In December 2021, Michelle Lang McMahon and family embarked on an exciting new chapter in Ocala, Florida, driven by a shared passion for Jumping and the ambition to elevate their daughter Maleah’s equestrian career. This move, initially sparked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, has opened doors to new opportunities and experiences for the family in the vibrant equestrian community of the southern United States – arguably the equestrian capital of the world.

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The decision to relocate was not part of a long-term plan but rather a reaction to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Michelle recalls seeing the horse Wild Thing excel under Scott Keach in America, which prompted her to consider the advantages of moving. Recognising the superior facilities and training opportunities available in the USA, the family made the leap. “Peter surprised me and said, maybe a week later, “the horses are booked to go””, Michelle shared. With that, the journey to Florida for Michelle and Maleah began.

Upon their arrival, Michelle and Maleah initially shared a farm with fellow Aussies Dave Cameron and James Arkins, before deciding to invest in their own property. They purchased an 18-acre parcel of land from Joe Pagan, owner of Kentucky Equine Research, and began developing it into a fully functional equestrian facility. “It was such a process to start because it had no power.” Michelle explained.  The family prioritised building an arena and paddocks, creating a space that could accommodate their horses and training needs while they rented accommodation for themselves.

After two years of hard work, the McMahon family had built a beautiful farm.

The primary motivation for the move was to provide Maleah with the best opportunities for her Jumping career, particularly in preparation for the Youth Olympics. Michelle noted that while the family navigated their new life, the younger girls, twins Emily and Elkee, remained in Australia to complete their schooling. The family make lots of time to be together and the twins have since made multiple trips to visit Ocala, balancing their passion for Jumping and their love of the racehorse industry.

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Maleah has embraced the competitive environment in Ocala, where the show scene is bustling with opportunities. “It’s like having Aquis four minutes from my farm and then Aquis on steroids, eight minutes going the other way,” Michelle described enthusiastically. “The abundance of shows allows riders to gain valuable mileage and experience, something that has been increasingly challenging in Australia due to fewer competitive events especially the decline in Ag shows.”

Above: Maleah Lang McMahon and Apple Bee.

Michelle has observed significant differences in the equestrian scene in the U.S. compared to Australia. The frequency and quality of shows in Florida provide a more dynamic environment for horses and riders to develop their skills. “If you have a careful horse, you can get them going much faster here than you would back home,” she explained, highlighting the challenges faced by riders in Australia who have fewer opportunities to compete regularly. “If you have a careful horse you get them going over a couple of weeks at Boneo for example, but then then the break in-between shows means that you have to start back lower and build it up again.”

Michelle has been a prolific and formidable competitor in the sport both at home and on the international circuit, competing at the 1994 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in The Hague and the 1996 World Cup Final in Geneva with Odds On, Michelle was also on the Australian Team for the 2002 WEG in Jerez de la Frontera on KS Double Up.

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Michelle shared that when daughters Maleah, Emily and Elkee were younger her priority was the focus on her family and her own riding took a backseat. Her transition back into riding was sparked by a call to action from her husband, Pete, when he faced challenges with one of their mares. “You need to ride her,” he insisted, and thus began a new chapter in Michelle’s equestrian journey. This mare quickly became a project for her, culminating in a series of impressive performances at competitions. However, the global pandemic altered the landscape of competition, limiting her opportunities to just a handful of shows in the subsequent year.

Currently, Michelle and her daughter, Maleah have 6 horses in work on their Ocala property and share the responsibilities of riding, typically dividing their horses evenly and on any given day, each ride three horses. Maleah has been back in Australia for a month which means Michelle is schooling Maleah’s two main mounts, Matilda and Clooney, every day. In addition, she has taken on a catch ride for Clayton Fredericks in Maleah’s absence.

Despite her busy schedule, Michelle faced significant hurdles in the past year due to a severe shoulder injury that required multiple surgeries. With only one competition under her belt in the last twelve months, she is eager to return to the arena, recently rescheduling her shows to ensure her readiness.

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When discussing the differences between equestrian venues in Australia and the U.S., Michelle noted that while Australian shows may be more aesthetically pleasing, the quality of surfaces and the expansive arenas in the U.S. allow for a different kind of training experience. She emphasised the importance of course design, advocating for a tighter approach to help riders learn to manage their time more effectively during competitions. This insight reflects her desire to see Australian riders excel on the international stage.

For those considering a move or visit to the USA, Michelle encourages riders to seize the opportunity to experience the vibrant equestrian scene, especially during the winter months when shows are plentiful and the climate is more favorable, “If they are in a position to experience it or they want to come and have a look, they should definitely do it,” she said, “The winter months in Florida offer a unique opportunity to experience top-tier equestrian events and facilities, making it an ideal time for international riders to visit not to mention the breathtaking displays during the holiday season – there’s no shortage of reasons to visit!”

In Ocala, the Lang McMahon family is not just building a home; they are crafting a legacy in the equestrian world, embracing the challenges and joys that come with pursuing their dreams in a vibrant new environment and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

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