08/22/2025
🌟 August Client Spotlight 🌟
This month’s spotlight goes to someone very near and dear—Sophie! She was one of my very first horsemanship clients after I moved from Montana, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow not only as a rider, but as a horsewoman. While I haven’t shared this news completely publicly yet, the Beedle family recently purchased Amarillo—and honestly, I couldn’t picture a better home for her! I’m pretty picky about where my horses go, but Amarillo has made it very clear she’s head over heels for Sophie (let’s be real, more than anyone else 🤭), and the two of them have already become an amazing pair. On top of that, Sophie is also my junior instructor in our Junior Instructor Program (more details on that coming soon 👀). Now, let’s jump into Sophie’s spotlight!
1.) How long have you been part of the M4X Horsemanship program?
I have been a part of the M4X program for 4 years! I started out taking lessons and learning groundwork, then moved towards riding and participating in gaming events. Now I have started as a junior instructor and am giving lessons to young students.
2. Tell us a little about your horse—what’s their name, age, and personality like?
My horse's name is Amarillo, and she is a 12 year old American Quarter horse. Amarillo is caring, sassy, loves trails, and is always pinning her ears back for photos.
3. What first drew you to your horse, or how did you two become a team?
Amarillo and I became a team during lessons. I was excited to work with Amarillo because Mackenzie said Amarillo would push me as a rider. As we became a stronger team and I improved in my horsemanship skills and riding abilities, I had the opportunity to lease Amarillo through the M4X program. Then, in April of this year, I was able to purchase Amarillo! She is the very first horse I have owned.
4. What’s something you and your horse have really improved on together during your time in the M4X Horsemanship program?
We have improved on EVERYTHING! When I started with Amarillo, I knew very little about horses and how to care for them. I have established a strong bond with Amarillo, and I am comfortable pushing her to want to go more when running our events.
5. What’s your favorite exercise, drill, or type of ride to work on as a team?
Both Amarillo and I love pole bending! Amarillo loves to go fast and weave, and so do I. We have both improved in pole bending, and we won our first buckle competing in poles and junior rodeo.
6. What’s one challenge you’ve worked through with your horse?
Earlier this year, when going home while running barrels, Amarillo would do a little buck and rear a couple of times. We were having trouble with that, but with Mackenzie's training, we figured out it was because she felt she didn't have enough room. Mackenzie showed me that if I use my leg to push Amarillo to keep going and create a larger circle, this would show Amarillo she had plenty of room to end her run.
7. If your horse had a superpower, what would it be and how would they use it?
Amarillo would have teleportation, and she would use it to get food and to get away from me when I want to ride her in the bit.
8. What’s your 6-month goal for you and your horse, either in the arena or out on the trail?
My 6-month goal is to ride more in an English saddle to improve my balance and seat. I want to learn how to do a flying lead change. I also want to get out on the trails more to give her a break from so much arena riding.
9. What’s something your horse has taught you—about riding, patience, or even life?
My horse has taught me that you can learn so much by being behind two ears and to be okay with the unknown because horses can be unpredictable.
10. What’s your favorite part about working with your horse through the M4X program?
I love getting the opportunity to be a junior instructor and share my love of horses with young kids. Mackenzie is an amazing trainer, friend, and supporter of my horse journey. M4X has taught me to believe in myself and my horse. I love hanging out with Kendall too!
