Happy Mother’s Day, Horse Nation.

From avid equestrians to those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines, today we celebrate all the horse show moms out there.

I spent thousands of hours riding horses with my mom, but the thing I remember most about her at horse shows is her not being there.

Insert record scratch.

I know. You’re like… what? Let me explain.

_{My mom and I trail riding on Copper and Skipper, with the goats—Tom, Jerry, and Starlet—in tow. My mom is in the lead.}

From the moment I began showing horses, my mom would drive me to the event and then disappear. That’s because she volunteered for everything, everywhere, all at once. I still can’t fathom how she managed the announcer’s booth, judge’s booth, concession stand, and worked the gate—often all at the same time. But she did.

Every few hours or so, she’d pop up and ask, “Do you need water? Do you have sunscreen on?” and then vanish just as quickly as she appeared. Occasionally, I’d spot her in the distance, checking some other kid’s cinch or adjusting their curb chain.

From the time I was eight years old, I saddled and bridled my own horse. I remember having a little Abetta Cordura saddle that was made from all synthetic materials and super light. It was specifically purchased so I could handle it by myself. I figured out how to keep up with class schedules, run times, and memorize patterns on my own. I also discovered how to plan for meals—and which types of foods pair well with long hours in the saddle on scorching hot days. I took on the responsibility of caring for my horse. I became shockingly independent and self-sufficient.

That’s not to say my mom wasn’t watching or supporting me. Trust me—she somehow gave me a second-by-second breakdown of everything I did, in minute detail, later on the drive home.

What it does say is that horse show moms come in all types and varieties. There are helicopter moms, co-competitor moms, railbird moms, and—like mine—the Volunteer of the Year Award moms.

At Horse Nation, we love them all.

_{My mom and Charlie, Lady, and Sweetheart.}

Give us a shout in the comments! Tell us about your horsey mom.

Go riding.

Amanda Uechi Ronan is an author, equestrian, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @au_ronan.