How Teamwork Wins Championships: With Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, & Carleton Brooks

Hey, fellow adult ammys!
If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into building a top-tier hunter program, one that produces consistent wins, standout horses, and a rock-solid team behind the scenes, this week’s episode is for you.

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with three of the most respected names in the hunter ring: Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, and Carleton Brooks. These three have built something truly special, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they operate as a team was both inspiring and insightful.

We talked about everything:

• How they approach horse selection

• The importance of team dynamics

• Why mentorship and communication are at the heart of their success

• And how they each prepare mentally for the show ring

Nick shared how much he values having a trusted team behind him, which allows him to fully focus on his rides without worrying about all the moving parts. Traci and Carleton, meanwhile, opened up about their planning process, how they communicate so effectively as a team, and what it’s like to manage a program with horses and riders at the highest level across the country.

And of course… we shared some laughs and revisited a few career highlights (like winning the Grand Hunter Championship at Devon — no big deal, right?). It was one of those conversations where you walk away feeling completely energized about this sport and the people in it.

If you're an amateur, a pro, or just someone who loves hearing how great teams operate at the top of their game, I hope you'll give this one a listen. These three are the real deal, and honestly, just a blast to talk to.

🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you listen to your podcasts!

📸 And follow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes clips and upcoming episodes!

Love, Kelly