Maryahna Schleich is a senior at Dee-Mack High School. She has been doing competitions and riding horses since she was six years old. She rides and shows a form of English riding called saddleseat. Saddleseat is an English riding that showcases high stepping by American Saddlebreeds, Morgans, and Arabians. She implied, “Personally, I have shown American Saddlebreds, Dutch Harness Horses, and Hackney Ponies. In the saddleseat world, there are various divisions to show in, ranging from your horse’s capability and performance to the performance and appearance of the rider themself. I have shown more in the divisions where the horse is judged, such as park, park pleasure, three-gaited country pleasure, three-gaited show pleasure, fine harness, and road pony to bike. I have also shown in a few classes where I have been judged on how well I maneuver and present my horse, which are called equation classes.
It is not a well-known sport, especially in the area, so many people do not know much about it nor the hard work and dedication it requires”. She has shown at national and world competitions including the World Championships horse show in Louisville KY.

She has practically grown up with this sport by spending most of her free time working at the barn. It has taught her so many valuable life lessons as far as putting in hard work to reach her goals. She has won countless ribbons and trophies and even some money. She and her horses have also been recognized and interviewed many times.
Some fun facts about her are that she has two horses. She has ridden over 50 different horses ranging from different breeds.

It has been so fun to learn about Maryahna, stay tuned for the next beyond the bell!