Finding Your Way Back: An Adult Amateur's Return to Showing
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In a sport often measured in rounds, times, and results, Maggie sees things a little differently. The real meaning lives in the work that happens long before the in-gate — the early mornings, the mental preparation, and the partnership built one ride at a time.
The Why Behind The Work
When she looks back at her gallery, it isn’t a photo from inside the ring that stands out most.
“I love this photo outside of the show ring,” she shares. “We spend about two minutes in the ring, but it’s everything outside of it that really makes it all worth it. Taking the time to build a partnership with your horse builds trust and confidence — and that carries straight through into the ring.”
For Maggie, the foundation matters just as much as the performance. The connection built in the everyday moments is what carries into those short, high-pressure rounds.
An Adult Amateur Reality Check
This season required a new level of focus — and a sense of humor.
“I really had to dial in on jumper courses this year,” Maggie laughs. “From the moment the course was posted until I walked through the in-gate, I was reviewing it in my head. And then an immediate jump-off? Adult Amateurs should really get a breather between rounds.”
It’s a familiar feeling for many adult riders: balancing nerves, preparation, and the reality that progress often looks different than it did years ago.
Redefining the Win
For Maggie, the biggest victory wasn’t a ribbon — it was showing up.
“My biggest win was simply getting back into the show ring,” she says.
“Showing was such a huge part of my life growing up, but after six years away, stepping back in felt much more intimidating than I expected. I’m really proud of myself for doing it anyway — and for remembering to have fun along the way.”
It’s a reminder that courage isn't always visible from the outside — sometimes, it’s just choosing to try again.
The Feeling You Want to Keep
If Maggie could hold onto one feeling from the season forever, it would be the jump-offs.
“I’ve spent most of my life in the hunter ring, so there’s something so fun about going fast, turning tight, and letting loose a little. That adrenaline rush is such a good reminder of why I love this sport.”
Those moments — where instinct takes over — are often the ones riders come back for.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
As winter lessons continue and the next season approaches, Maggie’s focus has shifted toward the future — and toward patience.
“This winter is all about fine-tuning the basics as I prepare to introduce my four-year-old, Billy, to the horse show scene,” she explains. “My goal is to build a strong foundation and give him the clearest, most patient training possible so he can feel confident and successful in the ring.”
It’s a long-term mindset rooted in care, trust, and thoughtful horsemanship. I am so excited to see Billy enter the show ring, as I've been lucky enough to photograph him since he was just a foal.
Memories in Print
For Maggie, investing in professional photos was about more than documentation — it was about preserving a feeling.
“I love the way Marie’s horse show photos feel different,” she says. “There’s a softness and timeless quality that fits so beautifully in my home and makes me genuinely happy to see and share them. It’s special to have these moments captured, and I know I’ll be grateful for them for years to come.”
It Takes a Village
No season happens alone, and Maggie is quick to acknowledge the people who made hers possible.
“Thank you to my trainer Ainslie Matheson, my braider Jessica Johnson, my two amazing sisters and part-time grooms Abby and Emma — and most of all to my horse Tommy. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner for the 2025 season, and I’m so grateful to everyone who played a role in making it so special.”
Related Story
Before Billy ever stepped into the show ring, he was just a foal — curious, playful, and at the very beginning of his story.
You can look back on those early moments here:
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