainable sometimes. But whether you’re at Devon or your local show, we’re all worried about the same things. We all put our pants on the same way.”
The second season of Inside the In-Gate was filmed during a rainy week at Devon, and those weather challenges became part of the story. “It was cold, wet, difficult. Not ideal for horses or expensive camera gear,” Berry said. “But that’s the reality of this sport. That’s the stuff we never see, but we all live.”
By placing amateurs and professionals side-by-side, Berry strips away assumptions about status and success. It’s not about who had the best score, but what it took to get there. In capturing real stakes and raw emotions, her work connects the audience with the often-hidden interior world of equestrian athletes.
The Power of Imperfection
For many equestrians, the sport is a lifelong pursuit full of highs, lows, and everything in between. Berry’s films reflect that messy, wonderful truth. In one memorable clip from the series, a rider canters the trot jump.
“I’ve consumed a lot of equestrian media in my life,” said Plaid Horse publisher Piper Klemm at the event. “And I’ve never seen anyone canter the trot jump. That’s something we’ve collectively decided not to show, but it’s also something we’ve all done. And that makes it matter even more.”
It’s a refreshing change of tone in a sport that often prizes perfection and performance above all else. Inside the In-Gate extends an open hand. Instead of focusing on flawless winning rounds, it gives space to quiet victories, emotional resilience, and the courage to keep going after a rough day.
Building a More Inclusive Equestrian Media
Berry’s work is part of a larger cultural shift. More and more riders, especially adult amateurs, are craving media that reflects the true experience of being part of the horse world. From the pressure of balancing a demanding career with barn time to the emotional toll of trying to “deserve” the expensive sport we love, Inside the In-Gate touches on themes that resonate far beyond the in-gate.
She’s also actively working to build community around the project. Alongside the premiere of Season Two, Berry hosted an equestrian adult amateur summer camp and organized a watch party for the new episode. The series will continue on YouTube, where it remains free and widely accessible to anyone in the sport.
“This isn’t about selling something,” she said. “It’s about bringing people together and helping them see themselves reflected in the sport they love.”
Berry’s films are full of joy, laughter, and the kind of small, unscripted moments that define real barn life. Watching Inside the In-Gate doesn’t make you feel like a spectator. It makes you feel like you’re right there with the riders at the show.
The Future Is Honest
Equestrian media is evolving. Riders are no longer satisfied with only highlight reels and manicured images. We want stories that show the effort behind the polish, the setbacks behind the ribbons, and the heart behind every round.
Kelly Berry is helping lead that evolution with a lens that doesn’t look away when things get hard. By giving riders a space to show their whole experience—not just their wins—Inside the In-Gate invites all of us to reconnect with the sport on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Because the truth is, we’ve all cantered the trot jump. And we deserve to see that part of the story too.
Watch the Episode 3 Premier Friday, August 15th on YouTube
For more insights and conversation, listen to the full Plaidcast 443: Plaidcast in Person with Jeff Papows, Geoff Case and Philip Richter.
