A Spotlight on Courage: Mackenzie and Danny Featured on WUSA 9!

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a truly special moment in the life of one of our riders — Mackenzie Brown — whose inspiring journey in para dressage was featured on WUSA 9’s The Heart of It with Sean Martinelli.

In the beautifully told segment, which aired today, viewers were introduced to Mackenzie’s extraordinary ride at last week’s Upperville Colt and Horse Show — a moment made even more remarkable by the fact that her mount, Danny, was stepping into a role he was never trained for. Danny, a young horse owned and trained by Anthony Forrest, had never competed in para dressage. And Mackenzie had never ridden him before the day of their big exhibition in the historic Parker Ring.

Despite the odds, horse and rider rose to the occasion. With trust, heart, and quiet determination, they formed an immediate and unforgettable bond — one that lit up the arena and captured the hearts of all who watched.

Their story is a powerful testament to resilience, grace, and the incredible things that happen when love, talent, and opportunity come together. Mackenzie hopes that by sharing her journey, other young athletes navigating disability, discouragement, or isolation might find renewed strength — and believe in their own possibilities.

We are deeply grateful to WUSA 9 and Sean Martinelli for telling this story with such compassion — not just of a rider and her horse, but of the transformative power of para equestrian sport. For Mackenzie, riding is more than a passion; it is a lifeline, a language, and a pathway to freedom.

At Wheatland Farm, we are proud to be a USEF Para Dressage Center of Excellence — a place where athletes with disabilities can grow, train, and thrive through world-class coaching, exceptional horses, and a deeply supportive community. Mackenzie is one of many remarkable young riders showing us what’s possible with the right tools and unwavering support.

If you missed the segment, we encourage you to watch it

https://youtu.be/R6BKaC8p7qI?si=dwQPSX2gijgjkm4K — and share it with someone who could use a little hope and inspiration today.

To Mackenzie and Danny: thank you for showing us what courage looks like in motion. We are endlessly proud of you both.