Hi! I'm Madonna!I'm a Texas cowgirl lucky enough to be living my dream. I was riding horses before I could walk, and grew up on the rodeo circuit with my dad. At the age of 14 I began competing as a professional barrel racer. I realized my love and passion is teaching people about horses, so in 1999 I opened my own riding academy. I truly love my job, and there is nothing better in the world than spending a day at the barn!
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MEA's Philosophy: Natural Horsemanship
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Natural horsemanship describes horse training and interaction that is founded on building rapport and gentle communication between animal and human - not domination or abuse. Techniques vary, but at MEA, the use and release of pressure is what communicates cues to the horse. There are no bits or whips, these horses only have knots on the bridles. Madonna raised all of the horses from foals (many of them were born on the farm!), and has trained them for decades to work in partnership with their riders. You'll soon learn that they all have their own personalities! This is why we encourage getting to know your horse through the pre-ride grooming; talk to them, give them attention, build your friendship!
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Horses run in the family!
Madonna is part of a long history of horsemanship! Her father, Jim Bynum (1924-1999), better known as "Big Jim," was a 4-time world champion steer wrestler and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.