Beyond the Ribbon: Mauren Maurer Redefines Equestrian Excellence with a Heartfelt Approach

In the high-stakes world of equestrian sport, where triumphs are often measured in fractions of a second and flawless rounds, Mauren Maurer is carving a distinct path, not just to victory, but to a deeper, more profound connection with her equine partners. Since her arrival in the U.S. in 2022, this passionate rider has rapidly emerged as a formidable presence, distinguished by her unparalleled dedication to animal welfare and a holistic approach that places the horse's well-being at the very heart of competitive success.

Mauren's journey in the equestrian world is one of lifelong devotion. Beginning to ride at the tender age of six in Brazil, she quickly developed a nuanced understanding of both jumping disciplines and meticulous horse care. This early immersion laid the groundwork for a career steeped in hands-on experience. Her professional trajectory in the U.S., though relatively recent, showcases a rapid ascent, marked by roles that underscore her comprehensive expertise in horse care, training, and stable management.

Currently serving as a volunteer Horse Care and Training Specialist in Tryon, North Carolina, Mauren’s daily responsibilities encompass everything from precise feeding and cleaning regimens to administering medication and providing crucial support for training and show preparations. Prior to this, she honed her skills as a volunteer Horse Groom at Ledesma Equestrian Farms in Florida, where she was entrusted with the care of high-performance horses, contributing significantly to their peak condition and competition readiness. Her experience also includes a volunteer position managing sport and leisure horses at a private farm in New York, where she meticulously prepared them for various events.

What truly sets Mauren apart, however, is a depth of connection that transcends mere competition. In a sport often perceived as solely focused on ribbons and accolades, Mauren champions a philosophy rooted in genuine emotional bonds and an unyielding commitment to her horses' welfare.

“For me, riding is not just a sport — it’s a relationship,” Mauren explains. “I spend time getting to know each horse as an individual, understanding their personality, sensitivities, and what makes them feel safe and confident. That connection allows us to build trust, and trust is the foundation of any great performance.”

This unique perspective, she believes, is her competitive edge. It’s not just about winning; it’s about nurturing a partnership where mutual trust and respect thrive. “I believe the horse’s well-being always comes first. If a horse isn’t happy, comfortable, or mentally prepared, pushing for results doesn’t make sense,” she asserts. “I take pride in creating a positive routine where horses feel calm, respected, and motivated.”

Her strong work ethic, forged through years of hands-on involvement—from cleaning stalls and feeding to grooming and riding—provides the backbone for her philosophy. “You have to be fully involved to truly understand what each horse needs,” she emphasizes. “This long-term commitment and emotional investment in the horses make a difference. When you care deeply, the horses respond differently. They feel it — and it shows in the ring. Winning is great, but for me, the true success is seeing a horse grow in confidence and enjoying the work we do together.”

Her championship titles, far from being mere strokes of luck, are the direct result of this disciplined, heart-led approach. “Some of my Champion awards were the result of consistency, dedication, and a great support system,” she reveals, acknowledging the pivotal role her trainers played in guiding her through technical improvements and mental preparation. “Having someone experienced by my side made a huge difference in my confidence and performance.”

Beyond the arena, Mauren maintains a rigorous personal routine, understanding that the rider’s well-being is intrinsically linked to the horse’s success. “I also followed a disciplined routine outside the arena. Balanced nutrition, good sleep, and taking care of my physical and mental health helped me stay focused and strong during competitions,” she states. “Those small daily choices have a big impact when it’s time to perform under pressure.”

Crucially, she attributes much of her success to her equine partners. “None of it would be possible without the horses. I always took time to build a relationship with each one, understanding their needs and making sure they felt safe, healthy, and ready. That connection was key to riding consistent, clean rounds,” she clarifies. “I didn’t win by luck — I won because of preparation, teamwork, and commitment to doing everything the right way. Being Champion is more than one good round — it’s about showing up every day and giving your best.”

