Meet Maddison Maitland + Captivating BHI [Benji]
🦄 how long have you owned Benji for?
I’ve had Benji since he was a cheeky 4 year old, and now he’s 11. We’ve grown up together in so many ways.
🦄 what did you love about him when you bought him?
I fell for Benji the moment I saw his first advert. The only catch was that he was all the way up in Queensland, and I hesitated at the thought of transport costs. Then, as if it were meant to be, he was sent down to South Australia to be sold. Right place, right time. The moment I met him in person, it really was love at first sight. He’s incredibly cheeky, full of personality, and very aware of just how beautiful he is.
I’ve had Benji since he was a cheeky 4 year old, and now he’s 11. We’ve grown up together in so many ways.
🦄 what did you love about him when you bought him?
I fell for Benji the moment I saw his first advert. The only catch was that he was all the way up in Queensland, and I hesitated at the thought of transport costs. Then, as if it were meant to be, he was sent down to South Australia to be sold. Right place, right time. The moment I met him in person, it really was love at first sight. He’s incredibly cheeky, full of personality, and very aware of just how beautiful he is.
🦄 what has been the most challenging thing to work on in your training together?
Owning horses in general will always come with its challenges, I think for us it took a good 12 months to solidify our bond. He chooses his riders and once you win him over, he is yours, but it took some convincing in the first 12 months! Taking your time and building your relationship together is no different to friendships amongst humans. You need to nurture it to get the best for everyone. And now? I know he has my back whenever we step into the ring.
Owning horses in general will always come with its challenges, I think for us it took a good 12 months to solidify our bond. He chooses his riders and once you win him over, he is yours, but it took some convincing in the first 12 months! Taking your time and building your relationship together is no different to friendships amongst humans. You need to nurture it to get the best for everyone. And now? I know he has my back whenever we step into the ring.
🦄 tell me one of your best memories together?
My favourite memory has to be his first Royal Show. He took out his Novice class and then went on to win his Open height class with me in the saddle, an unbelievable feeling. He also won his Child’s class and was crowned Champion Child’s Hunter Horse at the same show. It was one of those dream shows!
My favourite memory has to be his first Royal Show. He took out his Novice class and then went on to win his Open height class with me in the saddle, an unbelievable feeling. He also won his Child’s class and was crowned Champion Child’s Hunter Horse at the same show. It was one of those dream shows!
🦄 what does a normal training schedule look like?
Early on Benji probably used to get more work/education than he does now... I worked really hard on shaping him earlier in his career and now he naturally always keeps it. He is very flexible around my work thankfully. On average he probably gets 2 days on, 2 days off. And once a week I try and give him a more chill ride/bonding time with different things other than straight training eg hack out or small jumps.
Early on Benji probably used to get more work/education than he does now... I worked really hard on shaping him earlier in his career and now he naturally always keeps it. He is very flexible around my work thankfully. On average he probably gets 2 days on, 2 days off. And once a week I try and give him a more chill ride/bonding time with different things other than straight training eg hack out or small jumps.
🦄 because people love to know… what do you ordinarily feed each day?
Benji’s daily feed includes Hygain Metasafe, Speedibeet, and Wheaten chaff, paired with TuffRock SuperTuff, AXLR8's Cellular Gold, AXLR8's NeuroSTORE Daily, and Hygain Digest & Protect. He also gets Meadow Hay to round it all out.
Benji’s daily feed includes Hygain Metasafe, Speedibeet, and Wheaten chaff, paired with TuffRock SuperTuff, AXLR8's Cellular Gold, AXLR8's NeuroSTORE Daily, and Hygain Digest & Protect. He also gets Meadow Hay to round it all out.
🦄 what AXLR8 Equine products do you use & how have you found your horse responded?
I use Cellular Gold and NeuroSTORE for both Benji and my other main show horse, and the combination has been perfect. They stay sound, happy, and healthy, and they bounce back from travel or competition effortlessly. Benji just returned from Sydney after nearly 2,700 km of travel and stepped off the float looking and feeling as good as when he left.
I also feed Metamino alongside Cellular Gold to another one of my horses, and it has genuinely changed his life. After contracting Japanese Encephalitis a few years ago, this combination has helped him return to a comfortable, happy way of living.
I use Cellular Gold and NeuroSTORE for both Benji and my other main show horse, and the combination has been perfect. They stay sound, happy, and healthy, and they bounce back from travel or competition effortlessly. Benji just returned from Sydney after nearly 2,700 km of travel and stepped off the float looking and feeling as good as when he left.
I also feed Metamino alongside Cellular Gold to another one of my horses, and it has genuinely changed his life. After contracting Japanese Encephalitis a few years ago, this combination has helped him return to a comfortable, happy way of living.
🦄 what are some of your goals for this year?
The “kids” are enjoying a little break before we start prepping for Adelaide Royal. We’ll kick off the season with some Agricultural shows in August, then head into Adelaide Royal Show and our two Horse of the Years here in South Australia. My goal is always the same: enjoy showing my beautiful horses, bring them home safely, and feel proud of the consistent work we’re producing together.
The “kids” are enjoying a little break before we start prepping for Adelaide Royal. We’ll kick off the season with some Agricultural shows in August, then head into Adelaide Royal Show and our two Horse of the Years here in South Australia. My goal is always the same: enjoy showing my beautiful horses, bring them home safely, and feel proud of the consistent work we’re producing together.
📷 Photo Credits: Angie Rickard Photography + Kerry & James Afford Photography
