Dawn Gilbert Show Horses, LLC

09/29/2026

I've had horses with worse xrays and not even 1/4 of the show record, who move worse and have terrible attitudes sell faster.

This was him last night. No supplements. No nsaids. This is how he moves straight from the pasture. The world can be falling down around our ears and he's always a gentleman. This is how he *always* is.

His ideal home would be with a DIY Amateur who wants to do (and win) a handful of shows a year, and just wants a great horse that loves his turnout and has a cuddly puppy-dog personality to have around.

Everyone wants that horse they can just throw a leg over after a rough day at work and instead of feeding into the stress, they let them decompress and just..... ride.

I have that horse here in the barn waiting for the right person. Price is negotiable to the right home. Lowest 5 🥕 starting with 1.

Located CNY

09/28/2026

Write it down.

Pen will anchor that wild thought. That's the first step to making it real.

If the idea is so large it scares you... good.

Your goals *should* scare you- at least a little bit.

Next, write down the first step you need to take to make that goal happen. Then write down the second.

Before you know it, you have an actionable plan to achieve that massive, scary, goal.

Go.

Do great things.

09/28/2026

"Must be nice."

Of all the peeves I keep pets, that phrase is towards the top.

It's ostensibly meant as a reminder to be grateful, but is usually said by those who try dressing their language up nicely without first washing the stink of jealousy off it.

"Must be nice"...

Damn right it is. It's nice. I made a choice, worked toward it, and then enjoyed the fruits of that labor. I will not allow anyone to taint that accomplishment.

The statement of someone else's envy does not obligate your guilt. Read that again. Just because you have or do something that someone else wishes they could have or do, does not obligate you to feel badly about it. Maybe someone wishes they were showing at the show you're at. Maybe they wish they had your horse. Perhaps they are envious of your success. Maybe you didn't win.. maybe you simply did better than last time, and want to celebrate it. Maybe you got buried on the rail... but damn it, other than that it was the best ride you've ever had. Maybe it has nothing to do with horses at all.

Do not let the envious make you smaller. Don't let the critics silence your pride in your accomplishments. Don't let them tarnish your shine.

They too can make choices...set goals... work towards them... it's not on *you* to adjust for what *they* fail to do.

09/27/2026

Winter IS coming! ❄️
Looking for a curated shopping list to make surviving the cold season in the barn a little easier?

Check out this page from dgsh77

Shop recommended products from Riding Diva on www.amazon.com. Learn more about Riding Diva's favorite products.

09/26/2026

When do I like teaching?

When the student puts in the work and results speak for themselves... duh. Doesn't anyone?

In all seriousness, though....

I was approached by these folks who's mare was becoming progressively more "dragon-like" when taken off property.
Two haul-in lessons (2!!) later, they took every tip, trick, and tid-bit I threw their way, embraced it, changed their mindset, put in the hard work at home and when they got to their next show...

I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Very much NOT fire breathing, nor dragon-like.

So very proud of this pair.❤️ This is why I love working with DIY Amateurs

09/25/2026

When i first started watching this, I expected to reach a part where I'd screw up my face and swipe away......
..I watched the whole thing and wished I'd made this video myself.

No, getting off and chasing the bird away doesn't teach them they get to rest and get out of work when they get scared. For one- if Im working my young, really unconfident stock like that, I'm not doing my job right. "Working them through" doesn't teach them anything other than that you'll force them into sketchy situations. Bully.

Secondly, it actually *builds* bravery. Getting off... being the leader to chase the monster away, but also bringing them with you- chances are they aren't *wanting* to get that close, but you're the leader and they are content to let you get eaten first. After, they've walked into the realm of the monster and not only survived... but was part of the vanquishing posse... they *might* just sign up again to "follow" you a little quicker next time.

Does the horse need to learn to deal with things like killer birds "kr krr krr'ing" ? Yes. Absolutely.

But that's priority 6. Maybe 7.. when the horse is farther along. Build a little confidence in themselves and you first.

09/24/2026

Pro tip: when you're doing something with your horse and they aren't completely comfortable with it, but you need them to hold still- give this pressure point a try.

09/24/2026

Proposed changes to NYSDHM OCCRR parts 51,61,64 and 67. If you haven't gotten the letter yet from NYS and looked it up- here's the link.

https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/09/expresstermsforpublication_part51.61.64.67_equine.pdf

If you've ever sold a horse, represented a horse for sale (even if you don't take possession or recieve commission) or otherwise placed a horse (or other equidae) or given one away you're supposed to be on top of logging (and retaining) this paperwork.