There’s something about a Midwest summer that makes everything feel a little brighter, a little more possible. And last weekend at the Traverse City Horse Show, surrounded by early mornings, fresh air, and a string of spectacular horses, I was reminded why I do what I do—and how much of who I am has been shaped in the saddle.
Photo: Collin Pierson Photography
Because if there’s one thing my horses continue to give me—besides joy—it’s perspective.
They challenge me when I’d rather play it safe.
They show me that a loss isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey.
They remind me how important it is to stay present, to listen without words, and to celebrate the wins when they come.
All of those lessons show up not just in the ring, but in my life—as a wedding planner, as a restaurateur, as a mentor, and as a leader.
Lessons from the Saddle
There’s something special about working with animals who don’t speak your language—but communicate everything. Horses don’t lie. They don’t placate. They don’t care who you are, what you’ve achieved, or how your day is going. They respond to presence. To patience. To clarity. And to intention.
That’s where I learn how to lead with grit and grace.
It’s where I sharpen my focus and get honest with myself.
It’s where I learn—again and again—that discipline, trust, and teamwork are everything.
It’s also where I learn to listen to the voice inside me… and, sometimes, to tell it to kindly shut up and let me get back to work.
And that’s true whether I’m in the saddle, managing a wedding weekend in Italy, or navigating a high-volume Saturday night at Gene & Georgetti.
Showing Up at My Best
The truth is, these moments with my horses shape how I show up everywhere else.
- They teach me how to reset.
- They keep me humble.
- They remind me that excellence takes time, and that the only way to grow is to stay in the game—even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
- And yes, they remind me how to celebrate the win.
Because goals aren’t achieved overnight—not in the saddle, and not in business. But when I show up with clarity, energy, and the ability to stay grounded in the moment, everything I lead benefits from that mindset.
Gratitude, Always
I want to take a moment to thank the incredible East Winds team:
Maggie, Tiffany—and every single person who keeps this machine running. Your commitment, hard work, and high standards don’t go unnoticed. And Alejandro, thank you for the care you give to each and every horse—it means everything.
Lauren, Gabby, Charlotte—you already know. Thank you.
And to my horses—Cassius (our reserve champion last week!), Nixon, and our newest team member Luke—thank you for keeping me sharp, grounded, and forever learning. For being double clear last week. And, maybe most importantly, for reminding me what it feels like to fly.
Final Thought
Whether I’m planning a destination wedding in Florence, managing service at a legacy steakhouse in Chicago, or galloping across an arena in Traverse City, it all comes back to one thing: the intention behind how I show up.
The horses just happen to be the ones who remind me how.
Photos: first photo by Collin Pierson Photography, all others Anne Gittins Photography
