US Professional Show Jumping Equestrian Athlete and owner of Rhema Sporthorses
Malachi Hinton, a 26-year-old professional show jumping and equestrian athlete from Newport News, Virginia, was nominated by McKrell Baier, Program Director of Bridge Up Giddy Up. According to McKrell, Malachi discovered her passion for riding at an inner-city stable in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Captivated by the sport and the bond between horse and rider, she began working at the stable to gain more riding time and soon started competing locally.
With aspirations to compete at the highest levels, Malachi studied elite show jumping online and pursued her passion, eventually breaking into the national circuit. Boasting over 17 years of experience and notable achievements, including qualifying for the 2016 US Junior Jumper National Championships, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from George Mason University in Spring 2020, with her Olympic dreams still alive.
Shortly after graduation, Malachi founded her show jumping team, Rhema Sporthorses, named after the Greek word for “God’s spoken word.” She now focuses on advancing her professional career in both National Grand Prix and International (FEI) Grand Prix levels, aiming to represent Team USA in the Olympics and other elite competitions like World Cups, Rolex Grand Slams, and Major League championships.
McKrell praised Malachi as a trailblazer for young riders and riders of color, highlighting her entrepreneurial skills and her dedication to navigating the high-level horse sport world on her own terms. She emphasizes humane and inspiring relationships between horse and rider, as well as with investors and business partners. McKrell concluded, “Her journey is one to watch closely!”
The horse who has had the most significant impact on Malachi’s life was her Westphalian Warmblood, junior Show Jumper, F15, affectionately known as Cadet. Malachi developed a deep partnership with Cadet, believing in him as he believed in her every time they entered the ring. Reflecting on their journey, Malachi said, “We achieved more together in the sport than most would have imagined. He was truly a horse with an unbelievable heart and character.”
A quote that Malachi lives by is, “It will be because I believed.”
