Mary Mag Wilson
Representing The Arabian Breed:
mary mag Wilson by Kara Larson
P
ossessing a true talent and passion for the Arabian horse is a rare commodity in today’s decreasingly horse-centered society; however, these qualities have certainly found a home in mary mag Wilson. You will often see the Arizona 17-year-old showing at various shows around the country or grooming for stachowski Farms as well as others, all the while wearing a smile and enjoying herself with the Arabian horse. Although mary has been riding nearly her whole life, the trainer who introduced her to saddle seat was John rannenberg just six years ago. John takes credit for the introduction, but as for mary mag’s natural abilities as a rider, he directs the praise toward her inherent feel and talent on a horse. rannenberg shares his first meeting with mary mag. “We were at region 12 and i really didn’t know her, but she approached me by herself and told me she would be competing in the walk-trot hunt seat equitation. she went on to ask if i would head for her in the class. And i was thinking, ‘all right, this kid’s got some guts.’ And so i did. And from that point on, mary mag has impressed me as a young rider who really has a burning passion for riding. When i met her, she was a dressage and hunt seat rider, and i think starting that way, you develop a very strong leg and seat— she had the ability to really stick to a horse. That year we took her to Youth nationals and she was national champion walk-trot dressage. After the class, i took her up to the judges to say thank you and they were very impressed with her ability to present a horse at such a young age. i can’t take that credit—she was already well started when i got her, but i did introduce her to saddle seat riding. it was evident right away that she was going to be able to do
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that well, and she has beautifully. it’s been fun to watch the progression.” A saddle seat natural from the start, mary mag tried out for the inaugural Young rider Team hoping for the best possible outcome—to make the team—a dream that was realized. As the only Arabian breed competitor, mary mag is riding with other saddle seat riders on this Young rider Team in international competition. The purpose of Young riders is to groom the riders to better understand and eventually try out for the World Cup. Young rider Team coach barbe smith, owner of Cascade stable of new orleans, La. and coach of the 2010 World Cup Team speaks highly of mary mag’s horsemanship, adaptability, and character. “As the only Arabian rider on the team, i think mary mag is a great representative of the breed— she’s a fabulous kid and a fabulous rider. Coming from riding Arabians made her stand out mainly because she was unfamiliar with all the other kids, but because of her fantastic personality, she was able to get to know them all really well and show how great a rider and friend she is,” says barbe. in the competitions of the season for the team, barbe shares the success of their first year competing and where mary mag fits into the mix. “We had practice in new orleans in march, and then both teams won gold at William Woods invitational in April. There will be another invitational in new orleans in June. mary mag was the alternate on the Young riders Team that competed in march at William Woods, and now, she’s going to be riding on the team for this event. even before, as an alternate, which can be a tough position to be in, her personality was great—she was helpful to the other riders, and i am just continually impressed with what a good kid she is.”
One-On-One with Mary Mag: what inspired you to try out for the young rider team? ever since i started riding saddle seat equitation, it was an immediate dream of mine to try out for the United states World Cup Team. The opportunity to apply for the inaugural UsA Young rider Team came about when i received an e-mail invitation. i realized that it would give me the opportunity to prepare for the trials of the World Cup team. The experience of representing the United states and competing as a team against other countries, such as south Africa and Canada was exciting. what horses or people have helped you most in making you the rider you are today? Without the support of ellen beard, Jonathan ramsay, and John rannenberg, i would not be the rider or person i am today. They have given me the opportunity to learn horsemanship not only by placing me on a plethora of horses, but in the way they coach and ride themselves. i have to thank them for always believing in me and pushing me to my fullest ability. As well as all the horses, for teaching me something every time i place my feet in the irons. Also my mom, without her support i would not have had the proper tools and guidance from these trainers to become the rider i am today. what has the process of applying for and joining the team been like? The process for applying for the team included a five minute video showing the rider execute three gaits at both directions and pattern work. The application also included three letters of recommendation and your accomplishments inside the show arena. Joining the team has been such an amazing experience and i am so fortunate to be a part of it. it has been great being able to meet riders from other breeds and all coming together and competing as a team with the same passion and ultimate goal. what has been the highlight of the experience for you? Winning the gold medal for both 3- and 5-Gaited in march but also, learning under the guidance of two incredible coaches: mandy martin and barbe smith.
Their guidance and coaching have taught me things i never knew i was capable of doing in my riding before. Another highlight is the opportunity to compete in new orleans this June. what have you taken away from the experience overall? being a part of the inaugural Young riders Team has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that i am so thankful for. i have garnered such great friendships and memories, but most importantly, it has been a reminder of my passion for saddle seat equitation. ■
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