"I only knew basic western trail riding. Nothing fancy"
About this Quote
The intent is plainly practical - she is setting expectations, likely about preparing for a part that involved horses. But the subtext is reputational: Benz is preempting the fantasy that actors arrive pre-equipped with niche skills, while also protecting herself from the opposite narrative, incompetence. "Basic" signals baseline capability; "trail riding" suggests the kind of riding regular people actually do, not competitive showmanship. Then the closing tag, "Nothing fancy", does double duty: it softens the statement with self-deprecating charm and quietly distances her from the performative expertise that Hollywood loves to market.
Contextually, this fits a broader celebrity interview rhythm where authenticity has become its own form of currency. The line lets her appear relatable without trying too hard, and professional without sounding like she's bragging. It's also a subtle nod to labor: even "basic" skills take time, and on set, basics can be the difference between safety and chaos. The quote works because it resists the polish we're trained to expect - and that resistance is its own kind of style.
Quote Details
| Topic | Horse |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Benz, Julie. (2026, January 16). I only knew basic western trail riding. Nothing fancy. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-only-knew-basic-western-trail-riding-nothing-103698/
Chicago Style
Benz, Julie. "I only knew basic western trail riding. Nothing fancy." FixQuotes. January 16, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-only-knew-basic-western-trail-riding-nothing-103698/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"I only knew basic western trail riding. Nothing fancy." FixQuotes, 16 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-only-knew-basic-western-trail-riding-nothing-103698/. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.




