Rhyan and Her Three Horses at the Coveside Show Series

Balancing Competition, Horsemanship, and Life at the Barn

At the picturesque Coveside Show Series, rolling hills and lush green fields frame a busy summer of hunter and jumper competition. Among the riders navigating the rings this season is Rhyan, competing with three very different partners: Scottie, Boomie, and Cheeto.

Balancing competition while helping host the horse show with her family, Rhyan’s show days are full from sunrise to sunset. Between riding, organizing, and supporting the Coveside community she grew up in, her commitment to the sport is evident in every part of her day.

With one horse in the hunter ring and another developing in the jumpers, her program reflects both patience and ambition.

Building a Program

Preparation for the show season begins long before the first competition day arrives. For Rhyan, the focus is less about jumping big courses and more about the details that build strong horses.

"Gymnastics, gymnastics, gymnastics... I do a lot of flat work and barely ever jump the heights I actually show."

Gymnastics and flatwork make up the core of her training program, with careful attention to rhythm, balance, and rideability. In fact, she rarely jumps her horses at the heights they compete at during shows. Instead, the focus stays on developing adjustability and confidence — the foundation that ultimately carries them through the bigger tracks in competition.

A Year of Rebuilding

The previous season marked a period of transition.

With two newer horses joining the string, Rhyan spent much of the year building partnerships rather than chasing results. Getting to know new horses often comes with its own challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to reset expectations and focus on long-term development.

"Last year was a rebuilding year - for my horses and for me. Getting to know new partnerships always comes with challenges."

Meanwhile, her older horses enjoyed a quieter season, stepping back while the newer partnerships began to take shape.

Looking Ahead

This season brings a renewed sense of momentum.

In the hunter ring, Rhyan hopes to build greater consistency with Scottie, who now has a full year of experience under his belt. In the jumper ring, her focus turns to continuing to develop her partnership with Boomie and gradually moving up the levels together.

"I'm focused on becoming more consistent in the hunters with Scottie, and continuing to develop my relationship with Boomie in the jumper ring."

For Rhyan, progress isn’t measured only by ribbons, but by the quiet moments when a horse begins to understand its job and everything starts to click.

The Team Behind the Rider

Like most equestrians, Rhyan’s success is built on the support of the people around her.

Her family and barn team are a constant presence throughout the season, providing encouragement during both the highs and the inevitable challenges that come with competitive riding. They are the voices reminding her to stay grounded when things don’t go perfectly — and the ones celebrating when they do.

"My family and my barn team are always showing up for me - and helping talk me down when I get too hard on myself."

Among them, one person stands out above the rest: her mom, who somehow manages to balance being both her biggest supporter and her coach.

Milestones Along the Way

Looking back, some of Rhyan’s proudest moments have taken place at one of Canada’s most iconic horse shows: Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

From competing in the medium pony divisions to placing in the 1.20m jumpers, the Royal has provided many memorable rounds throughout the years. For Rhyan, those moments when everything falls into place — when horse and rider move through a course in complete sync — are the ones that stay with her long after the ribbons are packed away.

"I do want to go pro eventually... but more than anything, I want to become a stronger, more confident rider."

Life Outside the Ring

Time away from the barn is rare.

When Rhyan does step away from riding and working around the farm, she prefers to keep things simple — often spending her free time taking quiet walks with her dog.

But even then, the barn is never far from her mind.

As she prepares for new chapters ahead, Rhyan knows the people and horses at Coveside have shaped her journey in ways that will stay with her wherever she rides next.

Rider Snapshot

Name: Rhyan

Home Barn: Coveside Show Series

Horses: Scottie, Boomie & Cheeto

Disciplines: Hunters & Jumpers

Favourite Show: Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Horse Show Must-Have: Icy water and lots of snacks for long days at the barn

Best Advice You've Been Given: Focus on the ride, not the ribbon

Favourite Thing About Horse Shows: The community — seeing friends, family, and familiar faces every weekend

When I'm Not at the Barn: Going for walks with my dog

Photography Marie Roy Photography, Venue Coveside Stables, Coach Jackie Rusaw, Attire: Samshield Breeches,Tack: CWD, Vest: Helite, Braiding and Grooming: Jaime Harper