How it all started

Maria’s journey with horses began at the age of 5 on her family's Icelandic horse farm in Germany. After moving to the U.S., she explored various riding disciplines, including Western, Dressage, and Saddle Seat. In 2017, Maria connected with Carrie Brandt and Terral Hill of Taktur Icelandics, whose mentorship shaped her path in the Icelandic horse community. With their guidance, she represented her teams at the 2017 and 2019 American Youth Cups, where they earned the highest competition points, and she received the prestigious Future Team Leader Award in 2019.

Maria’s competitive success includes being ranked highest nationally in T7 and F2 in 2018 and maintaining her T7 ranking in 2019. Her international experience spans Germany and Iceland, where she trained extensively and qualified for the German Youth Icelandic Championships in 2018 and 2019, advancing to A finals in multiple competitions.

Certified as a FEIF Level 1 Trainer and Riding Instructor in June 2024, Maria became the youngest certified trainer of the year and the youngest to qualify through the USIHC Fast Track Trainers Certification. Her goal is to integrate the techniques and philosophies she’s learned in Germany, Iceland, and the U.S., fostering unity in training and teaching methods.

Maria has had the privilege of training with some of the most respected professionals in the Icelandic horse world, including:

• Carrie Brandt – FT, Hólar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3 (U.S.)

• Laura Benson – FT, Hólar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3 (U.S.)

• Sabine Neuhart – IPCV Trainer C (Germany)

• Nadine Rex – Dressage Trainer C, IPZV Trainer C (Germany)

• Sigvaldi Guðmundsson – FT, Hólar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3 (Iceland)

• Nicole Kempf – IPZV Trainer A, IPZV Ausbilder (educates trainers), Icelandic FT Trainer, FEIF International Sports Judge (Germany)

Maria’s mission is to empower riders and horses alike, building lasting partnerships through knowledge, trust, and joy.