28 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Continued on page 30
e
Cover Story
Mary-Haskins Gurganus is
Back in the
Spotlight
She was on the fast
track to international
glory when life brought
her plans to a halt. Now
she’s back and ready to
rock the FEI arena.
By Dani Moritz
L
ooking back at her career, it was obvious the next logical
step for Mary-Haskins Gurganus was the international
arena. Her lifelong goal of making a U.S. team was
finally within reach. A two-time national champion for
Young Riders at Gladstone and winning the 2003 NAJYRC
Championships opened the doors to a world of opportunity. The
then young rider was ready to go for it – to give it her all.
But then something unexpected happened – life.
Mary-Haskins, who prefers the name M.H., met and married
the man of her dreams and they soon started a family. As most
parents can relate to, her life began to change – drastically.
Although M.H. never stopped riding and competing, the
international arena had to wait. She had three more important
things to attend to – her husband, Scott Gurganus, and two
young children, Banks (7) and Liles (5).
It’s difficult for her to explain just how hard – and yet amazing
– having a family has been for her. “I’m not in a wheelchair and
I’m not facing any huge difficulties in my life, but as far as being
a professional rider it’s been a struggle and, at the same time, a
huge blessing.”
M.H. explained how difficult it is to put on hold something you’ve
wanted your entire life. M.H. grew up riding and always knew
deep down that she belonged in the saddle. She went to college
and pursued a degree in education, but always came back to
horses when it came to her career.
So, as happy as she was to be a mom, it was
difficult to fade out
of the spotlight and disappear into the woodwork. Yet, M.H. has
always maintained a positive attitude. “In hindsight, I believe it
has taught me appreciation and patience. It has taught me the
importance of making your own great horses. I feel as though I
have to basically start from scratch and climb my way back up.
And I have worked and fought every day to get there again.”
As M.H. emerged back into the limelight, she struggled to get
back to where she was – and find her way into the international
spotlight. She essentially had to start from scratch, literally cold-
calling people in hopes of finding the right horse to campaign.
She got a lot of yeses – and a lot of nos. But she didn’t give up.
Mary-Haskins and her stallion Richmond enjoying a beautiful Fall day.
Photo by Brad Styron,
