The Why Behind the Work: Abi and Her Boys

Some seasons are measured in ribbons. Others are measured in growth, devotion, and the quiet moments that make the work worth it. For Abi Shearer, this past season was about progress that didn’t always show up on paper — but mattered more than anything else.

The Why Behind The Work

There are photos that show what happened — and then there are photos that explain why it all matters.

When Abi looked through her final gallery, one image stood out above the rest: a quiet photo from behind on derby day, the three of them together. No ribbons visible. No jumps mid-air. Just a moment that says everything.

Two stalls to clean at a show. Two horses to hand-walk. Four buckets to fill and lug. Two dinners to prepare.

“It’s all worth it,” Abi says, “because I get to spend the week loving on the one who taught me everything and the one who gives it his everything learning the ropes.”

It’s a photo about devotion. About responsibility. About being deeply, fiercely lucky to be loved by horses who ask so much — and give even more.

When Progress Doesn’t Look Like a Ribbon

As adult riders, success rarely fits a neat, textbook definition. Abi is the first to admit that last season didn’t look traditionally “successful” from the outside. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t meaningful.

She made real progress with her young horse, became a more confident rider and learned more than she had in years.

“To me,” she says, “that is better than any ribbon.”

And honestly? She’s right. Growth doesn’t always come with a podium photo — sometimes it comes with grit, patience, and quiet confidence earned the long way around.

Moments That Stay Forever

If she could bottle up one feeling from the season and keep it forever, it wouldn’t be a round or a placing.

It would be the lead-line classes she was able to do with her niece.

Watching Sadie fall in love with horses — and with the sport that has shaped so much of Abi’s life — was something she’ll carry forever. It was legacy in motion. The kind of moment that reminds you why this world hooks us so deeply, generation after generation.

The Realities of Show Life (and Survival Tools)

Every rider has their non-negotiables. For Abi? Robax. Full stop. And when it comes to fueling a show day, she leaves nothing to chance. Electrolytes. Vitamins. Coffee. A protein-and-carb-fueled breakfast. Mobility work. Then she rides.

“I could never ride on just coffee,” she says — though she’s quick to add that an adult beverage at the end of the day is never a bad idea either.

Balance.

Why These Photos Matter

Looking back at her galleries, Abi doesn’t just see pretty images. She sees her why — captured again and again. From the best moments in the ring, to the quiet ones before it all begins, to one of the most important moments of her life: her engagement to her fiancé, Bailey.

These photos tell a bigger story. One that includes love, partnership, and family — not just the human kind, but the full picture: two horses and two “crazy” corgis, all woven in seamlessly.

If a friend asked her whether a session with Marie Roy was worth it? She wouldn’t hesitate.

Because these aren’t just photos of a season. They’re proof of why she shows up — early mornings, long days, tired bodies and full hearts — and why she always will.

It Takes a Village

To Ainslie Matheson — thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and belief throughout this wild adult amateur adventure. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of such an incredible team, and I can’t wait to see what the coming years bring. Team AME forever.

To Jenn Sarsfield — thank you for helping guide Thomas to the next steps. Your patience and dedication made all the difference, and I couldn’t imagine this journey without you.

To Jenn Beanlands — thank you for always making my ponies look their absolute best. Every compliment on their braids is because of you.

To Blueberry Hill — please don’t let me buy any more jackets… but thank you for always keeping us stylish in and out of the ring.

To my mom and dad — thank you for letting me live the dream every little girl imagines. I could never do this without your support.

And to Bailey — thank you for never complaining about the endless barn hours. I am so incredibly blessed.

Related story

Abi’s season was shaped by moments that valued preparation, mindset, and growth over results — a philosophy that was beautifully reflected during Derby Day at Albro Creek, where riders were encouraged to slow down, walk the course, and trust the work they’d put in behind the scenes.

If you’d like to read more about that day and the community it brought together, you can find the full story here:👉 [Albro Creek Derby Day — Blog Post]