The Power of Patience: One Rider, One Horse, One Incredible Year

By Team BARE Ambassador Elsie Rieger.

2025 became a defining year for one rider and her homebred Galloway, Romeo. It was not because everything went perfectly, but because nothing did at first. What unfolded was a season shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and a deep commitment to doing the work even when results weren’t immediate. This is a story about staying the course, trusting the process, and discovering what real progress looks like when you stop rushing the outcome.

“2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary for my homebred Galloway, Romeo. What began as a year of uncertainty has unfolded into one of the most rewarding chapters of our journey together.”

Rather than a straight line to success, their year became a lesson in patience, a reminder that the hardest chapters often lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs.

A Challenging Start

The early months tested both confidence and resolve. Training sessions felt heavy with pressure, and every outing into the show ring carried the weight of expectations that didn’t yet match reality. Romeo had the talent, but something wasn’t clicking, and that disconnect was emotionally draining.

“At the start of the year, things weren’t easy. Settling Romeo into the show ring proved challenging, and managing his condition felt like a constant balancing act. His performances weren’t reflecting the talent I knew he had.”

It’s in moments like these that many riders are tempted to change everything at once or give up entirely. But instead of quitting, Elsie chose to reflect.

“It was disheartening at times, but it also pushed me to rethink our approach.”

That pause and decision to slow down became the foundation for everything that followed.

Choosing Partnership Over Pressure

Rather than chasing scores, garlands, or rankings, the focus shifted inward. The goal became connection, calmness, and rebuilding Romeo’s belief in himself.

“Instead of chasing results, I shifted my focus to building his confidence and strengthening our partnership. That decision changed everything.”

This phase wasn’t glamorous. It was made up of quiet rides, small improvements, and invisible wins that only rider and horse could feel. But slowly, the tension began to ease. Trust deepened. Romeo started to show glimpses of the horse Elsie always knew he could be.

A Turning Point

Real change often requires stepping outside what feels safe and familiar. For them, that meant a new club, a new environment, and a fresh support system.

“Joining an out-of-area club became a turning point.”

The shift brought new energy into their training routine.

“Surrounded by structure, support, and a fresh environment, Romeo began to flourish.”

Consistency started to replace struggle. Confidence began to replace doubt. Progress became something they could finally measure.

“His dressage work improved dramatically, and before long he was consistently winning and placing in our tests.”

It wasn’t just about results. It was about watching a horse rediscover his joy in the work.

“Watching him grow into himself was a reminder of why patience and belief matter so much.”

Stepping Back Into the Spotlight

With confidence rebuilt at home, it was time to test that growth in the show ring again. This time, the energy felt different, calmer, steadier, more grounded.

“With renewed confidence, we stepped back into the show ring.”

Royal Bathurst became more than just another competition.

“At the prestigious Royal Bathurst Show, Romeo shone — winning the Novice Galloway class and taking out Reserve Champion Novice Galloway.”

For Elsie, it wasn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It was about proving to herself that the slow road had been the right one.

“It was a moment that felt like validation for every quiet hour spent training, every setback we worked through, and every small win along the way.”

From Progress to Performance

What started as a personal reset soon turned into a structured competitive pathway. Their consistency opened doors to new opportunities.

“From there, our dressage pathway became more formal, opening the door to the School Interschool programs.”

The work paid off in a way neither of them had imagined at the start of the year.

“Together, we earned a coveted place on the State Team, qualifying to compete at the Interschool Nationals in the show horse discipline.”

And just when the year already felt full of milestones, another unforgettable moment arrived.

“To top it off, Romeo also made the podium in Dressage — a moment I’ll never forget.”

Keeping the Momentum

Success didn’t mark an ending, it became fuel for what came next. Instead of slowing down, they stayed focused and kept building on their foundation.

“Since Nationals, our momentum hasn’t slowed.”

Each competition became another opportunity to grow, not just to collect ribbons.

“We’ve now qualified for the Sydney Royal Easter Show, achieved 3rd place in the Open Small Galloway at WADE NSW HOTY in an incredibly strong class, and placed 2nd overall in the Senior Prelim Dressage at ISHE among more than 30 entries.”

What This Year Really Taught Me

Looking back, the results are impressive but the transformation behind them matters even more.

“This year has been a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of partnership.”

The biggest lesson wasn’t about winning.

“Romeo’s journey reminds me that success isn’t just about ribbons — it’s about confidence, trust, and celebrating every step forward, no matter how small.”

Every mile of travel, every early morning, every setback shaped what they became together.

“We have travelled many miles, and every one of them has been worth it.”

And finally, the message Elsie hopes every rider carries forward.

“I hope that by sharing our story, I can inspire other riders and owners to remember that the journey is never finished....It’s ongoing, evolving, and shaped by reflection.

You don’t need the best or most expensive horse — you just need to start, to listen, to learn, and to believe in the process.”