Favorite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Hunter/ Jumper rider, Mackenzie Moon is from Palm City, Florida. She was nominated by her trainer and mother, Robin Doneth. Growing up in the barn, Mackenzie’s first time on a horse was at three months old. She didn’t always get the chance to ride during her mother’s other lessons and Robin shares that she didn’t have enough money to buy her own horse. As a child, she watched her mother train and fell in love with riding, although it was challenging taking instructions from your own mother. Robin shares that she pretty much taught herself how to ride by observing her mother’s lessons.
In April, Robin and her barn attended an Ocala horse auction, and Mackenzie spotted a beautiful 13-year old Red Roan Quarterhorse named Luna. Luna lived in a cow field and knew nothing of ring work let alone jumping. After one year of patience and persistence, Mackenzie is showing Luna 2’3 Hunter/equitation courses and does 2’ jumpers. “Everything this mare does and knows is from Mackenzie working with her. From watching and listening… as she didn’t listen to her mom much, has done a phenomenal job at the age of 12 teaching Luna all she knows and can do today,” said mother and trainer Robin.
Mackenzie’s most recent success is winning year end Grand Champion for ‘23 - ‘24 season in 2’ jumpers and also jumping 3’ with Luna at home. She has a special bond with Luna and seeks to achieve more goals together. She’s had challenges of bonding with many horses and ponies and then having them move on to another partner. Thankfully, this has given her the opportunity to become an accomplished equestrian, riding any horse in their barn, making it look easy while the horse looks happy. Her short term goal is to move up to 3’ competitions with Luna.
Mackenzie attends Hidden Oaks Middle School and her favorite quote is “Everything happens for a reason.”
Age:
12
Discipline:
Hunter/Jumper
Hometown:
Palm City, FL
Trainer:
Robin Doneth
School:
Hidden Oaks Middle School
