Laura Kraut and Mavis Spencer

who is now moving up to this level of the sport, to feel comfortable reaching out and asking for that kind of help and support. It seems daunting, but at the end of the day, everyone is trying to move together.”

Laura and Mavis are exemplary in showing that times have shifted in the industry, and collaboration is much more common. “There was a time when people kept their circles smaller and more closed, and you would feel like you were imposing on people if you asked for help,” adds Laura.

Mavis and Laura both said that in Europe, there is more collaboration in the industry, but it is finally moving in that direction in the U.S.

“It is not always easy for me, but you have to have the confidence to ask for help when you need it, and that is a skill you have to learn,” Mavis admits. “It’s hard for me too, at times, because you don’t want to feel like you’re annoying someone in the moment, like if you’re in the course and they’re walking and maybe concentrating on what they’re doing. There’s a time and a place to do that sort of thing, but I think you need to get past that and have the confidence. I think it’s a skill that you have to learn.

“I was just having a conversation with McLain, and he was saying how it’s not enough just be be a talented rider. You have to be able to have conversations with people. You have to be able to talk to the owner,” Mavis says. “There are so many different facets of this sport that you can’t just be back at the barn working all the time. And then, up at the ring, you have to be in the VIP area a little bit, talking to people. That’s something I’ve innately known, but I’ve also been the type of person who was just more comfortable being back at the barn. It’s something I’ve been working on, but it’s a continued work in progress.

“Finding ways to create safe spaces for those people that wouldn’t feel comfortable coming up and asking is good. That’s the nice thing about social media.”

See the video at eqliving.com/mavis-laura poles and Cavaletti exercises to work on her horses’ stride, adjustability, and rideability. She likes to keep things interesting for the horses, not wanting them to get literally and figuratively dizzy in the ring. She rides her horses in the field and around the track, and they even swim in the farm’s in-ground aqua tread. “Spice is life,” Mavis says.

When in California, Mavis regularly works with a personal trainer to keep herself in top condition and gets weekly massages. “The horses aren’t the only ones who need to be in top shape,” she smiles. When traveling at horse shows, her mornings always start with stretching and core exercises.

Along with developing her current show horses, Con Calle and Carissimo 25, a large part of Mavis’s role is picking horses to import from Europe as part of Georgy’s sales program. When looking at prospects, she looks for brave horses, above all else, that are slightly overqualified for their intended job. Reflecting on Carissimo 25, “Curly,” Mavis knew his intended job wasn’t the right fit for him. She recognized there was more potential, more power, and more skill that they could harness. With Georgy, Mavis is taking the time to produce Curly and channel his abilities. Over the past year, the pair was chosen for two U.S. Nations Cup jumping teams.

Capturing The Spotlight

Mavis has certainly captured the spotlight in the equestrian arena, and other riders, trainers, and industry leaders widely respect her. Her genuine love for the horse and authentic understanding of what it takes to be a successful rider shine through on her social media platforms. She will honestly post about the nerves and excitement that build up before competitions. She explains that social media has provided her a place to talk about her feelings. “It wasn’t a conscious choice, but it felt good to be able to have a conversation with others who maybe feel the same,” muses Mavis. “In speaking about my pre-competition nerves and how I deal with them, maybe something someone else says can help me.” Mavis says to help her manage pre-show jitters,

“I sit and watch videos of previous rounds that I thought were really good so I can harness that feeling and remember what worked, so I can get myself in touch with the horse I’m riding. I find that it really settles me.” Being incredibly prepared also helps Mavis to stay relaxed. She laughs at herself and says her show ring bag is big and organized. “If you are at the ring and need something, I have it!” she exclaims.

Mavis can reflect on challenges that come up in the sport. “It’s easy to get knocked down in this sport, and every rider knows how humbling riding can be,” Mavis admits, “Everyone has bad days, but when those days come on big days, it can be particularly disappointing. My dad always said, ‘If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not learning.’”

Horse life can be allconsuming, and juggling life outside of riding and competing is no easy task. Mavis recalls a time when she thought she would have to miss the Christmas holiday with her family, and her mom told her, “If you can’t take four days off for Christmas, there is something systematically wrong.” Mavis says that Georgy makes work/family balance a priority as well.

Collaboration In The Sport

Becoming a professional show jumper is no easy feat, and Mavis reminds us we all started somewhere. To reach her level of accomplishment, Mavis has numerous trainers and horses to credit. “As a professional, it is difficult to donate time to help bring a young rider along, and I am so thankful for the amazing people who have helped me get where I am today,” Mavis notes. Andre Dignelli, Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, and Mary Elisabeth are just a few in a lengthy list of renowned equestrians she’s worked with during her rise through the ranks.

In a spontaneous conversation with Laura Kraut (who stopped by during the photoshoot), the two discussed their years-long working relationship. (See page 52.)

WHAT’S NEXT?

“Honestly, I just want to take it day by day. But I think any big rider’s goal is to continue being on championship teams,” Mavis says. “Riding is typically such an individual sport, but being on a team changes the dynamic, bringing you to a whole new element of passion for the sport.”

She has proven that dedication and hard work pay off, and she continues to share and spread the love and passion for the bedrock of this industry—the horse. “We all ride horses because we love them,” Mavis notes, “And it’s easy to lose sight of that and compare yourself to everyone else in this sport.”

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