If I couldn't compete, I wouldn't ride. I don't ride for fun; I ride to prepare for the next competition, and everything that I do when I am in the saddle is always a calculated step in my path to the next win.

I read the 'New York Post' every day. It keeps me connected to my home town even when I am on the road.

I am what I am and, you know, I'm a very lucky guy.

I had to take a big risk by writing my young adult book series 'The A Circuit' and putting myself out there in that way. I don't consider myself a good writer, so I had to rely on a co-writer. Still, I knew that people would judge me and my writing. I am really proud of the way the series turned out.

George Morris is a legend. I was lucky enough to have been on a number of his U.S. show-jumping teams and am constantly trying to learn from him.

I am not in competition with my peers; I am in competition with myself.