Actor Mark Wahlberg looked nervous while watching his 14-year-old daughter compete in a horse show this week, and experts say he has every reason to be stressed.
“While injuries are rare in well-managed horse shows, there’s always a risk of falls or horse-related incidents, as horses are unpredictable animals,” equestrian mindset coach and parenting expert Sue Williams told The Epoch Times.
“I’ve never been more nervous, anxious, or stressed at any sporting event in my life,” Wahlberg wrote on Nov. 19.
The two-time Oscar nominee shares daughter Grace with his wife of 15 years, Rhea Durham.
They also have Ella, 21, Michael 18, and Brendan, 16.
Grand Prix events are hosted by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
Grace was competing at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, where she had won 1st place at the 1.25 Classic earlier this month.
The World Equestrian Center states on its website that the facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States.
“Success at a high level like the 1.25 Classic requires technical skill, a deep bond with the horse, and the ability to stay calm under pressure,” Williams said. “Grace’s win shows exceptional preparation, resilience, and trust between rider and horse.”
Watching From the Sidelines
When it comes to horses—or any sport for that matter—New York City-based neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez advised parents to maintain perspective.“Recognize that mistakes and setbacks are part of growth and not the end of the world,” Hafeez told The Epoch Times. “Do your best not to put an unreasonable amount of pressure on your child. Instead, be supportive no matter what happens.”
In the Instagram video, Wahlberg looks pained as he watches his daughter and her horse gallop across a field and then jump over a fence to a cheering crowd.
“Watching your child take on physically demanding or high-stakes challenges brings out a natural reaction of anxiety,” Racing Owl Motorsport founder Danny Stanford-Ravet told The Epoch Times. “After all, a parent’s role is to provide security, safety, and emotional resilience.”
Wahlberg walks away, exhales, shakes his head but quickly returns to watching the horse show.
Parental stress stems from a desire to protect their child from failure, disappointment, or harm, according to Williams, who specializes in helping young riders and their families thrive in competitive settings.
“Mark’s nervousness is completely natural,” Williams said. “Parents often project their own hopes and fears onto their child’s performance, especially in high-stakes environments like horse shows. This reaction reflects both their deep care and the high demands of equestrian sports.”
To alleviate the stress of watching a child compete, Hafeez advises parents to shift their focus to enjoyment.
“Prioritize experience and growth over victory,” Hafeez told The Epoch Times. “It’s important to recognize winning is not everything.”
Wahlberg rose to national prominence in the 1990s after starring in the film “Boogie Nights” with Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, and Heather Graham.
Prior to his breakout acting role, the Boston native was a Calvin Klein underwear model and performed in the hip-hop music group “Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.” His other box-office hits include “The Departed” and “Ted.”
Wahlberg did not reply to a request for comment.
“Nervousness is normal, but managing it is critical to effectively supporting a child,” Ravet said. “Instead of worrying about the competition, parents should focus on what they can do—encouraging hydration, being a calming presence, or simply ensuring their child feels supported.”
