The owner and sole trainer at Happy Hiccups Equestrian LLC, Maddie earned a Bachelor's degree in Equestrian Science (EQS) from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri in 2018. This intensive program focused on in-depth practical knowledge of horse management, teaching techniques, and horse riding and training. Riding in the Equestrian Science program saw Maddie pursuing her hunter/jumper riding goals, showing consistently in the 2'6"-2'9" divisions and attending clinics several times a year. With an insatiable desire to learn more, Maddie also did extended studies in other riding disciplines such as Saddleseat, Dressage, Long-Lining, and Driving. While pursuing her studies at WWU, she also took on jobs and internships in areas like horse breeding, colt starting, assistant trainer and riding instructor, and became the personal assistant of Gayle Lampe for her senior year!
After passing the WWU EQS Proficiency Examinations and obtaining her degree, Maddie spent three years working at a large-scale horseback riding lesson facility in Maryland teaching an average of 100 students a week and working with about 60 different horses. She successfully ran two junior equitation show teams simultaneously, coached at private hunter/jumper shows, arranged and coached equine drill teams, and trained or tuned-up new or green horses in the lesson program. This developed a passion for teaching riders of all levels and ages, and a desire to expand her students' knowledge and participation in the equestrian world. Maddie's goal was not to necessarily create more riders, but to create more horse-men and -women with a program that was more inclusive to the other aspects of equine ownership, training, and management.
And so came the creation of Happy Hiccups Equestrian LLC, where Maddie prioritizes the horses' well-being and riders' happiness and personal growth. Maddie believes in developing a strong natural horsemanship foundation in her students, teaching them basic equine care and management in the barn and developing an understanding for equine psychology and biomechanics in the saddle. Great emphasis is placed on riders understanding not just HOW to do something, but WHY. Riders are taught early on to have independent control and problem-solving skills when working with horses, and each lesson is designed to be unique and fun! Maddie encourages all students to pursue working with horses in the way they are most passionate about, whether that's riding a particular discipline, working with horses on the ground, or horse care and management in the barn. The love of the horse comes before the love of the sport!
Want a firsthand look at the program Maddie has created? Have questions? Reach out to us and schedule a visit to the farm!
After passing the WWU EQS Proficiency Examinations and obtaining her degree, Maddie spent three years working at a large-scale horseback riding lesson facility in Maryland teaching an average of 100 students a week and working with about 60 different horses. She successfully ran two junior equitation show teams simultaneously, coached at private hunter/jumper shows, arranged and coached equine drill teams, and trained or tuned-up new or green horses in the lesson program. This developed a passion for teaching riders of all levels and ages, and a desire to expand her students' knowledge and participation in the equestrian world. Maddie's goal was not to necessarily create more riders, but to create more horse-men and -women with a program that was more inclusive to the other aspects of equine ownership, training, and management.
And so came the creation of Happy Hiccups Equestrian LLC, where Maddie prioritizes the horses' well-being and riders' happiness and personal growth. Maddie believes in developing a strong natural horsemanship foundation in her students, teaching them basic equine care and management in the barn and developing an understanding for equine psychology and biomechanics in the saddle. Great emphasis is placed on riders understanding not just HOW to do something, but WHY. Riders are taught early on to have independent control and problem-solving skills when working with horses, and each lesson is designed to be unique and fun! Maddie encourages all students to pursue working with horses in the way they are most passionate about, whether that's riding a particular discipline, working with horses on the ground, or horse care and management in the barn. The love of the horse comes before the love of the sport!
Want a firsthand look at the program Maddie has created? Have questions? Reach out to us and schedule a visit to the farm!