In Loving Memory of Maxed Out Potential (2001-2015)

By: Brittany Bevis

Typically, horse shows are festive events. Family and friends gather to cheer on loved ones as the partnership between man and equine is tested. If we’re lucky, the countless hours of hard work and dedication are recognized with accolades both inside and outside of the show pen. But for AQHA competitor Micah Howard, his trip to the recent Madness show in Wilmington, Ohio had a sad conclusion.

Sadly, following Trail practice one day, Micah’s 14-year-old gelding, Maxed Out Potential, collapsed and was pronounced dead. Not only was the sudden and unexpected passing of his horse very difficult to handle, to make matters worse, Micah’s entire family had traveled to the horse show to watch the pair compete.

“It was an overwhelmingly sad day for me and my family,” Micah says. “He was a family member, and my entire family showed up in Wilmington to be there…”

Thinking back on happier times, Micah fondly remembers Max’s fun-loving personality and good-natured attitude.

“Max had an incredible personality,” he says. “He didn’t often have a bad day. Sour Patch Kids were his favorite treat, and he loved to lick margarita salt from your hand at the end of the day. He loved Trail and was a good Showmanship horse.”

“I purchased this horse on my own without a trainer. We were a fit from the moment I threw my leg over his back. My grandfather raced horses, my mother showed Western Pleasure, and my dad showed speed horses. I suppose you can say that it’s in my blood. I started at open shows when I was around 12 years old and then moved to AQHA competition in 2007.”

Micah credits judges Mike and Charlene Carter with helping him to get his start in the horse industry as well as trainers Ryan Cottingim and Mandy Gately with nurturing the special connection he had with Max. At the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress, the pair placed in Western Pleasure. At the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, Micah and Max received a Reserve Champion finish in Western Pleasure. Also, the pair has two prior Novice East Champion titles, one in Horsemanship in 2014 and a Reserve Championship in Showmanship. They’d been a strong all-around team since 2007.

“My life’s passion is horses and showing,” he says. “There will be another horse in my future, but I’m going to take a long break and focus on travel with my wife for a while. I plan to return to the show pen at some point.”

During their time as a team, Micah also worked with Julie McGuffie, who hauled Max on the show circuit from November 2013 through August 2014. She had this to say about the special connection she saw between the pair.

“Max was a one-in-a-million horse,” she says. “He was a true blessing to be around. He had loads of talent and was such a pleaser. He never had a bad day. Anyone who had the opportunity to experience his magnetic personality knew what a special horse he was. It was an amazing honor to have been a small part of his journey, and I’m so truly grateful for that. Micah and Max made an amazing team!”

Our condolences go out to Micah and his family following the unexpected passing of Max.

– In loving memory of Maxed Out Potential- 

Somewhere in time’s own space

There must be some sweet pastured place

Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow

Some paradise where horses go,

For by the love that guides my pen

I know great horses live again.

~Stanley Harrison