Horse sense

MADELYN RYAN has an affinity for horses and a love for performing. She posed with her blue ribbons and riding horse Ashton, above. The two won several awards at a dressage show last year. Madelyn, 17, said, “We competed in Second Level and did a Musical Freestyle. We took first in every class, and at the end of the day we won high point! The musical freestyle is a lot of fun. It involves picking music that matches your horse’s gaits and personality, then you choreograph the specific, required movements for that level, and finally you put it all together. Every time we do the freestyle, it’s always a big hit at a show. Ashton and I have a really fun time with it!”
Contributed photos

By: WILLIAM WRIGHT Lifestyles Editor


It was her trips to the County Fair where little Madelyn Ryan first encountered horses during the fair’s pony rides. After her first pony ride Madelyn admits she fell in love with horses in general. From that point on, her life would never be the same.

“It was so exciting for me. Those little ponies seemed so big to me! At that moment, I knew I wanted to ride and pursue a career with horses,” she said. “Now, here I am traveling across the country to expand my experience within the equine world.”

The 17-year-old Wisconsinite recently left her cozy little community in Marinette, a city situated along the shoreline of the scenic Bay of Green Bay, and visited Cleveland to work for six weeks with her trainer, Anne Zaharias, and enjoy the one thing she most loves — riding horses.

She explains, “To me, horseback riding is more than a hobby. It’s my life and my freedom. When I ride, I forget all of my worries and problems. It even puts me in a better mood. Riding really teaches work ethic and builds essential life skills. We equestrians manage to communicate with a 1,200-pound animal with a mind of its own. Not to mention that only mere body movements and different pressures affect the horse. It’s quite amazing that such a strong, trustworthy relationship can be built with an animal that can’t even speak words to you.

“I came to Cleveland to assist my trainer as a working student. Without Anne, I would not be the person, and rider, that I am today. She has taught me so much and I am honored that she asked me to work for her for six weeks. Coming down South was an experience of a lifetime, and I would do it again tomorrow. My parents are also very supportive of me. I could not have done it without them supporting me every step of the way. I feel like it was hard for them to see me go, especially since I was only 16 years old, and I’ve never taken a huge excursion like that alone ever before.”

Spending time talking with Madelyn, it becomes apparent that she is not your typical teenager. Observant, soft-spoken, polite and reserved, her maturity as a youth with genuine self-esteem and good manners are clearly evident. While few parents would allow their teenage daughter to travel hundreds of miles alone, Madelyn, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, credits her level headedness, spiritual maturity and a very friendly Cleveland community with the success of her visit to The City With Spirit.

“I learned so much in my visit down South,” she admits. “It really taught me independence, strength and it even tested my abilities. I had to deal with situations on my own. Driving down there by myself, not knowing anyone, was very intimidating to me. I am so fortunate to be in Jehovah’s organization! The brothers and sisters really made me feel welcomed into the area, and it was so encouraging to know that they would be there for me if something went wrong.

“Coming from small-town Marinette where there is nothing breathtaking to see, and then visiting Cleveland and the area, was quite eye-opening. The area is so beautiful and there is so much to do and see! The people there are also very respectful and kind. I never had a problem with anyone during my six-week stay. Now that I’m back at home, I feel so much more independent and capable. I feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

After she graduates from high school in 2016, Madelyn said she is looking forward to “a whole new realm of things” opening up to her.

“After school, I plan on taking some basic classes at the University of Wisconsin in Marinette, and then I want to finish my schooling at Iowa State University to become either an equine geneticist or veterinary pathologist,” she said. “From a spiritual standpoint, I plan on increasing my ministry in the months I am able to. I would also like to submit artwork for the literature department at Bethel in New York. I love drawing, and when I’m not riding, that is what I’m doing. Now that I’ve traveled and met a ton of wonderful people I want to travel to so many different places, meet more people and experience more things!”

When asked how she would describe herself, the precocious teen responded, “Madelyn Ryan is a determined and dependable person. She holds true to her word. She knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to go after it.”

Being in the company of this adventurous young lady, one gets the feeling she is endowed with what many seniors call “horse sense,” a soundness of mind that gives Madelyn the common sense to make mature decisions beyond her years. It may have something to do with her trusting, God-fearing parents, her study of the Bible or being around those magnificent horses she love.

Whatever it is, Madelyn Ryan is looking toward the future with confidence. Her love for horses and equestrian competitions has taught her how to enjoy life, reduce stress, connect with nature, and appreciate both solace and association. It has also taught her self-respect. In doing so, she has mounted herself upon the essence of a kindred spirit — a noble creature that exhibits grace, beauty and freedom. Wherever she goes, her future will include the joy of horseback riding, which to her is more habit than hobby, and second to none.

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