How Dressage4Kids and a Donated Horse Changed a Deserving Young Rider’s Life

Madeleine and her horse Ebony. Photo courtesy of Madeleine Perry.

At an age when most young women are just beginning to explore who they might grow up to be, Madeleine Perry has already found her calling in a life devoted to the sport she loves.

Today, the aspiring young rider and FEI competitor spends her days immersed in the world of high-performance dressage. But with humble beginnings and Midwestern roots, Madeleine's story is a story of success made possible by sheer dedication and earned opportunities.

The journey that took a young girl from Michigan to the international arena at the Global Dressage Festival in Florida all began with a lifelong passion for horses and an opinionated childhood pony. After spending her early years in the hunter/jumper ring, Madeleine first found dressage when her cheeky mount lost interest in jumping.

"I wanted to keep her so badly that I convinced my parents to let me train her in dressage. Since then, I've been hooked!"

Already determined to reach the top of her new discipline, she began riding with a local trainer who had experience coaching young riders. That trainer introduced Madeleine to Dressage4Kids, an organization that would eventually play a pivotal role in her equestrian journey.

Developed by Olympian Lendon Gray, Dressage4Kids is a nonprofit that provides educational and competitive opportunities to youth riders and the adults who support them. The organization has benefitted countless youth in the sport by encouraging young riders to become true horsemen, offering scholarships, and conducting events like TEAM clinics and the Youth Dressage Festival.

Participating in the TEAM program and the Midwest Youth Dressage Festival exposed Madeleine to an even higher level of instruction and horsemanship, fueling her desire to chase even bigger goals.

"The educational opportunities Lendon provides for youth around the country are incredible. I don't know of another program that can give young riders access to international-level clinicians, bodyworkers, saddle fitters, veterinarians, bit fitters, and more. The learning and growth opportunities are endless if you truly immerse yourself in her program."

With Lendon's encouragement and without the financial backing to support her new goals, she became a working student at thirteen to work for the education and experiences she dreamed of but couldn't afford.

"I decided to become a working student because it was the only way for me to dive head first into the international world of dressage. My family never had the financial capabilities to send me to Wellington for training. Luckily with Lendon's connections, I started working at a young age and a high level, and I've never looked back."

Despite her work ethic and maturity, Madeleine often struggled with people failing to take her seriously because of her age. Instead of getting discouraged, she became more determined to learn everything she could during her working student positions and grow as much as possible as a horsewoman and rider.

"I keep my eyes open and my ears on the wall. I have been able to do a little bit of everything as a working student, which has been fun. I've been in many different barns, but I'm lucky I've always been surrounded by good people I can rely on for support. And no matter what, the care for the horses is always to the same high standard."

Madeleine's dedication to the horses and unwavering positivity through early mornings, long days, and hard work did not go unnoticed. The young working student eventually found herself in the barns of top trainers in Wellington, Florida.

To take full advantage of her new opportunities, she needed a horse. But the aspiring dressage rider didn't have access to the type of funds required to afford an appropriate mount. So, Madeleine reached out to Lendon about the Horse Donation Program.

Dressage4Kids operates a Horse Donation Program that matches donated horses with deserving riders who agree to care for the horse forever. The program enables young riders who may not be able to afford a horse to have the opportunity to partner with a special equine to advance their education and pursue their competitive goals.

"From the first email I sent Lendon looking for a horse, I knew she was motivated to find a good match. She worked with my trainers at the time to find out exactly what I needed from a new partner."

Madeleine found her match in an Oldenburg gelding named Smile. The black warmblood was a dream come true for the young rider who had previously only dreamed of owning a horse capable of fulfilling her competitive goals. But, the opportunity also brought new challenges.

Although her new horse, affectionately nicknamed Ebony, had struggled with several physical challenges in the past, Madeleine's education in sport horse management and dedication to his care allowed him to thrive.

"He has had some health problems, but I wouldn't say those are the biggest challenges. In the high-performance horse world, we have to deal with that every day, and if we are lucky, they will recover and train again. I have been very lucky!"

The pair's most significant challenge arose instead in the schooling arena. Unlike some young riders who compete on trained schoolmasters, Madeleine and Ebony needed to learn new skills simultaneously as they advanced up the levels together and chased their dreams.

However, the training difficulties and obstacles they conquered on their journey only strengthened their partnership. With the aid of an extensive support network, an unrelenting work ethic, and an unwavering belief in her mount, Madeleine made her FEI debut on Ebony in 2020. As an aspiring young professional, the experience was invaluable.

Madeleine and Ebony competing FEI Young Riders. Photo courtesy of Madeleine Perry.

"I know many riders my age have horses that can teach them more 'tricks' and compete at the upper levels right away. But I am really grateful for getting Eb when he and I both only had a second-level show career. While it's been a bumpy road, he's given me more tools in my toolbox for when the next horse comes along."

Madeleine's persistence paid off when the pair placed sixth individually at the 2021 North American Youth Championships. With even bigger goals on the horizon, she isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Madeleine is still a full-time working student, spending long days in the barn and giving her all to support her team while pursuing her own dreams. Although it is undeniable that the young rider's hard work has been integral to her success, Madeleine credits Ebony and Dressage4Kids as the most significant influence on her life and career.

"I never would have experienced the things I did at my age without Ebony and the Dressage4Kids Horse Donation Program. We both have a lot of growing to do, but I am where I am today because of him."

Although Ebony accelerated the course of Madeleine's career, she is most grateful to Lendon and Dressage4Kids for changing her life. She believes the organization is vital for providing educational opportunities for passionate kids like her who otherwise may fall through the cracks and strongly encourages other young riders to get involved.

"If you can become a TEAM member, do it! Truly embrace every lesson you have, whether it be riding or horse care. Lendon and Dressage4Kis want to shape, educate, and create the most well-rounded horsemen, and I owe them everything."

With the support of Dressage4Kids, her barn family, and a special horse, Madeleine has become an exceptional young horsewoman with a bright future ahead of her. She continues to give back to the sport she loves by sharing her experiences and promoting the individuals and organizations that have helped her along the way.

Read more about Madeleine and follow her adventures with Ebony on her blog, and check out Dressage4Kids to learn more about their mission and find out how you can support deserving youth in the sport just like her.