Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on the 10-year-old rider, Max Brown from Monclova, Ohio. The young rider training with Sarah Guidice and Erika Heintschel-Githens has been a frequent competitor at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington with his three ponies, Orchard Hills Bougie, Just My Style and Hotspot in the WEC Medal, the Children’s Pony division and the Large Pony division. Max can be found sharing his positive energy and passion for riding at R+L Annex, the Roberts Arena, and The Sugar Shack!
WEC: How did you get started riding?
I started riding because my parents used to ride. When I was five, they put me on a horse named Dylan. He was a big horse! But we just walked around and trotted. I started moving up slowly with the ponies and I would get on a horse every once in a while. Now I’m here! My ponies are amazing, and my trainers Erika and Sarah are awesome.
WEC: Tell us about your ponies.
Justin [Just My Style] is a chestnut German Riding Pony. He is a little bit spooky, and he is an old man. I won three division championships with him.
Leo [Hotspot] is an Appaloosa pony. He is 24 but he can still do the Children’s Pony division. Bougie [Orchard Hills Bougie] is my new pony. She is a Dun, and she is a Thoroughbred/Welsh cross. She won the Marshall & Sterling Pony Medal Finals in 2022. We have won a class together! She is very smooth to ride overall. The sitting trot on all of my ponies is really bouncy.
WEC: Tell us about your experience with World Equestrian Center – Wilmington.
I love WEC! This is basically the horse show that I have grown up at. I mean you have everything here: rings, a café, a taco truck, and a candy store! What’s not to love? And there are horses everywhere!
WEC: Do you like showing in the WEC Medal?
I love the WEC Medal! I like that the classes are more challenging, and they push you. Especially doing the roll backs. I am usually the youngest one in the class.
WEC: What are your future riding goals?
I want to do the grand prix someday. I have seen so many grands prix and I want to be the one doing it. I like to be the one riding, not watching!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Max! We wish you continued success in and out of the ring and look forward to seeing you in the grand prix in the future!