CLICK HERE to view the December Issue of GoMag
About the Cover
We are thrilled to have sisters Maddie and Allie Rippeon featured on the cover of the December Issue of GoMag. With a “days ’til Christmas” refrigerator countdown starting in July, no fewer than 12 Christmas trees, wreaths on all the windows, Christmas music playing 24/7 and jingle bells on all the dogs, the Rippeon sisters are a perfect fit for the Holiday Issue cover.
Maddie, who recently committed to the Auburn NCEA Equestrian team, had a successful 2024 show season with The Best Ryde (Ziggy) and he was recently sold.
The Rippeon family is excited to announce that Maddie has purchased a new horse, VS Retirement Fund (Robbie), from Cindy Schrader. The new team will make their debut at the Florida circuits later this month.
“Robbie is one of the sweetest and most kind-hearted horses I have ever met,” Maddie says. “I am so lucky to own such a cool horse. It’s been enjoyable getting to know his silly personality.”
As far as her success this year, Maddie says her favorite win was at the AQHA Youth World Show, where she won the Level 2 Youth Showmanship 14-18 with Ziggy.
“When we first started training with Michael Colvin at the end of 2023, I told him it was a goal of mine to win that class,” Maddie shared. “I was so proud of my horse, The Best Ryde. My whole team worked hard, and it was an exciting win.”
Younger sister, Allie says she has three favorite wins in 2024 with ItzOnly Make Believe (Linda). “The first is winning the Reserve World Champion title in the L3 Youth Showmanship 14-18 at the Youth World Show. I love showmanship, but I have also always appreciated its complexity. Next, winning the bronze champion in the CINCH Horsemanship Invitational Finals. I was among such great riders and horses and was extremely proud of Linda for stepping up and giving me her all out there. Lastly, the 12-14 Equitation at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. I won this class in 2023, so going out and doing it again was special.”
Both sisters are under the guidance of Michael Colvin who trains out of Rippeon Farms at Sunset Ridge in Mount Airy, Maryland. “Michael is incredible. I have never worked with someone so brilliant and fun. He knows exactly what to say whenever I’m riding and can’t figure something out. One of my favorite things about him is he is good at picking apart the details.”
Allie agrees, “Working with Michael is like looking through a different lens. He’s very involved with the horses, meaning he likes to understand the psychological reasoning behind why horses do what they do, what works best for their brains, and how to satisfy them.”
Maddie adds, “I speak for both Allie and myself when I say we are so grateful for our opportunities. We want to thank our parents (Deanna and Michael) for always supporting us and allowing us to chase our dreams.”
Allie adds that she is thrilled to continue showing ItzOnly Make Believe. “My perfect little mare, Linda is one in a billion. She is so special to me because the same horse I can push to go out and compete against amateurs is the same horse I can sit in the field with, enjoying our time alone. Her huge heart and extreme thirst to do her best are what I love about her.”
GoHorseShow congratulates these wonderful sisters on an incredible year and we wish them the best of luck in 2025 and beyond.
CLICK HERE to view the December Issue of GoMag
Cover Design: Raigen Furness – Cover Image: Attention to Detail
The deadline for the January Stallion Issue of GoMag is Saturday, December 28th. To reserve your space, call or text Suzannah Fuhrman, GoHorseShow’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President at 214-449-8716 or email her at Suzannah@GoHorseShow.com. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and can help design an advertising package to fit your needs and budget perfectly. GoHorseShow…Where The Winners Go.
