Who I look up to: Pro Horseback Rider Karl Cook

Since I started riding I’ve asked “who are some of the best riders?” and “how do you find out who is a top rider?” While I’ll always be on this search, when I discovered Karl Cook from one of Noelle Floyd’s videos, I knew he was a rider that I would always look up to. 

I feel like him and I share a lot of similar beliefs. With anything in life I always put my animals first. Animals are kind, loving, and just want to try their best to make you happy which is all anyone can ask of anything in life. 

When I started riding, I didn’t even know what a horse show was. I just wanted to ride so that I could be with a horse and bond with them – which is what it should be. Winning at a show is great and I’d love to compete one day. However that is not my main goal at all. This morning I went and watched Kaley Cuoco’s Instagram story like I do every morning and she had said to go watch her husband Karl Cook’s story about what happened yesterday. 

As I was watching this I was in tears. He talked about a horrible accident that happened while he was riding his horse Cali yesterday and how it was the worst day of his life. Luckily him and his horse were alright, however he still isn’t in the best place right now, as I wouldn’t be either. Horses (and animals in general) are our friends and when they hurt, we hurt. 

In every video that I’ve seen of him or every interview, he always talks about putting his horses first. He connects with them so much that he knows if something is off. He has always been more concerned with the well-being of his horses over the competition which is the true definition of horsemanship. His passion for these animals and this sport is one like no other and this man inspires me so much to be a better rider and a better (future) owner of a horse. I want that type of bond more than anything in life and will be forever grateful once I have it.

I really hope that one day I get the opportunity to meet him. Whether it’s at an event, or a show, or heck, how cool would it be to compete against him one day? Who knows what the future has in store! No matter what, I can’t wait to continue to watch his (and his awesome wife Kaley’s) equestrian journey and I am very proud to say that I am a huge fan. 

Thanks for inspiring myself and many others! 

Photography: Nicole Schultz Photography