Choosing Joy in the Ring: Erin and Morocco

Some horses change the way we ride. Others change the way we feel. For Erin Barrington, Morocco isn’t just her partner in the ring — he’s the reason she smiles on even the hardest days. This season wasn’t about moving up. It was about choosing joy, trusting her horse, and redefining what success looks like.

The Why Behind The Shot

For Erin Barrington, the photo that captures her why doesn’t need a jump, a ribbon, or even a ring.

It just needs Morocco.

“Any picture that captures Moe — and only Moe,” she says. “He’s one of the main reasons I have a smile on my face every day. I owe him the world. He makes the darker days brighter.”

The Most ‘Adult Amateur’ Moment

At the Classic, Erin headed into her first over-fences trip of the day — only to realize that a tree had fallen onto fence one. No one had noticed. No circling allowed. No fixing it mid-round.

“So me and Moe said ‘yeehaw’ and went for it.”

Morocco didn’t hesitate. Even without having been in the ring that morning, he took it in stride. Erin finished her course and, as she passed the ingate (not quietly), made sure everyone knew there was a tree down on fence one.

Classic adult amateur energy — and a horse who had her back completely.

Redefining Progress

For years, Erin fought anxiety in the Modified Hunters. Big entries. Full rings. The hottest part of the day. Pressure that made showing feel more stressful than joyful.

After a difficult start to the season, she made a brave decision — she stepped down to the 2’3s.

Everything changed.

Morning classes. Quiet rings. Calm warm-ups.“I felt amazing,” she says. “I had the most fun I’ve ever had while showing.”

That choice reshaped her entire outlook.

“I will forever live by this: do what makes you comfortable — not what others expect of you.”

A Feeling Worth Keeping

If Erin could bottle one feeling from the season and keep it forever, it wouldn’t be a ribbon or a result.

It would be time with Moe.

Especially their fall photoshoot — a gallery that captured what words often can’t, and one that fills her heart every time she revisits it.

What Comes Next

With the 2026 season approaching, Erin’s winter focus is clear: maintaining a consistent, forward canter — and learning to get out of Morocco’s way.

“He knows his job,” she says. “I need to trust him more.”

Why These Photos Matter

“A photo isn’t just a photo,” Erin says. “It captures memories you can hold forever.”

Every time she receives a gallery, she’s on the edge of her seat — because each one brings her back to the love, trust, and joy she shares with Moe.

It Takes a Village

No season happens alone, and Erin is quick to credit the people and brands who made hers possible.

To Jeff McKenna — thank you for being not just a coach, but a close friend and one of Erin’s biggest cheerleaders, always supporting her through anxiety and growth while helping her trust Moe.

To her mom and dad — thank you for always making sure Erin and Moe have everything they need, and for supporting the biggest dreams without hesitation.

To her sister and best friends, Lauren and Emma — the very best grooms Moe and Erin could ask for, and the steady support needed on anxious days.

To the brands that keep Erin looking sharp from head to toe: Samshield, AA Motion Lite, Struck, Tucci

And for Moe: Antares hunter bridle, braids by Jessica Johnson, Ecogold hunter pad, Bruno Delgrange saddle, Equifit girth, and Freejump leathers and stirrups.

Related story

Erin and Morocco’s partnership has been a joy to photograph over the years. If you’d like to see more of this talented pair in the hunter ring, take a look back at their feature from last season at the Coveside Show Series.

👉 [Erin & Morocco at Coveside]