Mauren’s definition of a “winning attitude” extends far beyond the glimmer of trophies. “It’s about showing up every day with discipline, humility, and a true love for the horse,” she asserts. “Winning riders understand that success is built over time — through hard work, consistency, and respect for the process.” For Mauren, a true winning mindset means prioritizing the horse above all else. “It’s knowing that progress sometimes comes slowly, and that building trust with your horse is more important than pushing for quick results. It’s being patient, staying calm under pressure, and staying focused even after a bad round.”

She advocates for a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. “It also means learning from mistakes — not blaming the horse, the course, or the weather. Riders with a winning attitude take responsibility, keep learning, and always strive to improve. They respect their team, their competitors, and the sport itself.” Her resilience is palpable: “You fall, you get up. You lose, you try again. And through it all, you never lose your passion. That’s the kind of mindset that not only wins competitions — but earns respect in the equestrian community.”

Underpinning all her competitive success is an unwavering commitment to the meticulous care and well-being of her equine partners. “Taking proper care of horses is my top priority,” she states definitively. This begins with a consistent daily routine: balanced meals, clean water, and comfortable, spotless stalls. She ensures each horse receives the appropriate amount of exercise, turnout, and rest tailored to their individual needs.

Mauren's keen observational skills are paramount. “I pay close attention to their behavior and body language. Horses communicate discomfort in subtle ways, so noticing small changes — like how they move, eat, or interact — helps me act early if something isn’t right.” She collaborates closely with a trusted network of professionals, including farriers, veterinarians, chiropractors, dentists, and saddle fitters, emphasizing preventive care. “I believe in treating the horse as a whole — physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she notes. Post-riding, she meticulously oversees cool-downs, grooming, and any necessary therapy, underscoring that “rest and recovery are just as important as training.” Beyond the direct care, it's the time spent simply being with the horses, building trust through gentle attention, that makes a tangible difference in their overall well-being and performance.

Mauren’s pragmatic approach extends even to her choice of equestrian attire and equipment. “For daily work and competitions, I look for equestrian attire that’s not only stylish but also comfortable, durable, and functional,” she notes, acknowledging the long hours spent in the barn and saddle. She favors established brands known for their quality: “Samshield helmets and show jackets are my favorite for competitions — they’re elegant, well-fitted, and offer great protection. For breeches, I really like Equiline and Cavalleria Toscana because they’re flexible, breathable, and hold up well even with intense use.” For daily barn work, Ariat is her go-to for durable paddock boots, half chaps, and comfortable, tough clothing. When it comes to gloves, Roeckl provides the “excellent grip and sensitivity” she requires. She also prioritizes weather-appropriate gear, ensuring comfort and protection year-round. “In the end, the best attire is the one that supports you through a full day with horses — from first feed to evening rounds.”

Looking ahead to the current competitive season, Mauren is enthusiastic about the talented equine partners she will be campaigning. “This season, I will be competing with Athena, Lina, and Captain,” she shares, highlighting the unique qualities of each. Athena, brave and responsive, demands a focus on balance and control to harness her power. Lina, more sensitive and thoughtful, thrives under a calm, confident ride, her intelligence making her a joy to train. Captain, the most experienced of the trio, offers reliability, consistency, and confidence, making him the ideal partner for higher-level, more technical classes. “Each horse teaches me something different, and I adapt my approach to bring out the best in them,” Mauren concludes. “My goal is to help them grow, feel good about their work, and perform with confidence in every round.”

With a professional journey marked by consistent growth, a deep-seated passion for animal welfare, and an unwavering commitment to both personal and equine development, Mauren Maurer stands as a beacon in the equestrian landscape. Her holistic approach to success, prioritizing the profound bond with her horses above all, not only defines her championship wins but also sets a compelling standard for future generations in the sport. Mauren Maurer is not just winning awards; she is earning respect and redefining what it means to achieve true excellence in the world of equestrian sport.