58 SIDELINES AUGUST 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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Bringing Home on the Road
By Brianne Goutal
Since I spend a lot of time traveling for competitions, many
aspects of my life are constantly shifting. The food I eat, the
scenery I view, even the bed where I sleep can change weekly.
Because of this, I have certain constants that add a level of stability
and comfort to my days. Below are the five things that I can never
do without, that I always have with me on the road.
1. My barn manager Tatiana Gabrush. I rarely go to a show
without her. She keeps me organized and always makes me
laugh. Between driving our lorry and making sure the horses are
perfect and ready to show, she really does everything behind the
scenes. I’d be totally lost without her!
2. My dog Max. Max is my best friend and the ultimate road
buddy. He likes to play and cuddle. Eagerly fulfilling his duty of
keeping me company, he never lets me get bored or lonely and
stays by my side almost every minute that I’m not on a horse.
3. My iPhone. In this day and age, everyone seems to have their
phones permanently attached to them and, for better or worse, I
am no exception. I keep so much information in my phone from
contacts to photos; I’d die without my iPhone. It helps me feel
connected to my friends and family even when I’m thousands of
miles away.
4. Canned string beans. This may seem like an odd one, but I
absolutely love canned string beans in Europe. They’re different
than what we get in the United States, and they’re great on the go
because I can eat them straight from the container. It’s a relatively
healthy snack that’s easily attainable and delicious.
5. Perrier. As much as I love coffee, Perrier is my drink of choice.
I always have one with me to keep me hydrated, so needless to
say, I drink a lot of sparkling water!
No matter how much I travel, I always
miss home to some extent. These five
things help keep me grounded and
make my busy lifestyle easier and more
enjoyable. Whether it’s a kiss from Max,
a belly full of my favorite canned string
beans or a text from a friend back in
New York, home doesn’t seem quite so
far away.
About the writer: Brianne Goutal is a 2012
graduate of Brown University and professional
show jumper. She made history by becoming the
only person to win all four junior equitation finals.
Brianne’s barn manager, Tatiana Gabrush, with Brianne’s best
friend and road buddy Max.
Photo courtesy of Brianne Goutal
Brianne’s favorite
snack — green beans!
Brianne competes in the United States and abroad, and likes to
take home with her wherever she goes.
Photo by Jack Mancini, ManciniPhotos.com
