By Karen A. Hurley, MA, CAE
The winning horse trainer of the 2026 Kentucky Derby made history as the first female trainer to win the event. Cherie DeVaux trained the longshot, three-year-old thoroughbred, Golden Tempo, to victory in the 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. As a founding member of the St. Mary-of-the-Woods College equestrian team in the ’80s, Cherie’s success is a thrilling achievement and an inspiration to female equestrian riders.
I participated in English saddle equestrian competition in college, which developed far more than technical riding ability. The structure, discipline, and expectations associated with equestrian sport cultivate leadership skills, operational discipline, resilience, and teamwork that translate directly into today’s professional environment. For many riders, the lessons learned in the arena become the foundation for how they lead teams, navigate challenges, and contribute to associations throughout their careers.
While equestrian sport is often perceived as an individual competition, those who compete understand that success depends on collaboration, preparation, accountability, and trust. Riders rely on coaches, teammates, trainers, horse providers, and show officials to create an environment where both individual and team performance can succeed. This closely mirrors high-performing associations where outcomes are achieved through coordinated teamwork and shared responsibility.
One of the most transferable skills developed through equestrian competition is accountability. Riders quickly learn that preparation, attention to detail, and professionalism directly impact results. Competitors are expected to understand the rules, arrive prepared, manage responsibilities, and conduct themselves with integrity both inside and outside the ring. The ability to consistently perform under pressure while maintaining composure becomes part of the culture of the sport.
The same expectations define successful association leaders. Organizations depend on individuals who take ownership of outcomes, consistently execute responsibilities, and maintain a high standard of conduct. Professionals with equestrian backgrounds often enter the workplace with a strong sense of discipline and accountability because those expectations have been reinforced through years of training and competition.
Equestrian sport also develops adaptability at an exceptionally high level. In many English saddle competitions, riders compete on unfamiliar horses assigned through a random draw. With only a few minutes to warm up, the rider must assess the horse’s temperament, responsiveness, and movement while establishing trust and preparing to perform. Success depends on adapting quickly to unfamiliar circumstances without losing focus or confidence.
Association leaders face similar challenges as they navigate changing priorities, evolving member needs, financial pressures, and strategic initiatives. Rarely are leaders managing under perfect conditions. Individuals who have competed in equestrian sports are often comfortable working with ambiguity while remaining focused on execution and performance.
Another important leadership quality strengthened through equestrian competition is emotional intelligence. Horses respond immediately to tension, inconsistency, and imbalance. Riders must develop self-awareness, emotional control, and the ability to communicate effectively without words. A calm, focused rider creates confidence and stability with the horse.
The same principle applies to organizational leadership. Leaders who demonstrate composure under pressure create environments where teams are more confident, collaborative, and productive. Equestrian athletes often develop this awareness early because success in the arena depends on discipline and the ability to remain calm under stress.
Equestrian competition also reinforces resilience. Every rider experiences setbacks through difficult performances, temperamental horses, or unexpected outcomes. The sport teaches individuals how to recover quickly, accept constructive feedback, and continue moving forward with determination and professionalism.
Attention to detail is another competency shared between equestrian competition and association leadership. In the show ring, preparation, presentation, safety, timing, equipment, and execution all matter. Operational excellence in associations requires the same thinking. Strong leaders understand that long-term success is built through strategy, disciplined execution, and attention to the details that drive results.
Most importantly, equestrian sport teaches leadership through trust, stewardship, and partnership. The rider and the horse are one unit and scored based on how well the unit performs together. Riders do not succeed through force or control alone. They must develop trust, perform consistently, and work together with the horse, coaches and teammates toward shared goals. Association leadership reflects these same principles. The most effective leaders empower others, foster trust, and create cultures rooted in collaboration and accountability. The competencies developed in the show ring are the very same qualities that define effective leadership in association management.