From Kathy Keeley, founder of ShowMom.com:

I've been a horse show mom for the last eight years. I have a daughter who showed on the A Circuit, got to nationals, and now is on a varsity equestrian team. As the Show Mom, I found myself in another world and became a working partner in helping her set and achieve her show goals. Along the way I learned a lot of new information and met many other show moms at the ring.

Along the way, I learned many new skills. We did not have the resources to sit back and let the trainer do it all so as a family we developed a whole new set of skills. I can drive and truck and trailer (3 and 4 horse- 250 Ford). I can almost back it the first time. I can give horses shots, bandage a leg, and have developed an eye for a horse that is slightly off. I can groom, tack, and fill out a registration form. I got the golf cart, the rain cover and even a propane heater for it. I learned to hold a horse at the ring, walk a horse to cool off and after years of watching, bought my own horse to ride. I have learned about breeding and now have two foals on the ground- half brothers to our grey show horse. I have stayed up for nights waiting for a foal and slept in the barn to stay with a colicing horse.

Six years ago, we bought our own farm. Yes, we have live in help but we work hard to keep up with a herd that has ranged from 5 horses to 12 horses. My husband buys hay and feed, keeps the tractor running, grades an arena, moves jumps and now bush hogs rather than mow a lawn. It was a life style change from the suburbs to the country. (I go to New York and LA just to get good food and delivery.) We live an hour east of Atlanta so can keep our urban roots when we need a fix. Some days boarding looks like such a great options but then I would miss some of the pleasures of watching my horse play and run from the kitchen window or getting off a long conference call and taking a walk in the fields with the four mares.

Life started with horse back riding on vacations, to a few lessons, to leasing a horse, to local shows and one day sitting in the stands at Nationals watching my daughter get a first place ribbon. Watch out for those innocent words of "Mommy can I take riding lessons?"

For years, my friends have been trying to suggest I write a book for horse show Moms. I
seem to be the one that learns the point system, understands the classes, and has learned how to care for a horse and a teen daughter. This site is my attempt to provide information, advice, and tips for making the most of being a show mom. I have spent the last few years getting a crash course in everything from feed and supplements to learning all the rules and details of hunters shows.

In my real life, I have my own business. If you google Kathy Keeley you will find an expert on women owned business, a management consultant who works with government and non-profits on strategic planning and performance management. I provide strategic planning services to many organizations and governments. ÊI also have spent many years teaching parenting and adolescent sexuality with workshops on raising teens and raising healthy daughters. I have worked with women - starting the first alcohol/drug treatment center for women and the first loan fund for women owned businesses. (There actually is some connection.) I travel a great deal and always love meeting other horse owners.

My husband is retired now. He was Executive Director of a mental health center for 25 plus years and has experimented with many of his interests since leaving his position. I do not think either of us thought we would be empty nesting on a farm with 21 animals but here we are living life to the fullest.