Spellbound Farm

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” my wonderful trainer once told me. I have carried that quote with me for years, Ella Alvarez writes.

It is so easy to compare yourself in the horse world, especially when it comes to showing. Ours is a sport where, regardless of the rulebook, the playing field is never completely level. The reality is that finances shape opportunities. Top horses cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and even if you have the knowledge and patience to develop a young horse yourself, the cost of purchasing, training, boarding, showing, veterinary care, and farrier work adds up. There is no inexpensive path to success.

It can be difficult not to compare yourself when you walk into the warm-up ring and see someone riding one beautiful horse while their grooms are already preparing the next two. In the hunters especially, that comparison can feel impossible to ignore. Most riders, myself included, have one horse- one partner, one chance each class to put together the round we’ve worked so hard for. Meanwhile, someone else may have three horses in the same division: three opportunities to find the perfect distance, three chances to recover from a mistake, and, on a great day, three chances to sweep the ribbons.

Is that fair? I actually think it is.

📎 Continue reading this piece at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/08/08/when-comparison-walks-into-the-warmup-ring/
📸 © Andrew Ryback Photography

Ranch Hand position available at a private equestrian training facility in Van Alstyne,TX. Must be able to operate/maintain tractors and implements. Duties include but are not limited to: feeding, arena maintenance, stall cleaning, turn in/out, blanketing, mow/weed eating, painting, basic barn and facility maintenance. Housing/utilities provided. Six day work week, competitive pay. Please message for contact information.

Too hot to ride so we are cleaning sale....selling my OG Triple Crown show curtains. Navy with Purple webb White pipe. In fantastic shape. Need to be laundered and pressed from being in storage. One small tear on one panel (see pic). 2 - 10 foot panels, 1 - 6 foot panel, 1 - 6 foot zipper door panel with original tie-backs. All with attached valance. $500 located in Van Alstyne. No shipping available

Baths are more fun with water snacks

Its hot so let's have a sale on custom bonnets!
From now until July 15th, all custom bonnets will be 10% off!
Plus, share this post with your friends and if they order a bonnet, you both will get 15% off!

Now is the perfect time to order a new bonnet for fall show season!

While we are happy (and sad) to wish our newest graduate congratulations and safe travels to college, we are excited to announce opportunities in our boutique private hunter jumper program. Beginning August 1st, we will have 1-2 open stalls for board and training. Don't have a horse but looking for a program? We have several half and full leases available on quality schoolmasters. Please reach out to us at Spellbound Farm with any questions or to arrange a program tour.

Super excited for the 4 year olds getting going with Drew. Can't wait to see the kiddos going under saddle!