Madeline Thatcher
Madeline Thatcher grew up riding alongside her older sister Kelsey in South Jordan, UT, at a young age. Around six years old Madeline started riding, but she was admittedly not very enthusiastic about it because of her sister’s pony that they called “evil” due to her mischievous behavior. Things soon changed when Madeline and Kelsey began riding with trainer Molly Rhinedollar, and Rhinedollar found Madeline a nice, well-behaved pony that she showed for two years. Madeline did a year of cross rails and then moved up to showing short stirrup for a year. The bond that she developed with the pony solidified her confidence and enthusiasm for riding.
Madeline loves the thrill of competing and explained that although most people put a lot of pressure on themselves to do well, she just likes to go and have fun. The 2009 show season has been the most successful of Madeline’s riding career, and she is quickly rising up the competitive horse show ranks. As an advancing young rider, Madeline noted that there are a couple of professionals that she looks up to including Maggie Jayne and Margie Engle.
