Maggie Loyd – Shelbyville, Tennessee

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE ARE YOU GRADUATING FROM?
I am graduating from Middle Tennessee State University Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Allied Health Sciences.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION?
I will continue to pursue my Professional Degree in Pharmacy at Belmont University, where I have just finished my first year of school. I will graduate in 2023 with my professional degree in Pharmacy! 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY AND/ OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY?
I have been riding Tennessee Walking Horses since the age of four, when I started taking lessons with Faye Lynn Coffey. From then on, I fell in love with the breed and haven’t looked back since. I was not born into this wonderful industry, but some of my closest friendships have been made in this industry and I would consider them to be my family.  

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO, WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
I do not have any horses currently in training, as a matter of fact I just retired my personal horse Primero not too long ago. Right now, I am currently focusing on my career, but I still try to go to as many shows as possible and hope to one day in the future be able to have a few horses in training again!

TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
I would have to say my favorite memory would have to winning my first world championship aboard Peligro Dinero under the banner of Joe Lester Stables. We had worked our tails off all summer long with a lot of blood, sweat, tears and the help from many, many wonderful people. That blue ribbon meant so much to me, and I can never find the right words to describe how thankful I am for the people and horse that helped me to earn the title of world champion... I think the tears on my victory pass said it all.

HOW HAVE HORSES HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
Horses have taught me many things in life and have definitely shaped me into the woman I am today. Horses have taught me patience, compassion, perseverance, confidence, honesty and many more things that have been tremendously beneficial to my future as a professional and horsewoman.  

DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO FELLOW SENIORS DURING THIS TIME?
Practice social distancing, wash your hands, and try not to let this pandemic get the best of you. It will be over soon enough, and we will be back to horse showing before you know it! We’ve got this!