Mac One III (Luidam Elite x Original Way) is known for his extraordinary talent and larger-than-life personality, but no one knows him better than his longtime partner and owner, Taylor Madden. Madden purchased the bay gelding in 2008, after Missy Clark and John Brennan gave her the opportunity to ride him. Their partnership blossomed quickly, and in 2019, Mac stepped into his first USEF Talent Search Finals, with Madden in the irons.  

“He’s my heart horse,” Madden shared. “We’ve done things that I thought I'd never accomplish. I absolutely adore him.”  

Over the next five years, Mac became a familiar and formidable face at the Talent Search Finals - East, finishing inside the top four three years in a row. His consistency and finesse did not go unnoticed; in both 2021 and 2022, he was awarded the Grappa Trophy, an honor presented to the horse who demonstrates exceptional quality and performance across all three phases of competition. 

Mac is more than just a show horse, he’s family. “We’re incredibly proud of him,” says Madden. “My parents and I love him so much. He even has a hallway in our house dedicated to him with all his ribbons and photos.” 

While Madden has since transitioned to riding as a professional, Mac continues to serve as a mentor and partner for junior athletes aspiring to make their mark on the Finals. This year, he’ll compete at the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals-East with Madison Ramsey, with Madden cheering the pair on from the sidelines. "I still get butterflies even when I'm not the one in the ring,” she admits. “All I want is for him and his rider to do well.” 

Though Mac is often leased out, he still lives at home in New Jersey, where Madden makes sure to ride and spoil him regularly. His antics at home prove he knows exactly how special he is. “He can be a total drama queen,” Madden laughs. “He’s got a huge personality and knows that he gets whatever he wants.” 

One person who knows Mac’s mannerisms better than anyone is his groom, Lauro. The duo has been inseparable since Mac first arrived seven years ago. "It's so rare and comforting to have someone who loves your horse like you do,” Madden says. “Lauro has been with him to every single show. Their bond is the cutest.” 

If you ask Mac, the best part of any day comes right around lunchtime. After turnout, he heads in for his favorite snack: a bucket mixed with grain, molasses, and water to keep him hydrated. “It's his favorite part of the day,” Madden says. “He’ll splash the bucket everywhere, making the biggest mess possible, then lick it completely clean!” 

Despite his occasional grumpy moods, Mac has a soft spot for scratches. Whenever Madden or her parents are nearby, he plants himself at the stall door, begging for attention. “There’s a particular spot that he likes,” Madden explains. “If you scratch it, he’ll immediately love you forever.” 

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