Maggie Wilson shares how she won a sport wearing a hand-me-down gear
Maggie Wilson shared an inspirational story on how she became an accomplished showjumper.
According to Maggie, she was charmed to see people riding horses when she was around 11 years old. At that time, Maggie's father was working at a country club in Trio Ranch in Saudi Arabia.
“When I was around 11, my dad started working as a GM to a country club that had 200 horse stables and 5 riding arenas. I was always fascinated by people who rode horses. I was so excited and hoped that one day I'll be able to learn how to ride and I did.”
She continued: “You see, becoming a showjumper is an extremely expensive sport. You either need to own a horse or rent/ borrow one. You need to hire a trainer and have the proper riding gear. All of which cost money. It was money, we couldn't afford.”
Maggie said that she met a Filipino assistant riding instructor named Arnel and trained her.
“The ranch was my playground. While living there, I met an assistant riding instructor. He was Filipino, his name was kuya Arnel. He offered to train me for free simply because I was a Filipina. The first time I got on a horse he saw potential.”
She said that riding equipment is pricey so she wore hand me downs from the club during her training.
"I trained everyday for 2-3 hours after school on a borrowed horse. Her name was Kuhela, she wasn't mine but I treated her like she was. I even used to bathe her. I used my lunch money to buy her shampoo so I can take care of her too. I used to feed her and give her treats after riding. I learned to strap on a saddle and bridle. It was part of kuya Arnels training. It made me respect the sport.”
She added that her training was done alongside Saudi Arabia's elite.
“I trained alongside some of Saudi Arabia's elite. It was rare to see a female rider. I trained for months until kuya Arnel said I was ready to compete.”
After getting a go signal from her mentor, Maggie entered the competition.
“Kuya Arnel signed me up for my first competition. He entered me into the 60 cm-80 cm class. I was the only girl to join in the category. Part of the requirement was I had to wear all white riding gear. Like I said, this is an expensive sport that we couldn't afford but my parents supported me in the best way they could. We went to one of the local souks to buy me a white polo and white "jeans." They found someone who sold us their outgrown size 6 riding boots so I could meet the requirements. I had my gear, I was ready. If I remember correctly, it was a 10 pole course. “
When Maggie entered the arena, she performed what she learned from her training.
“I no longer remember how fast I finished the course but I finished it without dropping any poles.
“When the announcer shouted my name, my family and trainer started screaming. I had just won my first Blue Ribbon. A girl who couldn't afford the sport but with the help of my trainer the support of my parents, the owner of my horse who generously lent Kuhela to me, to the people who gave me their hand me down gear, the hours upon hours and months of training, I succeeded.”
Because of this experience, Maggie shared the most important thing that she learned.
“When opportunity presents itself, don't hesitate to grab it. Train hard and work hard.”
Maggie ended her post by saying that she continued doing the sport for three years and earned a place in every single competition.
She said, “I miss it and I will always be grateful for that time in my life. I haven't ridden a horse inside an arena since but maybe one day, I will again.”
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