Grit and Passion

Relearning how to walk, run, and ride after a disfiguring injury didn’t deter Maddie Dawson from her journey with horses.

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right. — Henry Ford.

By Delores Kuhlwein

Maddie Dawson was, one might say, the typical nine-year-old, living life to the fullest by riding horses and playing goalkeeper for a competitive soccer team.

But also at age nine, she suffered a disfiguring, crushing injury to her right foot when she and a friend took a sharp turn on an ATV and flipped. It could have changed the trajectory of her passion for riding horses. Instead, it made her all the more determined to pursue the undeniable love she felt.

The Accident

Maddie was raised in a horse loving family that included a mom and aunt who grew up showing Quarter Horses, and Maddie shared that passion.  Her mom, Laura Dawson, explains, “Maddie showed an early interest in horses and enjoyed being in the barn. She learned groundwork on mini horses and learned to ride on a retired show horse.”

But when Maddie and her friend crashed on the ATV they were riding, her horse riding also came crashing to a halt. “She was in Children’s Hospital for one month and had a total of 5 reconstructive and plastic surgeries. Her injury resulted in loss of functional control of four toes, with damage and loss of cartilage, tendons, muscles, and surrounding soft tissue. In order to close and cover her foot, one of her abdominal muscles was removed to cover the top of her foot with skin grafts from her thigh to cover the muscle.”

Throughout this grueling process, she was bedridden for approximately two months, missing a full quarter of school. Not only did her rehab include wound care and intense physical therapy for over a year, her mom says, but Maddie had “to relearn how to walk and how to perform basic daily activities that most people take for granted.”

As one might imagine, the mental toll was beyond difficult. “She relied on her family, friends, dogs, and horses to help her cope with the emotional challenges she faced,” reveals Laura, who says the accident forced Maddie to grow up quickly due to the trials that exceeded what most kids her age faced.

The Powerhouse

Ironically, rising to those challenges enhanced the strength she already possessed, and she developed an extraordinary maturity. In addition, Maddie’s support system, which include family and friends, seemed to contribute to the big picture in her recovery, as did the therapeutic presence of the horse.

“We took things slowly with her and let her return to her sports when she felt ready,” explains Laura. “She made trips to the barn in her wheelchair to check on her horses and to help them understand what was happening. Their presence encouraged her and motivated her to get back in the saddle.”

Her return to the show arena was a given considering her competitiveness, as was her undeniable love for horses.  The idea of showing with the physical changes to her foot didn’t dissuade her, however. Laura says, “Her riding boot had to be specially modified so she could fit her foot into it. She currently shows in custom made boots that can accommodate her physical changes.”

In fact, the grace Maddie has demonstrated is a perfect embodiment of a quote Robin Williams was famous for that said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Because behind the scenes, between classes, Maddie is often in the tack room to elevate and ice her foot so she can finish her show.

Trainer Alison Muzyka of Limited Edition Performance Horses, who says Maddie’s talent and feel was apparent at an early age, reveals, “Her injury has never slowed her down. From the moment she was able to get her foot in a boot, she was back on her horse. She never complains about her discomfort or her struggles, and she is truly an inspiration to everyone who knows her.”

Back on the horse means competing with All About That Lope, “Miles,” in showmanship, equitation, horsemanship, and western riding; with MyGunIsNotWorking, “Blanks,” in ranch riding, ranch trail, and ranch rail; and with her new horse, Im Luv N It, “Mac,” who will be started in hunter under saddle and future all around events.

In 2024, her tenacity opened the door to earning a L1 Champion of Champion Ranch Riding title, and in 2025 at AQHA L1 West, she earned multiple championships in rookie and level 1 classes, a Reserve championship as L1 All Around High Point, a L1 High Point Rookie all around title, and a L1 NSBA Rookie Youth all around title.

Looking Forward

As Maddie prepares to travel to AQHA L1 West Championships and the AQHYA World Show, her positivity precedes her with advice for others facing similar challenges: “Look ahead to what you really believe in and what you want to achieve. Don’t look at the past, you can’t change that, but you can change how you want your future to be,” she recommends.

The words of trainer Lindsay Treece, also with Limited Edition Performance Horses, perhaps sums up Maddie’s influence best: “Maddie has shown nothing but grit and grace. Anything that’s thrown at her she can handle,” Lindsay explains. “From the soccer field to horseback, she always has a smile on her face. At game time, it’s pure focus and determination and her hard work shows through! Maddie is always kind to her horses and fellow competitors. Not many people of any age can handle the level of injury and rehabilitation she has had to face, much less come through it and shine in the facets of her life.”

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Congratulations to Maddie from the Equine Chronicle on your past successes! We look forward to sharing more of your journey, and we’ll see you at your upcoming shows!