Breaking the System: Fighting Horse Show Politics for Fairness and Integrity

A year ago, my horse, First Impression (Vino), earned the Grand Hunter Champion title at a state hunter–jumper finals show. It should have been a defining moment. Instead, it became a quiet lesson in how easily established power can attempt to erase the truth.

The issue stemmed from a points tabulation error: the title was mistakenly awarded to a newly purchased, multiple six-figure investment—a nationally recognized horse from the barn of a well-known professional. Vino, by stark contrast, represented the attainable dream: a champion made on the local circuit, not bought.

When the mistake surfaced, the response wasn’t transparency—it was damage control. Although there was still time in the schedule for a public correction, show management, the association and the trainer chose a quieter compromise: the award would be transferred, but only after the crowds had gone home.

Our “championship moment” became leading Vino into a deserted arena while the grounds crew packed equipment. The powerful trainer kept the illusion of victory, and the familiar whispers about “the big name barn winning everything” continued.

The Inconvenience of Injustice

The lack of public acknowledgment wasn’t just disappointing—it felt like an intentional burial of the truth. That became undeniable when I learned that the physical award itself had not been fully transferred. The champion’s sash—the literal symbol of the title—was never delivered at all. This is important because as a perpetual award, the trophy must be returned after one year.

At that point, it wasn’t about the sash. It was about principle.

Taking a Stand Against Horse Show Politics

My responsibility was no longer to stay silent and be polite; it was to hold the system accountable. Leaving the record uncorrected would reinforce a culture that prioritizes horse show politics over riders who earn their accomplishments honestly.

Integrity, I learned, is often disruptive.

After a year of persistent follow-up, progress finally came. I’m grateful to the association’s leadership for openly acknowledging the error and working toward a correction in the interest of transparency. This year, Vino appeared on the event program cover and was scheduled for a formal public recognition in the covered arena before the 2025 Grand Champion was announced.

But the story didn’t end there.

As Vino and I prepared to step into the arena for our long-delayed moment of truth, the trainer who had benefited from the silence stood at the in-gate. Wearing a brightly colored fringed suede jacket—a perfect visual for someone demanding attention—he delivered his unsolicited, snide critique: "Jamie, you're embarrassing yourself. Act like an adult."

Several people heard it.

But the true shame lay with him: he was the one who had maintained credit and part of the award for a championship he knew was unearned, resisting the attempt to correct the error. His disproval likely stemmed from the fear of exposure—the honesty that could shatter the false narrative. My reply was swift and dismissive. I calmly responded, "Nice jacket," flashed a confident smile, and proudly walked Vino into the arena to finally receive the recognition he had earned a year prior.

Championship Is Character

The true measure of a champion has nothing to do with the size of a budget and everything to do with the resilience of the spirit.

The most valuable competitive assets aren’t purchased. They are:

• Talent

• Ambition

• Unwavering self-belief

• The courage to act with integrity

Break the Silence, Break the System

Standing up for the truth often invites scorn from those who are comfortable in the lie. But that scorn is simply the sound of the status quo cracking.

Vino and I chose to show up, shine brightly, and reclaim the space the truth deserved. The dignity of that moment—finally, publicly realized—was priceless.