We are heartbroken to report that beloved daughter, friend, and horse trainer Maggie Howell of Baltimore, Ohio passed away after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. Howell was well-loved by many including her parents Harold and Linda Howell of Baltimore, Ohio, mentor Missy Thyfault and best friend Jarrod Bush. Howell passed away the morning of February 20th at the age of 31.
Maggie grew up on her small family horse farm in Baltimore, Ohio. Howell showed 4-H and open shows as a youth and, like many in the industry, she graduated to AQHA shows. In 2008, she graduated from Liberty Union High School. Four years later, Maggie graduated from the University of Findlay in equestrian studies. After college, Maggie went to work for trainer Missy Thyfault in Shelby, Ohio.
“She was a very special person who would’ve been a huge asset to our industry if she had gotten the chance,” says Ohio trainer Missy Thyfault,. “I was extremely blessed to have her here at Thyfault Performance Horses for so many years and my program was better as a result of her being here.”
Thyfault says that Maggie came to her from the Finlay program and stayed an assistant for five years and then continued to work on and off until she couldn’t anymore.
“She was poised to go out on her own and start her own training stable when they found a brain tumor two weeks before her last horse show with me at Congress. I always felt strongly that she was going to make it in the horse training world,” Missy shared. “Maggie had grit and a positive personality. She was a likable person with an incredible work ethic.”
Maggie’s longtime best friend Jarrod Bush had a once-in-a-lifetime friendship with Maggie.
“Maggie’s friendship was my whole world. Our friendship is sewn within a tapestry of memories that cannot be unraveled. Her courage, bravery, and positive attitude with her battle and the hand she was dealt in life is so inspirational to me,” Jarrod shared.
Jarrod and Maggie grew up showing together and both went to Findlay and spent all their holidays and free time together. Not to mention, they saw each other at all the horse shows.
“I hope everyone gets the opportunity in life to experience a friendship that Maggie allowed me to have. She is irreplaceable and it was a privilege to have been her friend,” Bush shared.
“I believe there must be a little magic in the world to guide us toward those we are meant to meet, and perhaps that is why I remember so well the day I met Maggie. I will see her again one day; walking out of the dust of an old barn aisle. Until then, I’ll wait for a shooting star, or the perfect sunbeam across my face, and I’ll know Maggie is still sharing this world with me.”
Our deepest condolences to everyone who had the privilege to know Maggie and have her in their life.
