When Mackenzie Brown entered the ring at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, she looked like she belonged. Confident, graceful, and completely at ease with her horse, she was every bit the skilled rider. But behind that powerful performance is a story of resilience that began long before she ever picked up the reins.
Born five weeks early, Mackenzie suffered a stroke as an infant. Doctors told her parents she might never walk or talk. It was a terrifying prognosis—but one her family refused to accept. Over time, Mackenzie proved the experts wrong, not only learning to walk and talk but pushing through years of challenges many couldn’t imagine.
Elementary school was tough. She was often bullied, which made her retreat into herself. “That bullying kind of put me in a giant shell,” Mackenzie shared. But everything began to change when, at 12 years old, she discovered therapeutic horseback riding.
At Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, Mackenzie found her stride—and her joy. “Around horses, [she] was just totally herself and could relax,” said her coach, Anthony Forrest. Riding helped her rebuild confidence and gave her a sense of freedom and connection.
Now, years later, Mackenzie took part in a special demonstration with U.S. Para Dressage at the oldest horse show in America. It was more than just a ride—it was a triumph.
“I’ve never been happier,” she said, reflecting on how far she’s come.
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Photo: Getty