Achieving the Unimaginable, While Keeping Everything in Perspective- 4 High Point Titles For 1 Horse- Classic Circle

By: Brittany Bevis

Ranking up there with winning a World Championship or a top Congress placing, a Year-End High Point title is on most exhibitors’ bucket lists. But what if you set your sights a bit higher? What about two High Point titles in the same year, or, daresay even three? It might seem unfathomable to most, but one horse has accomplished what his youth rider, Madeline Keyes, never even dreamed of- a whopping four High Point titles during the 2017 show season.

“My horse’s name is Classic Circle,” Maddy says. “We call him Jackson. He’s a 13-year-old gelding. I’ve owned him for three years. I remember that when my mom bought him, as soon as he got off the trailer, I knew he was going to end up mine, and not hers!”

“Jackson is hilarious. He either likes you… or he doesn’t. He kind of has a sensitive personality, so he builds his relationships on trust. If you’re too impatient to earn that, forget it. But, when he trusts you, there is nothing he won’t do for you. Also, he’s the cleanest horse ever. He is neat in his stall, refuses to roll in the dirt, and strongly disagrees with getting his toes dirty!”

Maddy and Jackson compete in classes like Youth Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Showmanship, but her heart is in Hunter Hack, Working Hunter, and, her personal favorite, Equitation Over Fences.

“I’ve been riding since I was very, very little,” Maddy says. “My mother owns a horse business where we do lessons, training, showing, sales, etc. So, you can say I was pretty much born in the barn. I have owned and shown mostly Quarter Horses, after I outgrew my ponies.”

Maddy has always wanted to win a year-end High Point title, eventually, but she didn’t necessarily start the 2017 show season with that in mind. “Ever since my first Youth World Show, when I saw other kids getting their year-end High Point trophies, I knew I wanted one before my youth years were over. But, my horse wasn’t able to attend the first show of the season this year, and we didn’t start until March, so I figured there would be other kids way ahead.”

“The funny thing is we decided not to obsess about the rankings. We all made a pact to do our thing and focus on our own personal best at every show. None of us wanted the pressure of point chasing. That takes the fun out of why we really enjoy showing. In fact, my mom and Virginia didn’t even let me know that I was leading until after the Congress. That’s when we all sat down and looked at the points and said, ‘Wow, this might happen.'”

Maddy and Jackson compete under the guidance of her mother/trainer, Amy Hanssen-Keyes, Virginia Beaton, and David Warner, all three of whom have helped the duo on the way to this extraordinary accomplishment.

“Virginia has worked for my mom for a long time, before I was even thought of,” Maddy says. “Also, David Warner helps train me when I’m lucky enough to have our schedules collide. I would say they all had a HUGE part in pushing me to this accomplishment. My mom not only helped train me, she had to pay for all those road trips! But seriously, they’re always there pushing me to be better, as well as being shoulders to lean on. My support team is amazing.”

Once Maddy’s support team let her check out the standings, after the Quarter Horse Congress had concluded, she saw that Jackson was leading in four categories: Youth Working Hunter, Youth Equitation Over Fences, Open Senior Working Hunter, and Open Senior Hunter Hack, a feat she never even dared to dream might be possible.

“The future for me and my horse is to hopefully REPEAT it all again!” Maddy laughs. “Actually, I will be attending college in the fall, so I’m sure my showing will be a little bit more limited. But, I have set myself some big goals for the Youth World Show. I’m looking forward to chasing those dreams. I already have a countdown started…”

Throughout this entire process, Maddy has been able to keep everything in proper perspective, focus on what’s truly important, and work towards bettering her personal relationship with her horse through competition, not necessarily by reflecting on points, trophies, or ribbons.

“If I had to give advice to someone, I would say, ‘Do what works for you.’ For me, I decided to enjoy the ride and focus on personal accomplishments and not let it turn into just beating the competition. That doesn’t mean I didn’t work extremely hard for it, because we all did. You have to be devoted and determined. But, I’ve always believed in ‘Chasing your dreams until you’re out of breath. Then, keep running.’ That’s my senior quote. Also, I have to give credit to my horse. He is a trooper and is always happy to get on that trailer.”

If you have an idea for a great story, like Maddy and Jackson’s, for EquineChronicle.com, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.