Maddie & Her Horses | 3'6 Hunter at the Coveside Show Series

There’s something special about watching a partnership grow in the hunter ring — especially when that partnership has been built through patience, dedication, and a deep bond between horse and rider.

At the beautiful Coveside Show Series, Maddie returned to the ring with two very special partners: her big, elegant gelding En Nou, affectionately known as Eli, and the exciting young addition to her string, Cruze Control.

Together, they’ve created some of the most memorable moments of the season in the 3'6" hunter division.

Maddie riding En Nou in the 3'6 hunter derby at the Coveside Show Series

Preparing for the Season

Like many equestrians in Atlantic Canada, Maddie’s show season begins long before the first competition day arrives.

During the winter months, both horse and rider take a well-deserved break from the intensity of competition. Instead of focusing on training, Maddie spends that time staying active in other ways and concentrating on school while her horses enjoy a quieter season.

By the time spring arrives, the horses are refreshed and eager to return to work. Slowly bringing them back into a routine becomes an important part of the process — spending time at the barn, lunging, and easing back into riding before the busy show schedule begins again.

It’s a rhythm that keeps both horse and rider happy and ready for the season ahead.

The Team Behind the Rider

While equestrian sport may look like an individual pursuit in the ring, it’s rarely a solo effort.

For Maddie, the support of her family and barn team plays a huge role in her success. Her parents are a constant presence throughout the show season, each contributing in their own way.

Her mom takes on the role of personal groom, making sure both Maddie and her horses look their best before heading into the ring. Her dad, meanwhile, offers steady encouragement from the in-gate, reminding her with simple advice before each round: just do what you know how to do.

Behind the scenes, coach Clayton Goldring helps ensure both horse and rider are fully prepared for competition, while Cathy — cheering from home last season — will now be joining them in the ring this year.

Together, they form the team that supports Maddie every step of the way.

A Journey Back to the Ring

One of the most meaningful chapters of Maddie’s riding career began with an unexpected setback.

In the spring of the previous season, Eli suffered an injury that forced them to step away from competition. What followed was an entire year dedicated to rehabilitation, with no certainty about whether the talented gelding would ever return to the hunter ring.

At the time, Maddie was given the option to retire him and move on to another horse. But for her, that was never truly an option.

Instead, she chose to commit to his recovery — spending a full year patiently rehabbing the 14-year-old horse while many of her peers continued showing throughout the summer.

It was a difficult decision, but one guided entirely by heart.

A Championship Comeback

That patience paid off in an extraordinary way.

When Eli finally returned to competition, he didn’t just come back — he excelled. The pair went on to win the derby series championship at the Coveside Classic, finishing the season with an impressive high score of 103.

In the derby ring, Eli quickly became known as the one to watch, admired for his agility, careful jumping style, and willingness to give his rider everything he has.

For Maddie, the ribbons and titles are meaningful, but the real victory is something far more personal: having a healthy, happy horse back beside her in the ring.

Looking Ahead

As the new show season unfolds, Maddie’s goals are focused less on results and more on mindset.

Like many competitive riders, she admits she can sometimes be her own toughest critic. This year, she hopes to approach each round with a more positive perspective — learning from mistakes without dwelling on them.

Taking things one round at a time, and focusing on the partnership she shares with her horses, remains the priority.

Because in the end, success in the hunter ring isn’t just about perfect rounds — it’s about the journey that brings horse and rider there together.

Photography Marie Roy Photography, Venue Coveside Stables, Coach Clayton Golding, Attire: Samsheild helmet, Equiline breeches and show coats, Samsheild shadbelly. Tack: CWD, Braiding: Samantha Sharpe.