Margie Engle has been one of the winningest jumper riders in the U.S. for more than three decades. To date, Margie has won more than 250 grand prix classes, six World Cup qualifiers, more than 75 Nations Cups, a record 10 American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year titles and was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2021.

• Hometown: Miami, Florida. “l worked in the dog and cat kennels and groomed horses in exchange for rides and lessons at Gladewinds Farm in Miami with Robert and Dorothy Kramer. They had a riding school with horses and ponies, a boarding stable and a dog and cat kennel all at their facility. Ieventually moved north to Wellington because of the horses.”
• Current homebase: Wellington, Florida. “I’ve been here for over 30 years. Sometimes, I will base out of Europe or Traverse City, Michigan, during the summers where it’s cooler.”
• Family: Margie has been married to equine veterinarian, Steve Engle, DVM, since 1995. Growing up, her parents and two brothers weren’t into horses but were very supportive of her passion. “My parents had more of an academic background, but they made a huge effort to understand the sport I loved. My mother even wrote a book called ‘No Hurdle Too High’ about my start in riding and first team events with USET.”
• What first drew you to horses? “I was always drawn to animals and sports, and horses were a big passion of mine since l was very young. I fell in love with them after my best friend from elementary school took me to Gladewinds with her when l was 8, and l’ve been obsessed ever since.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “My favorite pony when l started riding was a mare named Gladewinds Garnet. She was a Welsh pony the Kramers bred and had quite a tough personality. She regularly dumped me, but l loved her and the challenge at the time.”
• Career highlights/favorite memories: “It’s difficult to name just a few career highlights, as I’ve been very fortunate to work with so many nice horses, but going to the Olympics in Sydney and finishing in the top 10 individually with Hidden Creek’s Perin are high on my list, along with a team gold and individual bronze at the 2003 Pan American Games. Hidden Creek’s Alvaretto helped win a team silver medal in the 2006 Pan American Games and was fourth individually, and Hidden Creek’s Quervo Gold helped secure a team silver in Aachen in the FEI World Equestrian Games. One of my most memorable grand prix wins was with Hidden Creek’s Laurel in Rome. Every memory is special in its own way. Even being able to do the grand prix was so special to me because I was told at an early age that it would be very difficult for me to ever get to that level without the financial backing and due to my size, etc.”
• Most influential horse: “It’s equally difficult to pick just one influential horse as each is special in their own way. As horseback riding is such an expensive sport, I didn’t own my own horse until I was in my mid-20s when my father helped me put together a limited partnership, so I could keep one of the jumpers I was riding for another horse dealer. That horse was Daydream, and he was the first horse l won a grand prix on when he was only 6 or 7. He helped me get on teams after that and brought other clients with horses for me to ride, train and sell. Saluut II was another special horse. He was one of the smartest, fastest and most careful horses I’ve ever ridden and had such a huge heart.”
• Competition superstitions: “I really don’t have many superstitions—other than it always seems like as soon as someone says a horse is going great or doing well it’s like the kiss of death and something happens.”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “I mainly enjoy just being with my family and friends. I also like playing poker and going to Vegas and any kind of water activities.”
• Fun facts: “I played in my junior high and high school orchestra and was also a cheerleader. I loved to go to the football games!”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): “We always had dachshunds growing up along with any other animals l could bring home. A dog named Oscar we had a few years ago was very special to me.”
• Favorite eats: Sushi
• Favorite book and/or movie: All John Grisham books, and as for movies, Margie says it’s a toss-up between “Seabiscuit” and “Rudy.”
• Mares or geldings? “I don’t really have a favorite. To me, a good horse is a good horse—whether it’s a mare, gelding or stallion.”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I’ve always had a real passion for horses. They keep you humble and honest. They never have an agenda and always keep things real. They’ve got so much heart, and it’s just something I fell in love with at an early age. They really try for you. They’re a lot bigger and stronger than we are, and they don’t have to do anything that we’re asking of them. But I really think for the most part, most of them really want to please and they’re just such majestic, big, powerful animals. And I love learning to communicate with each and every one.”

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