Event in which you compete: Show Jumping
Hometown: Cazenovia, NY, USA
Number of years riding: My parents had horses, and have I have ridden since I was three. More than forty years.
Career accomplishments to date: Individual Bronze medalist in the 2008 Olympic Games and also a member of the Gold medal-winning U.S. team. In 2006, Madden won both team and individual silver medals at the World Equestrian Games aboard the nearly flawless Authentic. She was a member of the Gold Medal team at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and part of the 2003 Gold Medal Pan American Games team. Madden has 14 wins to her name in Nations Cup competitions. Other notable finishes include the Million Dollar CN International at Spruce Meadows in Canada aboard Iron Springs Farm’s Judgement in 2005. In 2007 won the Grand Prix of Aachen.
How you got started in event: My parents had horses and I began riding at the Milwaukee Hunt Club.
Length of time sponsored by Ariat: Three years
Favorite Ariat Product: Monaco Field Boots.
What was your proudest career moment? The World Championships in Aachen 2006. Authentic and I jumped three clean rounds to help the team win a silver medal, and then we won an individual silver (had only the last fence down, but fastest time) in a jump-off for gold.
Tell us about your first horse: I was three when I was given a pony, Flicka (very small gray pony) for Christmas. My parents, Joe and Kathy Patton, owned a horse farm near Milwaukee. My brother and I grew up riding horses.
You ride because: I love riding and love horses.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: I have no idea!
Favorite mentor or ideal growing up: Katie Prudent, Michael Matz, George Morris and John Madden to name a few.
Favorite place to travel: Cazenovia, NY
Favorite way to unwind outside the barn: Watch movies, catch-up on organizational stuff, or skiing if there is time.
Good luck charm: Whichever horse is going best at the moment.
