If you’ve been around the local or national horse show scene at all, you’ve heard of Mackenzie Altheimer. She’s a talented junior rider who’s proven herself in all three rings and on many different types of horses.
What you may not know about Mackenzie is that she is as hard-working as she is talented, and one of the friendliest people you will meet. She brings a certain fire and fun with her Mechlin Farm every day. Without trying at all, Mackenzie sets an example for the younger kids and serves as an unofficial welcoming committee for new riders, young and old.
Continuing our Mechlin Rider Profile series, here’s a closer look at Mackenzie Altheimer. She has been around horses since age 6, started riding when she was 10, and currently competes primarily in the junior hunters.
What’s a typical week like for you?
Well a week that I am home and not showing, I go to school Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for 4 hours a day. On Wednesdays, I do schoolwork from home.
I normally go out to the barn Tuesday and Wednesday, but only for an hour or two. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are dedicated to riding. Every Friday, my dad and I go to the St Louis airport to go pick up Mechlin rider Lindsay for the weekend of riding. Lindsay commutes from New York to train at Mechlin, and when she’s in St. Louis, she stays with me.
What’s your favorite horse show memory?
I think my favorite horse show memory was the National Horse Show 2016. It was my first time winning and being champion at indoors.
What’s your riding goal for this year?
My goal for the rest of 2018 is to really start getting consistent on my new junior hunter Escondido and hopefully placing at indoors and Devon.
What advice do you have for kids who are just starting to take their riding to the next level?
I would say dont forget to have fun and to not put to much pressure on yourself. Its easy to get caught up in the competition and to forget to enjoy it.
What’s your favorite movie quote?
Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.
This quote is from the movie Shes the Man, which is based after Shakespeares play “Twelfth Night.”
Do you have any horse show rituals or superstitions?
I always wear the same belt upside-down every single time I sit on a horse. My trainer Sarah gave the belt to me in 2016. It was actually the belt she wore when she won her first international derby.
And, most importantly, what’s your favorite food?
I think my favorite food is the Original Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Its the best! Every Friday when my dad and I pick Lindsay up from the airport we always stop atChick-fil-A its a tradition.
