The Remarkable Journey of a Young Rider and Her Clydesdale
In the world of equestrian sports, few stories are as heartwarming and inspiring as that of 15-year-old Kaitlyn Marshall and her home-bred Clydesdale mare, Burgess Outon Miracle. This dynamic duo is set to make history at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) by becoming the youngest competitors in the ridden heavy horse final. Their journey is one marked by hard work, dedication, and a bond that transcends the typical rider-horse relationship.
The Rise of a Champion
Burgess Outon Miracle, affectionately known as Miracle, is no ordinary Clydesdale. Despite her limited experience in ridden shows, Miracle has amassed an impressive array of accolades. At just four years old, she won the prestigious Cawdor Cup at the Royal Highland Show and was crowned champion of her age category at the World Clydesdale Show in Aberdeenshire. Adding to her growing reputation, Miracle bred a filly foal in 2023, further elevating her value and prestige.
A Family Affair
The journey of Kaitlyn and Miracle began when Kaitlyn outgrew her pony, prompting her family to break in Miracle for riding. Kaitlyn’s mother, Colleen, recalls how Kaitlyn independently backed Miracle, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership. Their first foray into ridden competitions was a runaway success, with wins at Kilmacolm and qualification for the Blair Horse Trials.
Unexpected Success at Fife Show
The highlight of their journey came at the Fife Show, where Kaitlyn and Miracle unexpectedly qualified for HOYS. Competing against seasoned contenders, their first-place finish was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the strong bond between rider and horse. They added to their achievements by securing the reserve champion spot at the Royal Highland Show and winning the ridden Clydesdale championship at Blair Horse Trials, despite challenging weather conditions.
Miracle: The Versatile and Gentle Giant
Beyond the competitive arena, Miracle has proven to be a versatile and gentle giant. She participates in Pony Club activities, dressage, and even accommodates rides from Kaitlyn’s younger siblings, showcasing her adaptable and gentle nature. Colleen Marshall’s praise for Miracle is heartfelt, describing her as a "miracle mare" and a true horse of a lifetime.
Preparing for HOYS
As Kaitlyn and Miracle prepare for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, their focus remains on ensuring safety and enjoyment. This approach underscores the pride and passion that drive their equestrian endeavors. The family’s dedication to their craft is evident in every aspect of their journey, from breeding and training to the unwavering support that has enabled Kaitlyn and Miracle to reach such heights.
Celebrating Dedication and Familial Support
This remarkable story not only highlights the achievements of a young rider and her horse but also celebrates the dedication and familial support integral to equestrian sports. Kaitlyn’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring young riders and underscores the importance of family, hard work, and the special bond between a rider and their horse.
As Kaitlyn and Miracle take the stage at HOYS, their presence will be a reminder of the unique challenges and triumphs associated with breeding and training heavy horses. This tale of perseverance and success is a valuable addition to the narrative of competitive horse showing, offering insights and inspiration to all who follow the sport.
References: Content derived and summarized from articles available on Horse & Hound.
