Hope Glynn: A Mom and Mentor

Hope Glynn’s equestrian career began well before she became a mom, but ever since her daughter Avery was born, it’s taken an entirely new course. In addition to being a successful Hunter rider and trainer, Hope has found another calling: coaching her own daughter, Avery.

Hope’s passion for horses began when she was just 5 years old. Glynn’s mother, a passionate Western rider herself, found a Welsh cross pony named Sugar and Spice in the newspaper and Hope began riding in her own backyard. Over the years, Hope has ridden her way to the top of the equestrian industry and has become a role model and mentor for female equestrians everywhere – including Avery.

“I am so lucky to be a mom,” she said. “I have loved Avery with every fiber of my being since the moment she came into this world. Watching her in the ring brings me far more happiness than doing it myself.”

Just like her mother, Avery’s love of horses was instant. She started riding at the age of 4, and it was only a few more years before she knew she wanted to take the sport seriously and work towards making it her career.

Avery, now 17, is an accomplished Hunter/Jumper/Equitation rider in her own right and shares the striking elegance of her mother in the saddle. Some might say it runs in the family, but beyond any genetics, Avery has one of the best of the bunch—her own mother—as her trainer.

“I am so lucky to have my mom as both my trainer and biggest supporter. She has always been there for me both inside and outside of the ring,” said Avery. “My mom always makes sure to not put a lot of pressure on me to do well and has taught me to trust my gut above all else.”

“I love watching what Avery can do on a horse,” said Hope. “She has the gift of feel and I don’t think that’s something you can train. She listens to horses and rides them differently based on what they tell her they want. That is the making of a wonderful horsewoman.”

As with any coaching relationship, there are some bumps along the way.

“There are always bad or disappointing days no matter how talented you are,” said Hope. “On those days, I’d rather just be a mom and comfort her. Being the coach, I have to be able to help fix it for next time while keeping in mind that I need to be there for her emotionally as her mom as well.”

Avery echoed the challenges of separating her mother’s role as a mom and trainer.

“There are times where I rely on her support as my mom and times where I need her support as my trainer, and figuring out that balance can be difficult,” said Avery. “However, my mom is incredibly supportive and always willing to help with whatever I need, and I love that I’m able to train and spend more time with her.”

As with many mother/daughter bonds, the one between Hope and Avery is truly special.

“I love Avery because she is confident and kind, she finds things to laugh at and has a smile on her face all the time,” said Hope. “She is a good friend to others, a loving daughter, a mentor to young children, and an inspiration to others in this sport. She has grown into a wonderful young lady.”

With all of Avery’s wonderful qualities seen and experienced by so many, it’s clear she has an incredible mom and mentor.

“My mom is the most hardworking, kind, and selfless person I have ever met and she always puts me as her main priority,” said Avery. “I am so lucky to have her.”