The article discusses the perception that fun in horse sports can be seen as frivolous and a distraction from hard work. It highlights Skylar Wireman, a successful and playful rider who has not let pressure kill her joy of riding. Despite her competitive success on borrowed or homebred horses, she remains grounded and focused on building a career that emphasizes both excellence and joy.

Skylar Wireman, mentored by Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde, is known as ‘the future of show jumping’ and is now riding consistently on teams and putting on a big show in the 5* classes. She takes her show horses camping, riding in the ocean, and makes time to play gymkhana-type games like Sit a Buck. Despite her rapid rise in the sport, Wireman remains grounded and focused on building a career that emphasizes both excellence and joy.

Skylar and her mom, Shayne, do all the work themselves, including braiding, hauling, and managing the lesson program at their home farm of Chestnut Hills in California. Despite her success, Wireman remains humble and focused on building a career that emphasizes both excellence and joy. The article encourages listeners to tune in to the Horse Person podcast to hear Wireman’s full story and strategies for success in horse sports.