Amateur exhibitor Morgan Miller-Wakeling of Novi, Michigan has been busy at the shows this year. Morgan is showing No Question Im Lazy in the Level 1 Amateur All-Around events with Empyre Show Horses, and she recently showed for the first time in the yearling longe line with her filly, Because Eye Said So. Other horses in her lineup include Al Be Good For Ya in the novice horse three-year-old hunt seat events with Beth Case, Hows That For Ya in Sr Hunter events with Robert Stucky and Got What I Got in the green trail events with Brad Ost.
Although she’s undoubtedly accomplished in the show pen, we sat down with Morgan to learn a few things people might not know about her outside the arena. Here are 10 things you probably don’t know about Morgan Miller-Wakeling.
1. I got married in Las Vegas
I’ve always loved going to Vegas; my parents married in Vegas. So, when it came time for my husband and me to plan our wedding, we decided to do a destination wedding in Las Vegas. We had a beautiful ceremony and reception at the MGM Grand. Fun fact: if you go out gambling in a wedding dress after your reception, people will give you money to gamble with or want to buy you drinks all night.
2. I am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan
I don’t live in Texas now or ever, although I spend much time there with my horses. I have been a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan and follow them very actively. I have gone to their games in Dallas and other US stadiums.
3. I am trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
I trained and competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for years. For those who don’t know what Brazilian jiu-jitsu is, it’s a combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission. I had a lot of success, including winning the IBJJF Chicago Open and being 3rd in the Pan American championships. My brother owns a gym that specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ultimately, while I still train occasionally, I no longer compete as I travel too much between work and shows to do it at the level I used to.
4. My first vehicle was a 1996 Dodge Ram
My first vehicle ever was a 1996 Dodge Ram truck, which I loved. It was originally my grandpa’s and was passed down to me. I learned to drive on trucks and, because of that, had to adjust to not making wide turns the first time I drove a car. Still, to this day, my everyday vehicle is a truck and I think I will always prefer driving them.
5. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats
At horse shows, I am often pictured with two dogs and because of this, I think most people don’t realize I have two cats at home, too. When I first moved out, working and attending college, I wanted an animal because I always grew up with animals, but I wasn’t home enough to care for dogs. I went to a shelter to adopt a cat and found a cat that had a brother he had never been separated from. Because of that, I couldn’t just leave the other one, so I ended up bringing home two cats, that I still have, to my apartment.
6. I love long walks
One of my favorite things to do is walk. I love walking my dogs around my neighborhood and listening to music or audiobooks. My husband and I take walks almost every day during lunch and at night; we use that time to talk and enjoy each other’s company.
7. I am a big-time foodie and love to cook
I enjoy cooking good food and eating good food. I have always enjoyed cooking, but when we got stuck inside more during COVID, I became more and more creative with my cooking and increased my skill level. I love to create fun and elevated meals at home. One of my favorite things to do with a few friends is cooking together and trying the food we each make. While I don’t want to be a professional chef, I would love to do an amateur cooking show or competition sometime because I think a show like that would be such a blast, and I am competitive!
8. I completed high school online
Like many equestrians, I always struggled to get to all my horse shows while keeping my school happy with my number of absences. I was always a very good student, but the school constantly complained about the number of missed days. I was lucky enough to have parents who allowed me to focus on both, so they supported me in going to an online college prep academy to do school work. I could do it from horse shows to wherever I needed to be for the horses.
9. I was born in Oregon
Because I live in Michigan, most people don’t know I was born and raised in Oregon. We moved to Michigan right before I went into middle school. While I was less than excited to make a move, mainly because I hate cold weather, I am so glad we did as I have had many great experiences here. Had I stayed in Oregon, I wouldn’t have met so many great people.
10. I want my next trip to be to Spain
We did our honeymoon in Italy and loved it. We went to Venice, Florence and Rome. Since that trip, I have been thinking and planning what I’d want to do next and I am dying to go to Madrid and Barcelona, so if you have any great recommendations for a trip to Spain, find me and tell me about it!
